Devine Scripture

Mark 14:44

What does Mark 14:44 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 14:44 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 14:44 means

Judas had given them a sign: the one he kisses is Jesus; seize Him and lead Him away securely. The kiss, a symbol of affection and respect, is twisted into a tool of betrayal. The prearranged token ensures they arrest the right person in the dark and among companions. Judas feigns care—“safely”—while delivering Jesus to harm. This duplicity unmasks the chilling face of treachery that cloaks itself in familiarity. Yet even this sign cannot obscure Jesus’ dignity; He will confront the hypocrisy in a moment and submit to arrest according to the Father’s will.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now he who had been false to him had given them a sign, saying, The one to whom I give a kiss, that is he; take him, and get him away safely.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he who is delivering him up had given a token to them, saying, `Whomsoever I shall kiss, he it is, lay hold on him, and lead him away safely,'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he that betrayed him had given them a sign, saying: Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he. Lay hold on him: and lead him away carefully.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now he that delivered him up had given them a sign between them, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he; seize him, and lead [him] away safely.

Context

Mark explains the tactic before showing it enacted in the next verse. The reader sees the forethought behind the betrayal and the irony of using a kiss. This prepares for the sting of Judas addressing Jesus as “Rabbi” as he kisses Him. Immediately the arrest will proceed, a sword will flash, and Jesus will challenge their methods. The scene crystallizes themes of false friendship, official hostility, and Jesus’ sovereign composure. The disciples’ responses—flight and a rash sword stroke—contrast with Jesus’ steady obedience.

v.43And 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.

v.44This passage

v.45And when he was come, straightway he came to him, and saith, Rabbi; and kissed him.

Cross references

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

  • Exodus 12:13

    And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and there shall no plague be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

  • Psalms 55:20

    He hath put forth his hands against such as were at peace with him: He hath profaned his covenant.

  • Proverbs 27:6

    Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are profuse.

  • Matthew 26:48

    Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he: take him.

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