Mark 14:1

KJV

¶ After two days was [the feast of] the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put [him] to death.

KJV (with Strong's)

After {G1161} two {G1417} days {G2250} was {G2258} the feast of the passover {G3957}, and {G2532} of {G3326} unleavened bread {G106}: and {G2532} the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} the scribes {G1122} sought {G2212} how {G4459} they might take {G2902} him {G846} by {G1722} craft {G1388}, and put him to death {G615}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was now two days before Pesach (that is, the festival of Matzah), and the head cohanim and the Torah-teachers were trying to find some way to arrest Yeshua surreptitiously and have him put to death;

Berean Standard Bible

Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a covert way to arrest Jesus and kill Him.

American Standard Version

Now after two days wasthe feast ofthe passover and the unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him with subtlety, and kill him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:1 sets the immediate temporal and conspiratorial stage for Jesus' passion, revealing that just two days before the pivotal Feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread, the leading Jewish religious authorities—the chief priests and scribes—were actively plotting to apprehend Jesus surreptitiously and execute Him. This verse underscores the escalating hostility against Jesus and foreshadows the climactic events of His betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion, all unfolding against the backdrop of Israel's most sacred annual festival.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 14:1 marks a decisive turning point in Mark's Gospel, transitioning from Jesus' public ministry and teachings (culminating in His pronouncements about the temple's destruction and the end times in [Mark 13](/mark/13 "Mark 13 - The Olivet Discourse")) to the detailed narrative of His passion. The preceding chapters have consistently built tension, showcasing the growing opposition from religious authorities and Jesus' own predictions of His suffering and death (e.g., [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Predicts His Death")). This verse, therefore, serves as the ominous opening to the "Passion Narrative," setting the stage for the Last Supper, Gethsemane, Judas's betrayal, Peter's denial, and the crucifixion, all of which unfold in rapid succession. The deliberate plotting described here stands in stark contrast to Jesus' willing submission to God's plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The timing "After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread" is critically important. Passover was the most significant Jewish festival, commemorating the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"), and it drew hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem, making the city densely populated. The Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately followed Passover, extending the celebration for seven days, emphasizing purity and freedom from sin. During such a crowded festival, any public disturbance or riot could attract the swift and brutal intervention of the Roman authorities, who maintained a strong military presence in Jerusalem, especially during festivals, to quell potential uprisings. The chief priests and scribes, as leaders of the Sanhedrin, were acutely aware of this, which explains their desire to capture Jesus "by craft" rather than openly, fearing a popular uprising in support of Jesus whom many regarded as a prophet or even the Messiah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **escalating conflict** between Jesus and the religious establishment, who perceive Him as a profound threat to their authority and traditions, a theme woven throughout Mark's narrative (e.g., [Mark 3:6](/mark/3-6 "Mark 3:6 - Pharisees Plot Against Jesus")). Secondly, it emphasizes **divine sovereignty amidst human plotting**; despite the meticulous plans of the chief priests and scribes to "put him to death," their actions ultimately serve to fulfill God's predetermined plan for salvation through Christ's sacrifice, as Jesus Himself had repeatedly foretold (e.g., [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Thirdly, the phrase "by craft" underscores the **fear of the people** held by the authorities, revealing their political astuteness and their deep concern for maintaining order and control during a volatile festival period.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Passover (Greek, _páscha'_):** This term refers to the annual Jewish festival commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, specifically the night the angel of death "passed over" the homes marked with lamb's blood ([Exodus 12:1-13](/exodus/12-1-13 "Exodus 12:1-13 - The Passover Lamb")). In Mark 14:1, it signifies not only the specific meal but the entire festival period, which was deeply significant for Jewish identity and worship, making it a highly charged time for any public action against Jesus.
* **scribes (Greek, _grammateús'_):** These were professional interpreters and teachers of the Jewish Law, often associated with the Pharisees. They were experts in the Torah and traditions, holding significant influence over the people. Their inclusion alongside the chief priests indicates a broad, institutional opposition to Jesus, rooted in theological and legal disagreements as well as a perceived threat to their authority.
* **craft (Greek, _dólos'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to decoy," this word signifies deceit, guile, treachery, or a trick. Its use here reveals the underhanded and insidious nature of the religious leaders' plot. They were not seeking a just or open trial based on legitimate charges, but rather a clandestine and deceptive means to apprehend Jesus without public knowledge or interference, driven by malice rather than justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread":** This precise temporal marker anchors the narrative in a specific, highly significant moment in the Jewish calendar. The Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread were intertwined, symbolizing deliverance and purification, and their imminent arrival heightens the tension, as these were times when Jerusalem swelled with pilgrims, making any public arrest of Jesus fraught with risk for the authorities.
* **"and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft":** This clause reveals the active, deliberate conspiracy of the highest religious authorities. "Sought" (Greek, _zētéō_) implies an earnest and persistent effort. Their method, "by craft" (_dólos_), signifies a deceptive, guileful, and surreptitious approach, driven by their fear of the crowds and desire to avoid public outcry, highlighting their manipulative and unrighteous intentions.
* **"and put him to death":** This stark declaration reveals the ultimate, murderous intent of the Jewish leaders. Their goal was not merely to silence Jesus or remove Him from public influence, but to eliminate Him entirely. This phrase underscores the gravity of the spiritual and political conflict, setting the stage for the violent culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:1 employs several literary devices to set the tone for the passion narrative. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the verse immediately alerts the reader to the impending danger and the leaders' murderous intent, building suspense for the events that follow. The phrase "by craft" introduces **irony**, as the religious leaders, who were supposed to uphold justice and truth, resort to deceit and treachery. This also highlights a stark **contrast** between their devious plotting and Jesus' open ministry and eventual willing submission. The specific mention of the "Passover" feast also serves as **symbolism**, subtly connecting Jesus' impending sacrifice to the Passover lamb, a theme that will be more fully developed in the subsequent narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:1 powerfully illustrates the deep-seated opposition of the religious establishment to Jesus, revealing their fear, political maneuvering, and ultimate desire to eliminate Him. Theologically, it underscores the reality that human rebellion and plotting, even when driven by malice and self-preservation, cannot thwart the sovereign plan of God. While the chief priests and scribes believed they were taking control, their actions were, in fact, unwitting instruments in the divine drama of redemption. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' voluntary sacrifice, where He, as the true Passover Lamb, would lay down His life for the sins of the world, fulfilling ancient prophecies and God's eternal purpose. The clandestine nature of their plot highlights the darkness of human sin contrasting with the light of God's redemptive love.

