King James Version
What Does Mark 14:60 Mean?
“And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?”
Mark 14:60 · KJV
Context
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 .
60
And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
61
But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
62
And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd the high priest stood up in the midst (ἀναστὰς ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς εἰς μέσον, anastas ho archiereus eis meson)—Caiaphas rises to center stage, his standing conveying authority and frustration. The phrase εἰς μέσον (eis meson, 'into the middle') suggests he moved from his seat to confront Jesus directly, breaking normal judicial protocol. Answerest thou nothing? (οὐκ ἀποκρίνῃ οὐδέν; ouk apokrinē ouden?)—The double negative (οὐκ...οὐδέν, ouk...ouden) intensifies the question: 'You're not answering anything at all?'
What is it which these witness against thee? (τί οὗτοί σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν; ti houtoi sou katamartyrousin?)—The compound verb καταμαρτυρέω (katamartyreo) means to testify against. Caiaphas's exasperation shows—the testimonies have failed, so he attempts to goad Jesus into self-incrimination. Jesus's silence fulfills Isaiah 53:7: 'he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.'
What is it which these witness against thee? (τί οὗτοί σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν; ti houtoi sou katamartyrousin?)—The compound verb καταμαρτυρέω (katamartyreo) means to testify against. Caiaphas's exasperation shows—the testimonies have failed, so he attempts to goad Jesus into self-incrimination. Jesus's silence fulfills Isaiah 53:7: 'he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.'
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Jewish legal tradition generally protected the accused from self-incrimination. Caiaphas's direct questioning violated the principle that judges should rely on witnesses, not interrogate defendants. However, the office of high priest carried enormous authority—he alone entered the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur and pronounced God's name. His standing and direct questioning were meant to intimidate Jesus into responding.
Reflection Questions
- Why did Jesus remain silent before false accusations but later speak when asked about His identity?
- How does Jesus's silence fulfill Isaiah's prophecy of the suffering servant?
- What does Caiaphas's frustration reveal about the power of righteous silence in the face of injustice?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 18 wordsκαὶ1 of 18
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀρχιερεὺς4 of 18
“the high priest”
G749the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
εἰς5 of 18
“in”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἰησοῦν10 of 18
“Jesus”
G2424jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
λέγων,11 of 18
“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
ἀποκρίνῃ13 of 18
“thou”
G611to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
οὗτοί16 of 18
“is it which these”
G3778the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
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 14:60 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 14:60 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge