King James Version

What Does Mark 14:46 Mean?

Mark 14:46 in the King James Version says “And they laid their hands on him, and took him.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they laid their hands on him, and took him.”

Mark 14:46 · KJV

Context

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.

45

And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

46

And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

47

And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

48

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they laid their hands on him, and took him. The stark brevity captures the moment's horror—hands that should worship now arrest. The verb κρατέω (krateō, "took") means to seize with force, to overpower. Yet John 18:6 records that when Jesus identified Himself, the crowd fell backward, demonstrating that this arrest succeeded only because Christ permitted it. Isaiah 53:7's prophecy finds fulfillment: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth."

This verse marks the transfer of power—or rather, the illusion thereof. Human hands grasp the Son of God, thinking they control events, unaware they fulfill divine decree (Acts 2:23). The passive construction "was taken" in God's sovereign plan becomes active human guilt. Every hand that touched Jesus in arrest bore responsibility, yet every act served redemption's purpose. Mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility converge in this moment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman law allowed both Jewish and Roman authorities to make arrests. The mixed crowd (John 18:3 mentions Roman soldiers and Jewish officers) suggests coordination between Pilate and the Sanhedrin. Ancient arrest procedures involved physical restraint, often harsh. That Jesus submitted without resistance would have surprised first-century readers familiar with revolutionary messianic movements that violently resisted Rome.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the ease of Jesus' arrest (after crowds fell backward in John 18:6) prove the voluntary nature of His sacrifice?
  2. What does this verse teach about human responsibility for sinful actions that nevertheless fulfill God's sovereign plan?
  3. In what ways do people still try to "seize" and control Jesus rather than submitting to His lordship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
οἱ1 of 11
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 11

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπέβαλον3 of 11

“they laid”

G1911

to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); specially (with g1438 implied) to reflect; impersonal

ἐπ'4 of 11

“on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτὸν5 of 11

“him”

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

τὰς6 of 11
G3588

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

χεῖρας7 of 11

“hands”

G5495

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

αὐτὸν8 of 11

“him”

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

καὶ9 of 11

“and”

G2532

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

ἐκράτησαν10 of 11

“took”

G2902

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

αὐτὸν11 of 11

“him”

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

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 14:46 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 14:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 16:21Acts 2:23John 18:12Lamentations 4:20

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