King James Version

What Does Mark 14:41 Mean?

Mark 14:41 in the King James Version says “And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; beh... — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Mark 14:41 · KJV


Context

39

And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.

40

And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.

41

And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

42

Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

43

And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he cometh the third time—biblical pattern of three (Jonah's three days, Peter's three denials, Christ's third-day resurrection) marks finality. Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough (καθεύδετε τὸ λοιπὸν καὶ ἀναπαύεσθε· ἀπέχει, katheudete to loipon kai anapaueste; apechei)—this phrase puzzles interpreters. Some read it as permission ("Go ahead, sleep"), others as ironic rebuke ("Still sleeping?"), others as resignation ("The time for watching is over").

The hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. The verb παραδίδοται (paradidotai, "is betrayed") appears in present tense, indicating the betrayal process has begun. Son of man (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ho huios tou anthrōpou) references Daniel 7:13's glorious figure—yet this Son of Man is delivered to "sinners" (ἁμαρτωλῶν, hamartōlōn), the term used for the worst outcasts. Glory descends to shame; King submits to sinners' hands.

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Historical & Cultural Context

"The hour" (ἡ ὥρα, hē hōra) in John's Gospel repeatedly refers to Jesus' crucifixion hour, predetermined by the Father. First-century Jewish expectations anticipated Messiah conquering sinners, not being conquered by them. Jesus' willing submission to "sinners' hands" radically redefined messianic victory as sacrificial suffering.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the contrast between "Son of Man" (Daniel's glorious figure) and "hands of sinners" challenge your understanding of Christ's humiliation?
  2. What does Jesus' statement "the hour is come" teach about divine sovereignty over timing in redemptive history and your own life?
  3. How should the urgency of "the hour is come" affect your response to God's current calling in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
καὶ1 of 27

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἦλθεν2 of 27

he cometh

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

τὸ3 of 27
G3588

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

τρίτον4 of 27

the third time

G5154

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

καὶ5 of 27

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λέγει6 of 27

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῖς7 of 27

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Καθεύδετε8 of 27

Sleep on

G2518

to lie down to rest, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)

τὸ9 of 27
G3588

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

λοιπὸν10 of 27

now

G3063

something remaining (adverbially)

καὶ11 of 27

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀναπαύεσθε·12 of 27

take your rest

G373

(reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh

ἀπέχει·13 of 27

it is enough

G566

it is sufficient

ἦλθεν14 of 27

he cometh

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

15 of 27
G3588

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

ὥρα16 of 27

the hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἰδού,17 of 27

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

παραδίδοται18 of 27

is betrayed

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

19 of 27
G3588

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

υἱὸς20 of 27

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ21 of 27
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου22 of 27

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

εἰς23 of 27

into

G1519

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

τὰς24 of 27
G3588

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

χεῖρας25 of 27

the hands

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

τῶν26 of 27
G3588

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

ἁμαρτωλῶν27 of 27

of sinners

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner


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 14:41 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 14:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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