King James Version
What Does Mark 14:57 Mean?
“And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,”
Mark 14:57 · KJV
Context
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,
58
We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
59
But neither so did their witness agree together .
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd there arose certain, and bare false witness against him (καί τινες ἀναστάντες ἐψευδομαρτύρουν κατ' αὐτοῦ, kai tines anastantes epseudomartyroun kat' autou)—The participle ἀναστάντες (anastantes, 'having stood up') suggests a dramatic moment in the trial. After the initial wave of failed testimonies (v. 56), new witnesses arise. The continued use of ψευδομαρτυρέω (pseudomartyreo) shows Mark's editorial comment: these too were liars, though their testimony would prove more coherent than the previous attempts.
The verb form is imperfect, indicating they were testifying falsely over a period of time. This wasn't a single statement but sustained perjury. Yet even this 'improved' false witness would fail to secure conviction (v. 59), requiring the high priest himself to finally extract the confession he sought (v. 61-62).
The verb form is imperfect, indicating they were testifying falsely over a period of time. This wasn't a single statement but sustained perjury. Yet even this 'improved' false witness would fail to secure conviction (v. 59), requiring the high priest himself to finally extract the confession he sought (v. 61-62).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Roman legal procedure (which influenced Herodian courts) distinguished between testimonia (sworn testimony) and narratio (narrative account). False witnesses risked the penalty they sought for the accused (Deuteronomy 19:19). However, this safeguard required conviction of perjury, which the corrupt Sanhedrin wouldn't pursue. The 'certain ones' who arose may have been the planted witnesses mentioned in Luke 22:2 as part of the conspiracy.
Reflection Questions
- Why does Mark continue emphasizing 'false witness' even when describing more convincing testimony?
- What spiritual principle is at work when even 'better' lies still fail against divine truth?
- How does the rising of 'certain ones' parallel the rising of false teachers in the church (Acts 20:30)?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 7 wordsκαί1 of 7
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐψευδομαρτύρουν4 of 7
“and bare false witness”
G5576to be an untrue testifier, i.e., offer falsehood in evidence
κατ'5 of 7
“against”
G2596(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
αὐτοῦ6 of 7
“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
λέγοντες7 of 7
“saying”
G3004properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
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 14:57 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 14:57 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge