Mark 10:33

KJV

[Saying], Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:

KJV (with Strong's)

Saying,{G3754} Behold {G2400}, we go up {G305} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414}; and {G2532} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} shall be delivered {G3860} unto the chief priests {G749}, and {G2532} unto the scribes {G1122}; and {G2532} they shall condemn {G2632} him {G846} to death {G2288}, and {G2532} shall deliver {G3860} him {G846} to the Gentiles {G1484}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"We are now going up to Yerushalayim, where the Son of Man will be handed over to the head cohanim and the Torah-teachers. They will sentence him to death and turn him over to the Goyim,

Berean Standard Bible

“Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn Him to death and will deliver Him over to the Gentiles,

American Standard Version

saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him unto the Gentiles:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:33 records Jesus' third and most explicit prophecy regarding his impending suffering, death, and resurrection in Jerusalem. This detailed foretelling reveals his divine foreknowledge and willing submission to God's redemptive plan, outlining the specific agents—the chief priests, scribes, and Gentiles—who would condemn and execute him, thereby setting the stage for the climactic events of his passion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Mark's Gospel as Jesus and his disciples are journeying towards Jerusalem, the setting for his crucifixion. It follows immediately after the challenging encounter with the rich young ruler and Peter's subsequent question about the rewards of discipleship (Mark 10:17-31). This third passion prediction (compare with [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - First Passion Prediction") and [Mark 9:31](/mark/9-31 "Mark 9:31 - Second Passion Prediction")) is notably more specific, detailing the agents of his suffering (Jewish religious leaders and Gentiles) and the method of his death, emphasizing the deliberate and unavoidable nature of his mission. The disciples' subsequent misunderstanding, exemplified by James and John's request for glory (Mark 10:35-45), highlights their struggle to grasp the true nature of Jesus' messianic calling, which involved suffering before glory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' journey "up to Jerusalem" (G305, `anabaínō`) carries significant historical and religious weight. Jerusalem was the spiritual and political capital of Judea, the seat of the Temple, and the center of Jewish religious authority. Pilgrimages to Jerusalem, especially for Passover, were common, and Jesus' final ascent was in anticipation of this pivotal feast. The mention of "chief priests" (G749, `archiereús`) and "scribes" (G1122, `grammateús`) points to the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish judicial and religious council, which held significant power under Roman oversight. Their condemnation of Jesus was a religious judgment, but the subsequent delivery "to the Gentiles" (G1484, `éthnos`) was crucial because only the Roman authorities possessed the legal right to carry out capital punishment, particularly crucifixion, which was a Roman method of execution. This detail underscores the complex political and religious dynamics of first-century Judea under Roman rule.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 10:33 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. It powerfully reinforces the theme of the **Suffering Messiah**, presenting Jesus not as a conquering king in the traditional Jewish expectation, but as one who must suffer and die to fulfill God's redemptive plan. This aligns with the "Messianic Secret" motif, where Jesus often downplays or redefines his messianic identity in terms of suffering service. The theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge** is also prominent, as Jesus explicitly predicts events that are yet to unfold, demonstrating his divine insight and the predetermined nature of his mission. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Rejection of Jesus by Religious Authorities**, showing how the very leaders who should have recognized him would condemn him. This foreshadows the ultimate clash between Jesus' kingdom and the established religious order, a tension evident throughout the Gospels, for example, in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jerusalem (Greek, _Hierosólyma'_):** (G2414) Referring to the capital of Palestine, this word signifies not merely a geographical destination but the epicenter of Jewish religious and political life, the place where the climactic events of Jesus' passion would unfold. Its mention here underscores the deliberate and purposeful nature of Jesus' journey towards his destiny.
* **delivered (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** (G3860) This verb, meaning "to surrender," "yield up," or "intrust," carries a profound dual meaning in this context. While it literally means to hand over, it also implies betrayal and judicial handing over, leading to suffering and death. It speaks to the active role of those who would hand Jesus over (Judas, the chief priests, Pilate) and Jesus' passive, yet willing, submission to this process.
* **death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** (G2288) This noun signifies the cessation of life, both literally and figuratively. In this prophecy, it refers to the physical death Jesus would undergo, emphasizing the ultimate consequence of the condemnation by the Jewish leaders and the subsequent delivery to the Gentiles. It highlights the gravity of the suffering Jesus was about to endure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, we go up to Jerusalem;":** This opening phrase, introduced by "Behold" (G2400, `idoú`), draws immediate attention to the gravity of the declaration. Jesus' use of "we go up" (G305, `anabaínō`) emphasizes the deliberate and determined nature of their journey, indicating that he is not being forced but is willingly moving towards his predestined suffering in the capital city.
* **"and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes;":** Jesus identifies himself by his preferred self-designation, "the Son of man" (G5207, `huiós` G444, `ánthrōpos`), a title that combines his humanity with his divine, eschatological authority. He explicitly states that he "shall be delivered" (G3860, `paradídōmi`)—a term laden with the ominous sense of betrayal and judicial handing over—to the highest Jewish religious authorities: the chief priests and scribes. This highlights the internal Jewish opposition he would face.
* **"and they shall condemn him to death,":** This clause specifies the outcome of the Jewish religious leaders' actions. They would "condemn" (G2632, `katakrínō`) Jesus, effectively passing a death sentence upon him. This underscores their rejection of his messianic claims and their perceived blasphemy, leading to the ultimate punishment under their religious law.
* **"and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:":** This final clause reveals the next crucial step in the passion narrative. Having condemned him, the Jewish authorities would then "deliver" (G3860, `paradídōmi`) Jesus to the "Gentiles" (G1484, `éthnos`), specifically the Roman occupying power. This was necessary because the Jewish Sanhedrin, while able to condemn, did not have the authority to execute capital punishment under Roman rule. This detail foreshadows his crucifixion, a Roman method of execution.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:33 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological significance. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as Jesus explicitly foretells his future suffering, condemnation, and death with remarkable detail. This functions as **Foreshadowing**, building dramatic tension and preparing the reader for the unfolding events in Jerusalem. The specific naming of "chief priests," "scribes," and "Gentiles" adds a layer of **Specificity**, making the prophecy more concrete and demonstrating Jesus' divine foreknowledge. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present, as the very religious leaders who should have recognized and welcomed the Messiah are instead prophesied to condemn him to death, while the "Gentiles," typically seen as outside God's covenant, become the instruments of his execution, fulfilling God's broader redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:33 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Jesus' messiahship and the divine necessity of his suffering. It underscores that Jesus' death was not an accident or a failure, but a deliberate and essential part of God's sovereign plan for salvation, willingly embraced by the Son of Man. This voluntary submission to suffering, betrayal, and death at the hands of both Jewish and Gentile authorities highlights the depth of God's love and the radical nature of Christ's obedience, providing atonement for the sins of humanity. It redefines traditional expectations of a conquering Messiah, revealing a suffering servant whose path to glory is through the cross.

