King James Version

What Does Mark 3:19 Mean?

Mark 3:19 in the King James Version says “And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house. into: or, home — study this verse from Mark chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house. into: or, home

Mark 3:19 · KJV


Context

17

And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:

18

And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,

19

And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house. into: or, home

20

And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.

21

And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. friends: or, kinsmen


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The list concludes: 'Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him.' This ominous note reminds that evil infiltrated Jesus' inner circle from beginning. 'Iscariot' likely means 'man of Kerioth' or possibly 'sicarius' (dagger-man). The phrase 'which also betrayed him' uses παραδίδωμι, meaning 'handed over'—same verb describing Jesus 'delivered up' to death (Romans 4:25; 8:32). Judas' betrayal demonstrates proximity to Jesus doesn't guarantee salvation—external association differs from heart transformation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Judas served as treasurer (John 12:6; 13:29), suggesting trustworthiness. His betrayal for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16) fulfilled prophecy (Zechariah 11:12-13). His suicide (Matthew 27:3-5; Acts 1:18-19) demonstrated despair without repentance. Why did Jesus choose Judas knowing he would betray? To fulfill Scripture and demonstrate sovereign control. Judas' presence warns against presuming salvation based on religious association. His apostasy demonstrates hardness despite evidence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Judas' betrayal warn against presuming salvation based on external religious association?
  2. What distinguishes genuine faith from mere proximity to Jesus?
  3. How does Jesus' foreknowledge demonstrate sovereign control over redemptive history?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
καὶ1 of 11

And

G2532

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

Ἰούδαν2 of 11

Judas

G2455

judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region

Ἰσκαριώτην,3 of 11

Iscariot

G2469

inhabitant of kerioth; iscariotes (i.e., keriothite), an epithet of judas the traitor

ὃς4 of 11

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ5 of 11

And

G2532

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

παρέδωκεν6 of 11

betrayed

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

αὐτόν7 of 11

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

καὶ8 of 11

And

G2532

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

ἔρχονται9 of 11

they went

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἴς10 of 11

into

G1519

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

οἶκον11 of 11

an house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, 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 3:19 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 3:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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