Mark 14:52
What does Mark 14:52 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 14:52 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 14:52 means
The young man escapes, leaving the linen cloth behind and running away naked. The repetition of his naked flight reinforces themes of shame, fear, and utter vulnerability among Jesus’ followers. It serves as a narrative exclamation point: there is no human courage left. The Messiah faces His accusers alone. The incident also hints that any attempt to cling to minimal coverings—symbolic of self-reliance—will be stripped away in the hour of testing. Only Jesus remains steadfast, clothed in obedience, prepared to testify to the truth before hostile authorities.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but he left the linen cloth, and fled naked.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but he left the linen cloth, and fled naked.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But he got away unclothed, without the linen cloth.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he, having left the linen cloth, did flee from them naked.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But he, casting off the linen cloth, fled from them naked.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but he, leaving the linen cloth behind [him], fled from them naked.
Context
This second verse of the vignette completes the portrayal of panicked flight. With that, Mark pivots to the trial scene as Jesus is led to the high priest. The disciples’ desertion thus forms the dark backdrop for Jesus’ solitary testimony. Peter is reintroduced in the courtyard, warming himself, setting up the contrast between Jesus’ bold confession inside and Peter’s denials outside. The narrative now moves from the garden’s chaos to the courtroom’s deceit.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 39:12
And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.
- Mark 13:14
But when ye see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not (let him that readeth understand), then let them that are in Judæa flee unto the mountains:
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