Mark 14:43
What does Mark 14:43 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 14:43 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 14:43 means
At once, while Jesus is speaking, Judas arrives—one of the twelve—accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. The institutions of Israel stand behind this arrest, turning to force in the night. Judas’ identification as “one of the twelve” heightens the treachery. The suddenness underscores the collision between prayerful submission and violent intrusion. Yet Jesus is not surprised; He had just said this would happen. The scene displays both human injustice and divine permission: the Shepherd will be struck, and Scripture fulfilled.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And straightway, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And straightway, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And straight away, while he was still talking, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great band with swords and sticks, from the chief priests and the scribes and those in authority.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And immediately--while he is yet speaking--cometh near Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude, with swords and sticks, from the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And while he was yet speaking, cometh Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve: and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the ancients.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And immediately, while he was yet speaking, Judas comes up, [being] one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd, with swords and sticks, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
Context
Following Jesus’ call to rise, the betrayer appears immediately. The narrative shows official hostility marshaled to seize Jesus away from the crowds. The next verses detail the prearranged signal—a kiss—and the arrest. A disciple’s sword stroke and Jesus’ rebuke will follow. The composition of the crowd and the secrecy of the moment contrast with Jesus’ public teaching in the temple, which He will soon point out. After this, all the disciples will flee, leaving Him alone to face the councils.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 3:1
Jehovah, how are mine adversaries increased! Many are they that rise up against me.
- Psalms 22:11
Be not far from me; for trouble is near; For there is none to help.
- Psalms 2:1
Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing?
- John 18:3
Judas then, having received the band of soldiers, and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
- Matthew 26:47
And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
- Acts 1:16
Brethren, it was needful that the scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spake before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to them that took Jesus.
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