King James Version
What Does Mark 14:46 Mean?
“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?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd 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.
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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
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
- How does the ease of Jesus' arrest (after crowds fell backward in John 18:6) prove the voluntary nature of His sacrifice?
- What does this verse teach about human responsibility for sinful actions that nevertheless fulfill God's sovereign plan?
- In what ways do people still try to "seize" and control Jesus rather than submitting to His lordship?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 11 wordsἐπέβαλον3 of 11
“they laid”
G1911to 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”
G1909properly, 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”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
χεῖρας7 of 11
“hands”
G5495the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
αὐτὸν8 of 11
“him”
G846the 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”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸν11 of 11
“him”
G846the 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