King James Version

What Does Mark 14:61 Mean?

Mark 14:61 in the King James Version says “But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, th... — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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?

Mark 14:61 · KJV


Context

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.

63

Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
At Jesus' trial, 'the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?' (ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς ἐπηρώτα αὐτὸν καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ, Σὺ εἶ ὁ Χριστός, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ εὐλογητοῦ;). This is the climactic question of Jesus' trial. The high priest asked directly: 'Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?' (euphemism for God, avoiding the divine name). Jesus had remained silent through false accusations (v. 60-61a). But to this direct question about His identity, He answered clearly (v. 62). The question combined two titles: 'Christ' (Messiah, anointed king) and 'Son of the Blessed/God' (divine sonship). Jewish leaders understood these claims—Messiah alone wasn't blasphemy, but claiming divine sonship was (v. 63-64). Jesus' answer would determine His fate.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Sanhedrin trial occurred at night (illegal under Jewish law requiring capital cases be heard during daytime). Caiaphas, high priest AD 18-36, led the proceedings. The question about being 'Christ, Son of the Blessed' cut to the heart—was Jesus the promised Messiah with divine status? Jewish messianic expectation didn't generally include divine sonship, though some texts (Psalm 2:7; Daniel 7:13-14) hinted at it. The charge of blasphemy (v. 64) indicates they understood Jesus' claim to deity. Earlier, Jesus' claims to forgive sins and authority over Sabbath provoked blasphemy accusations (Mark 2:7; John 5:18; 10:33). His clear affirmative answer (v. 62) provided grounds for condemnation. This trial fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 53:7-8; Daniel 9:26) and demonstrated that Jesus died for claiming to be God—the central Christian confession.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus remain silent through false accusations but answer directly when asked about His identity as Christ and Son of God?
  2. What does the high priest's question combining 'Christ' and 'Son of the Blessed' reveal about the theological stakes of Jesus' trial?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
1 of 22
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 22

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐσιώπα3 of 22

he held his peace

G4623

to be dumb (but not deaf also, like 2974 properly); figuratively, to be calm (as quiet water)

καὶ4 of 22

and

G2532

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

οὐδέν5 of 22

nothing

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἀπεκρίνατο6 of 22

answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

πάλιν7 of 22

Again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

8 of 22
G3588

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

ἀρχιερεὺς9 of 22

the high priest

G749

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

ἐπηρώτα10 of 22

asked

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

αὐτῷ11 of 22

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

καὶ12 of 22

and

G2532

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

λέγει13 of 22

said

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ14 of 22

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

Σὺ15 of 22

thou

G4771

thou

εἶ16 of 22

Art

G1488

thou art

17 of 22
G3588

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

Χριστὸς18 of 22

the Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

19 of 22
G3588

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

υἱὸς20 of 22

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ21 of 22
G3588

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

εὐλογητοῦ22 of 22

of the Blessed

G2128

adorable


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 14:61 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 14:61 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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