King James Version

What Does Mark 14:65 Mean?

Mark 14:65 in the King James Version says “And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants... — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

Mark 14:65 · KJV


Context

63

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

64

Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.

65

And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

66

And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:

67

And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And some began to spit on him (καί τινες ἤρξαντο ἐμπτύειν αὐτῷ, kai tines ērxanto emptýein autō)—The verb ἐμπτύω (emptýō) means to spit upon, expressing contempt. Isaiah 50:6 prophesied: 'I hid not my face from shame and spitting.' To cover his face (περικαλύπτειν αὐτοῦ τὸ πρόσωπον, perikalýptein autou to prosōpon)—blindfolding the prophet-king to mock His claims. To buffet him (κολαφίζειν αὐτόν, kolaphizein auton)—means to strike with fists, brutal physical abuse.

And to say unto him, Prophesy (καὶ λέγειν αὐτῷ, Προφήτευσον, kai legein autō, Prophēteuson)—cruel mockery demanding Jesus identify His attackers while blindfolded. And the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands (καὶ οἱ ὑπηρέται ῥαπίσμασιν αὐτὸν ἔλαβον, kai hoi hypēretai rapismasin auton elabon)—ῥάπισμα (rapisma) means a blow with a rod or open hand. The court officers joined the abuse, showing complete breakdown of legal decorum.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This abuse violated every principle of judicial procedure. Roman law (Lex Julia) and Jewish law both prohibited physical abuse of unconvicted defendants. The treatment echoes the suffering servant of Isaiah 52:14: 'his visage was so marred more than any man.' The 'servants' (ὑπηρέται, hypēretai) were Temple police, Levites charged with maintaining order who instead participated in violence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Sanhedrin's physical abuse expose the moral bankruptcy of their supposed defense of God's honor?
  2. What is the significance of Jesus enduring mockery of His prophetic office while actually fulfilling prophecy?
  3. How should this passage shape Christian response to mockery and physical persecution for faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

And

G2532

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

ἤρξαντό2 of 23

began

G756

to commence (in order of time)

τινες3 of 23

some

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐμπτύειν4 of 23

to spit

G1716

to spit at or on

αὐτὸν5 of 23

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

καὶ6 of 23

And

G2532

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

περικαλύπτειν7 of 23

to cover

G4028

to cover all around, i.e., entirely (the face, a surface)

τὸ8 of 23
G3588

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

πρόσωπον9 of 23

face

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

αὐτὸν10 of 23

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

καὶ11 of 23

And

G2532

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

κολαφίζειν12 of 23

to buffet

G2852

to rap with the fist

αὐτὸν13 of 23

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

καὶ14 of 23

And

G2532

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

λέγειν15 of 23

to say

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

αὐτὸν16 of 23

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

Προφήτευσον17 of 23

Prophesy

G4395

to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office

καὶ18 of 23

And

G2532

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

οἱ19 of 23
G3588

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

ὑπηρέται20 of 23

the servants

G5257

an under-oarsman, i.e., (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)

ῥαπίσμασιν21 of 23

with the palms of their hands

G4475

a slap

αὐτὸν22 of 23

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

ἔβαλλον23 of 23

did strike

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)


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 14:65 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 14:65 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study