Devine Scripture

Mark 14:31

What does Mark 14:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 14:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 14:31 means

Peter insists vehemently that even if he must die with Jesus, he will not deny Him; the others say the same. Their sincerity is real, but sincerity is not strength. The chorus of pledges exposes a common blindness to human weakness. They are not lying; they are unaware. Mark records this to magnify the mercy that will meet them after their collapse. The road ahead will reveal that true fidelity springs from the Lord’s faithfulness, not from our vows. Their collective promise contrasts with their collective flight and Peter’s denials that will soon follow.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But he spake exceeding vehemently, If I must die with thee, I will not deny thee. And in like manner also said they all.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But he spake exceeding vehemently, If I must die with thee, I will not deny thee. And in like manner also said they all.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But he said with passion, If I have to be put to death with you, I will not be false to you. And they all said the same.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he spake the more vehemently, `If it may be necessary for me to die with thee--I will in no wise deny thee;' and in like manner also said they all.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he spoke the more vehemently: Although I should die together with thee, I will not deny thee. And in like manner also said they all.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he said [so much] exceedingly the more, If I should have to die with thee, I will in no wise deny thee. And likewise said they all too.

Context

After Jesus’ precise warning, the disciples double down on their resolve. This closes the Mount of Olives dialogue and ushers in the Gethsemane scene. The juxtaposition is intentional: bold claims will be tested in prayer and crisis. Immediately, Jesus will ask them to sit while He prays and will take Peter, James, and John deeper into the garden. Their sleepiness and fear will demonstrate the truth of Jesus’ earlier words about willing spirit and weak flesh, preparing the way for their eventual restoration by the risen Lord.

v.30And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that thou to-day, even this night, before the cock crow twice, shalt deny me thrice.

v.31This passage

v.32And they come unto a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith unto his disciples, Sit ye here, while I pray.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Proverbs 18:24

    He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

  • Proverbs 16:18

    Pridegoethbefore destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

  • Exodus 19:8

    And all the people answered together, and said, All that Jehovah hath spoken we will do. And Moses reported the words of the people unto Jehovah.

  • 2 Kings 8:13

    And Hazael said, But what is thy servant, who is but a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, Jehovah hath showed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.

  • Psalms 30:6

    As for me, I said in my prosperity, I shall never be moved.

  • Deuteronomy 5:27

    Go thou near, and hear all that Jehovah our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that Jehovah our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.

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