King James Version

What Does Mark 14:28 Mean?

Mark 14:28 in the King James Version says “But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.

Mark 14:28 · KJV


Context

26

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. hymn: or, psalm

27

And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. offended: or, scandalized, or, shall stumble

28

But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.

29

But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.

30

And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. Even while predicting desertion, Jesus promises resurrection and reunion. The phrase I will go before you (προάξω ὑμᾶς, proaxō hymas) echoes shepherd imagery—the Good Shepherd goes before His sheep (John 10:4). Galilee, despised by Judean religious elite, becomes the location for resurrection appearances, continuing Jesus' pattern of humbling the proud.

This promise serves dual purposes: it provides hope amid coming darkness, and it establishes a test for resurrection faith. The verb ἐγείρω (egeirō, "I am risen") appears in divine passive voice, indicating God's action. Jesus speaks of resurrection as certain future reality, not wishful hope. Mark 16:7 fulfills this promise when the angel specifically mentions "and Peter," showing grace for the denier.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Galilee held special significance as the location of most of Jesus' ministry and the home region of all disciples except Judas. First-century Judaism expected messianic activity centered in Jerusalem; Jesus subverts this expectation by promising to meet His followers in the marginalized north, demonstrating the kingdom's radical inclusivity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' promise of resurrection reunion before the cross demonstrate His divine foreknowledge?
  2. What does the choice of Galilee rather than Jerusalem teach about where Jesus meets His people?
  3. How should Jesus' certainty about resurrection despite impending death shape your confidence in God's promises?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 10

But

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

μετὰ2 of 10

after

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τὸ3 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐγερθῆναί4 of 10

am risen

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

με5 of 10

that I

G3165

me

προάξω6 of 10

I will go before

G4254

to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))

ὑμᾶς7 of 10

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

εἰς8 of 10

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν9 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Γαλιλαίαν10 of 10

Galilee

G1056

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 14:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 14:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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