King James Version

What Does Mark 14:55 Mean?

Mark 14:55 in the King James Version says “And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.”

Mark 14:55 · KJV

Context

53

And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.

54

And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.

55

And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.

56

For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.

57

And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus (ἐζήτουν κατὰ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ μαρτυρίαν, ezētoun kata tou Iēsou martyrian)—The verb ζητέω (zēteō) reveals their predetermined agenda: they were hunting for testimony, not truth. The preposition κατά (kata, 'against') shows hostile intent. To put him to death (εἰς τὸ θανατῶσαι αὐτόν, eis to thanatōsai auton)—the purpose clause exposes this as a show trial with a predetermined verdict.

And found none (καὶ οὐχ εὕρισκον, kai ouch heuriskon)—Despite the entire religious establishment's resources, they could not find legitimate charges. Deuteronomy 17:6 required two or three witnesses for capital punishment, but the Sanhedrin couldn't even manufacture convincing false testimony. The Lamb of God stood spotless even before His enemies' scrutiny, fulfilling Isaiah 53:9: 'he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish law (as codified in the Mishnah tractate Sanhedrin, reflecting first-century practice) required capital trials to begin during daytime, prohibited night sessions, and mandated acquittal if witnesses disagreed. This trial violated multiple procedural safeguards. The Sanhedrin needed Roman approval for executions (John 18:31), so they sought a charge that would convince Pilate, not just satisfy Jewish law.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Sanhedrin's failure to find true charges testify to Jesus's sinless perfection?
  2. What does it reveal about human justice systems when religious leaders must fabricate evidence?
  3. How should Christians respond when facing false accusations, following Christ's example here?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
οἱ1 of 19
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 19

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀρχιερεῖς3 of 19

“the chief priests”

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

καὶ4 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

ὅλον5 of 19

“all”

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τὸ6 of 19
G3588

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

συνέδριον7 of 19

“the council”

G4892

a joint session, i.e., (specially), the jewish sanhedrin; by analogy, a subordinate tribunal

ἐζήτουν8 of 19

“sought”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

κατὰ9 of 19

“against”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τοῦ10 of 19
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦ11 of 19

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

μαρτυρίαν12 of 19

“for witness”

G3141

evidence given (judicially or genitive case)

εἰς13 of 19

“to”

G1519

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

τὸ14 of 19
G3588

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

θανατῶσαι15 of 19

“put”

G2289

to kill

αὐτόν16 of 19

“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

καὶ17 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

οὐχ18 of 19

“none”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εὕρισκον19 of 19

“found”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

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 14:55 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 14:55 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 24:1-13Matthew 26:59-60Matthew 5:221 Peter 3:16-18Psalms 27:12Psalms 35:11

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