* [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")
* [Luke 24:25-27](/luke/24-25-27 "Luke 24:25-27 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:33 serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus' journey to the cross was not a deviation from his mission but its very heart. For believers today, this verse calls us to embrace a realistic understanding of discipleship, acknowledging that following Christ may involve suffering, rejection, and self-denial, just as it did for our Lord. It challenges us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem bleak or unjust, knowing that God is at work even through the darkest moments to bring about his redemptive purposes. Jesus' unwavering commitment to his Father's will, despite knowing the immense pain awaiting him, is a profound example of obedience and faith, urging us to surrender our own wills to God's perfect design, confident that his ultimate plan is for our good and his glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge of his suffering challenge our modern notions of leadership and success?**
* **In what ways might we, like the disciples, misunderstand the true nature of Christ's mission or the cost of following him?**
* **How does Jesus' willing submission to death, as prophesied here, strengthen your trust in God's sovereign plan amidst your own trials?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus predict his death multiple times in Mark's Gospel?**

Answer: Jesus predicts his death and resurrection multiple times in Mark (Mark 8:31, 9:31, and 10:33-34) for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it underscores the **divine necessity and predetermined nature** of his suffering as part of God's redemptive plan. His death was not an accident but a purposeful act. Secondly, it served to **educate and prepare his disciples** for the shocking reality of his passion. They struggled to grasp the concept of a suffering Messiah, clinging to traditional expectations of a conquering king. Repeated predictions were necessary to challenge their preconceived notions and gradually reveal the true nature of his messiahship. Thirdly, these prophecies demonstrate Jesus' **divine foreknowledge**, proving his identity as the Son of God who knows all things, even his own future. Finally, the repetition emphasizes the **centrality of the cross** to the Gospel message, ensuring that his followers would understand that his death was the ultimate act of salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:33 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the actual events of Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection, which are the very core of the Gospel message. Jesus, the Son of Man, willingly embraced the path of suffering and humiliation, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a suffering servant (as seen in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")). His voluntary submission to being "delivered" to the chief priests, scribes, and Gentiles culminates in his crucifixion, the ultimate act of atonement for humanity's sin. This verse is not merely a prediction but a divine blueprint, demonstrating that Jesus' death was not a tragic end but a purposeful sacrifice, orchestrated by God's sovereign will (as affirmed in [Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "Acts 4:27-28 - God's Plan Fulfilled")). By enduring the condemnation of humanity and the wrath of God on the cross, Jesus became the perfect Lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His subsequent resurrection, though not explicitly mentioned in this verse but immediately following it in [Mark 10:34](/mark/10-34 "Mark 10:34 - The Resurrection Prophecy"), validates his claims, confirms his victory over sin and death, and inaugurates the new covenant, offering eternal life to all who believe. Thus, Mark 10:33 points directly to the heart of the gospel: Christ's substitutionary atonement and his triumph over death, making salvation possible for all people, both Jew and Gentile ([Romans 3:29-30](/romans/3-29-30 "Romans 3:29-30 - God is God of Gentiles Too")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 27:2

And when they had bound him, they led [him] away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

Matthew 20:17

¶ And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,

Matthew 20:19

And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify [him]: and the third day he shall rise again.

Matthew 16:21

¶ From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Matthew 26:66

What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

Acts 3:13

The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let [him] go.

Acts 3:14

But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;