Mark 14:51
What does Mark 14:51 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 14:51 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 14:51 means
A certain young man follows Jesus, wearing only a linen cloth, and they seize him; he leaves the cloth and flees naked. This vivid detail conveys the chaos and fear of the moment. The young man’s near-capture and humiliating escape symbolize the disciples’ total abandonment and exposure. Even minimal attachment to Jesus becomes dangerous. The linen cloth suggests hurried, unprepared presence. The naked flight underscores shame and vulnerability, heightening the sense that all human support has been stripped away from Jesus. He alone will stand the coming trial.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And a certain young man followed with him, having a linen cloth cast about him, over his naked body: and they lay hold on him;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And a certain young man followed with him, having a linen cloth cast about him, over his naked body: and they lay hold on him;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And a certain young man went after him, with only a linen cloth about his body; and they put their hands on him;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and a certain young man was following him, having put a linen cloth about <FI>his<Fi> naked body, and the young men lay hold on him,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And a certain young man followed him, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body. And they laid hold on him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And a certain young man followed him with a linen cloth cast about his naked [body]; and [the young men] seize him;
Context
Inserted between the disciples’ flight and Jesus being led to the high priest, this brief episode paints the night’s panic in stark colors. It also accentuates the isolation of Jesus: companions are not only fleeing but doing so in disgrace. With this picture of total desertion, Mark transitions to the formal proceedings at the high priest’s house. Meanwhile, Peter will follow at a distance, creating a parallel track between Jesus’ faithful testimony and Peter’s fearful denials.
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