Devine Scripture

Mark 14:55

What does Mark 14:55 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 14:55 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 14:55 means

The chief priests and the whole council seek witness against Jesus to put Him to death, but they find none. Their verdict is decided before the trial; they only need evidence to fit it. This exposes the trial’s injustice. Despite their efforts, suitable testimony eludes them, because Jesus has done no wrong. The verse underscores the contrast between their determination to condemn and the absence of credible charges. God’s providence even restrains lies from cohering until Jesus Himself speaks the truth that they will label as blasphemy.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found it not.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found it not.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin were looking for witness against Jesus so that they might put him to death; and they were unable to get any.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the chief priests and all the sanhedrim were seeking against Jesus testimony--to put him to death, and they were not finding,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the chief priests and all the council sought for evidence against Jesus, that they might put him to death: and found none.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the chief priests and the whole sanhedrim sought testimony against Jesus to cause him to be put to death, and did not find [any].

Context

Inside the council chamber, the purpose is clear: not fair inquiry but capital conviction. This sets up the parade of false witnesses in the next verses and the frustration that their testimonies do not agree. The legal standard requires agreement, and they cannot achieve it. The impasse will prompt the high priest to question Jesus directly. The scene builds toward the decisive confession where Jesus declares Himself the Christ, the Son of the Blessed, and the Son of Man who will be exalted.

v.54And Peter had followed him afar off, even within, into the court of the high priest; and he was sitting with the officers, and warming himself in the light of the fire.

v.55This passage

v.56For many bare false witness against him, and their witness agreed not together.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 5:22

    but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire.

  • Matthew 26:59

    Now the chief priests and the whole council sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death;

  • 1 Kings 21:13

    And the two men, the base fellows, came in and sat before him: and the base fellows bare witness against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did curse God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him to death with stones.

  • Acts 24:1

    And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, andwithan orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul.

  • Psalms 27:12

    Deliver me not over unto the will of mine adversaries: For false witnesses are risen up against me, And such as breathe out cruelty.

  • Acts 6:11

    Then they suborned men, who said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

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