Mark 14:27
What does Mark 14:27 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 14:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 14:27 means
Jesus tells them all will stumble because of Him, citing, “I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered abroad.” Their coming failure is not a surprise but a fulfillment of Scripture. He is the shepherd; they are the sheep. When He is struck, they will scatter. This warning humbles them and prepares them for grace. Jesus reads their hearts accurately and grounds His words in God’s plan. Their loyalty is weaker than they think, but His commitment to them remains. Even their collapse will not undo His purpose; it will magnify His saving work for straying sheep.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered abroad.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered abroad.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Jesus said to them, You will all be turned away from me: for it is in the Writings, I will put the keeper of the sheep to death, and the sheep will be put to flight.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Jesus saith to them--`All ye shall be stumbled at me this night, because it hath been written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered abroad,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Jesus saith to them: You will all be scandalized in my regard this night. For it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep shall be dispersed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Jesus says to them, All ye shall be offended, for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered abroad.
Context
After worship, Jesus now delivers a sobering prophecy of widespread stumbling, anchored in Scripture. This sets the stage for both the prediction of Peter’s specific denial and the promise of reunion after resurrection. The flow moves from general to particular: all will scatter; Peter insists he will not; Jesus foretells three denials before the cock crows twice. These warnings will be tested shortly in Gethsemane and the arrest scene, where fear and flight overtake the disciples, fulfilling Jesus’ words.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 26:31
Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended in me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
- Luke 22:31
Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat:
- Zechariah 13:7
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith Jehovah of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered; and I will turn my hand upon the little ones.
- John 16:1
These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be caused to stumble.
- John 16:32
Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
- 2 Timothy 4:16
At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 14
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 14.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Spiritually Numb
When God feels distant and you feel nothing — verses for the dry season.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Burnout as a Christian
When ministry, work, or caregiving has emptied you — scripture for refilling.