* [Psalm 2:1-2](/psalms/2-1-2 "Psalm 2:1-2 - The Conspiracy Against the Lord's Anointed")
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan for Jesus' Death")
* [Luke 22:2-6](/luke/22-2-6 "Luke 22:2-6 - The Plot to Kill Jesus and Judas's Betrayal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:1 serves as a stark reminder that even in the face of profound opposition and sinister plots, God's sovereign plan will prevail. For believers, this verse encourages us to trust in God's ultimate control, even when human events seem chaotic or unjust. The religious leaders, blinded by their power and fear, failed to recognize the Messiah and instead conspired against Him. This should prompt us to humbly examine our own hearts, ensuring that we are not allowing personal agendas, traditions, or fear to blind us to God's truth or to hinder His work. Just as Jesus willingly walked into the very plot designed to end His life, knowing it was the path to redemption, we are called to embrace God's will, even when it leads through difficulty or opposition. It also reminds us that true spiritual authority is not found in human power or cunning, but in humble obedience to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "craft" of the religious leaders contrast with Jesus' open and truthful ministry, and what does this teach us about the nature of spiritual warfare?**
* **In what ways might we, in our own lives or communities, be tempted to act "by craft" or manipulation rather than with integrity and reliance on God's power?**
* **How does knowing that God's sovereign plan was unfolding even amidst this human conspiracy encourage you when facing opposition or injustice?**

### FAQ
**Why were the chief priests and scribes so determined to kill Jesus?**

Answer: The chief priests and scribes were determined to kill Jesus primarily because they perceived Him as a profound threat to their authority, their interpretation of the Law, and the established religious and social order. Jesus challenged their traditions, exposed their hypocrisy, and claimed an authority that they believed belonged only to God, which they considered blasphemous ([Mark 2:7](/mark/2-7 "Mark 2:7 - Jesus Forgives Sins")). His popularity with the common people also threatened their influence and control, and they feared His movement could provoke a Roman crackdown ([John 11:48](/john/11-48 "John 11:48 - The Sanhedrin's Fear of Roman Intervention")). Their desire was to eliminate this perceived threat and restore their unchallenged dominance.

**Why did they want to take Him "by craft" rather than openly?**

Answer: They sought to take Jesus "by craft" (secretly and deceptively) because of their fear of the large crowds who followed Jesus, especially during the Passover festival. Jerusalem was packed with pilgrims, many of whom admired Jesus as a prophet or even the Messiah. An open arrest could easily spark a riot or public uprising in His defense, which would not only undermine their authority but also risk attracting the attention and severe intervention of the Roman authorities ([Matthew 26:5](/matthew/26-5 "Matthew 26:5 - Avoiding a Riot")). They wanted to avoid any public disturbance that could lead to Roman repercussions, hence their preference for a clandestine operation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:1, though detailing a human plot, serves as a profound testament to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Christ. The chief priests and scribes, in their malice and fear, sought to "put him to death" by deceitful means, yet their very conspiracy became the means by which God's sovereign will was accomplished. Jesus, the true Lamb of God, was destined to be sacrificed at the time of Passover, not as a victim of human machinations, but as the willing fulfillment of divine prophecy. His knowledge of their plot and His deliberate movement towards Jerusalem, despite the danger, underscore His perfect obedience to the Father's will ([John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Willingly")). The "craft" employed by His enemies ultimately highlighted the purity and innocence of Christ, who, though without sin, became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, this verse, far from being a mere historical detail, sets the stage for the ultimate demonstration of God's love and justice in Christ's atoning death and resurrection, through which humanity finds reconciliation and eternal life ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

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

Luke 22:1

¶ Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.

Luke 22:2

And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

Exodus 12:6

And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

Exodus 12:20

Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.

John 13:1

¶ Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

Acts 4:25

Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

Acts 4:28

For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.