Mark 14:56
What does Mark 14:56 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 14:56 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 14:56 means
Many bear false witness against Jesus, but their testimonies don’t agree. The abundance of accusers cannot compensate for inconsistency. Lies, however numerous, cannot produce truth. The failure of their case, even with coordinated hostility, highlights Jesus’ innocence. It also prepares for the moment when Jesus’ own words will be used against Him, not because they are false, but because the council rejects their truth. The verse reveals a justice system subverted by malice yet restrained by procedural standards until they abandon them in outrage.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For many bare false witness against him, and their witness agreed not together.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For many bare false witness against him, and their witness agreed not together.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For a number gave false witness against him and their witness was not in agreement.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for many were bearing false testimony against him, and their testimonies were not alike.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For many bore false witness against him: and their evidences were not agreeing.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For many bore false witness against him, and their testimony did not agree.
Context
The council’s search for incriminating testimony brings forward many witnesses, but their contradictions expose the weakness of the prosecution. This steady failure leads to a specific charge about the temple in the next verses, still marred by disagreement. The stalemate will push the high priest to confront Jesus directly, moving from hearsay to interrogation. The shift prepares for the climactic exchange where Jesus, who has been silent, will speak clearly about His identity.
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