King James Version

What Does Mark 14:42 Mean?

Mark 14:42 in the King James Version says “Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 14:42 · KJV

Context

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.

44

And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Rise up, let us go (ἐγείρεσθε ἄγωμεν, egeiresthe agōmen)—Jesus takes initiative, moving toward His betrayer rather than fleeing. The verb ἐγείρω (egeirō, "rise up") will soon take different meaning when applied to resurrection (16:6). Lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand (ὁ παραδιδούς με ἤγγικεν, ho paradidous me ēngiken)—the present participle "betraying" indicates ongoing action; Judas's approach marks the culmination of his betrayal begun earlier.

This verse captures Jesus' sovereign courage: He's finished praying, resolved to the Father's will, and now actively moves toward suffering. The disciples' sleeping ends not with their initiative but His. Christ doesn't wait for arrest but walks toward it, demonstrating John 10:18: "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself." Even in arrest, Jesus remains the active agent, sovereign over His own suffering.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman and Jewish arrest procedures typically involved surprise apprehension. Jesus subverts this by knowing the betrayer's approach and walking toward him. This deliberate surrender fulfilled Isaiah 53:7—"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter." First-century readers would recognize the courage required to face arrest, which often meant torture and execution.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' active movement toward His betrayer rather than passive resignation teach about Christian courage?
  2. How does Jesus' initiative ("Rise up, let us go") contrast with the disciples' passivity, and what does this teach about spiritual leadership?
  3. In what situation is Jesus currently calling you to "rise up" and actively move toward a difficult obedience rather than passively waiting?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
ἐγείρεσθε1 of 7

“Rise up”

G1453

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

ἄγωμεν·2 of 7

“let us go”

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

ἰδού,3 of 7

“lo”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ὁ4 of 7
G3588

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

παραδιδούς5 of 7

“he that betrayeth”

G3860

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

με6 of 7

“me”

G3165

me

ἤγγικεν7 of 7

“is at hand”

G1448

to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach

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 14:42 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 14:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 26:46John 18:1-2

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