Devine Scripture

Mark 14:48

What does Mark 14:48 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 14:48 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 14:48 means

Jesus addresses the crowd: “Are ye come out as against a robber, with swords and staves to seize me?” He exposes the absurdity and cowardice of their approach. He is no bandit; He taught openly. Their force reveals fear and injustice. Jesus’ calm question highlights the contrast between His public, peaceful ministry and their secret, violent arrest. He is not resisting; He is revealing. By speaking, He asserts moral authority even in chains. The question invites reflection: why does truth provoke such hostility? Because darkness shrinks from light, yet cannot overcome it.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a robber, with swords and staves to seize me?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a robber, with swords and staves to seize me?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus said to them, Have you come out as against a thief, with swords and sticks to take me?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus answering said to them, `As against a robber ye came out, with swords and sticks, to take me!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus answering, said to them: Are you come out as to a robber, with swords and staves to apprehend me?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus answering said to them, Are ye come out as against a robber, with swords and sticks to take me?

Context

After the sword incident, Jesus speaks to the arresting party, reframing the situation. He will immediately note that He taught daily in the temple without being arrested, and then declare that Scripture must be fulfilled. These words interpret the event for readers and for disciples who will look back on this night. Following this, all the disciples will flee. The scene thus shifts from confrontation to abandonment, and Jesus is led away alone toward the high priest’s house.

v.47But a certain one of them that stood by drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear.

v.48This passage

v.49I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but this is done that the scriptures might be fulfilled.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Samuel 26:18

    And he said, Wherefore doth my lord pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand?

  • 1 Samuel 24:14

    After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.

  • Luke 22:52

    And Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and elders, that were come against him, Are ye come out, as against a robber, with swords and staves?

  • Matthew 26:55

    In that hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a robber with swords and staves to seize me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and ye took me not.

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.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Mark 14:48.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary