Devine Scripture

Mark 14:45

What does Mark 14:45 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 14:45 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 14:45 means

Judas approaches Jesus, greets Him with “Rabbi,” and kisses Him. The address acknowledges Jesus’ role as teacher while denying His lordship. The kiss, meant to honor, becomes the vehicle of treachery. Jesus receives it without violence, allowing the plan to progress. The moment reveals how outward signs of piety can mask inner rebellion. Yet Jesus’ calm endurance turns the act’s shame back on the betrayer. The intimacy of the greeting underscores the pain of betrayal, fulfilling the pattern of a friend lifting his heel, even as Jesus’ path to redeem sinners runs through this wound.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when he had come, he went straight to him and said, Master; and gave him a kiss.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having come, immediately, having gone near him, he saith, `Rabbi, Rabbi,' and kissed him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he was come, immediately going up to him he saith: Hail, Rabbi! And he kissed him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And being come, straightway coming up to him, he says, Rabbi, Rabbi; and he covered him with kisses.

Context

Having explained the signal, Mark narrates its execution. The arrest party, now confident of their target, proceeds to seize Jesus in the next verse. Before that, the hypocrisy of the greeting lands with full force. The narrative then includes a brief, chaotic act by a bystander who cuts off the high priest’s servant’s ear, highlighting the disciples’ confusion and fear. Jesus will, however, rebuke the crowd’s approach as if He were a robber and remind them of His open teaching in the temple, placing the arrest under the banner of Scripture’s fulfillment.

v.44Now he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

v.45This passage

v.46And they laid hands on him, and took him.

Cross references

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

  • John 20:16

    Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turneth herself, and saith unto him in Hebrew, Rabboni; which is to say, Teacher.

  • Matthew 23:7

    and the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called of men, Rabbi.

  • Mark 12:14

    And when they were come, they say unto him, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and carest not for any one; for thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?

  • Malachi 1:6

    A son honoreth his father, and a servant his master: if then I am a father, where is mine honor? and if I am a master, where is my fear? saith Jehovah of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

  • Luke 6:46

    And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

  • John 13:13

    Ye call me, Teacher, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

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