Mark 14:19

And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, [Is] it I? and another [said, Is] it I?

And {G1161} they began {G756} to be sorrowful {G3076}, and to {G2532} say {G3004} unto him {G846} one by one {G1527},{G3385} Is it I {G1473}? and {G2532} another {G243} said,{G3385} Is it I {G1473}?

They became upset and began asking him, one after the other, "You don't mean me, do you?"

They began to be grieved and to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I?”

They began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I?

Mark 14:19 captures a poignant and pivotal moment during the Last Supper, immediately following Jesus' shocking announcement that one of His own disciples would betray Him. This verse vividly portrays the disciples' distressed reaction, revealing their sorrow and individual introspection.

Context

This verse is set during the solemn observance of the Passover meal, a sacred tradition commemorating Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Jesus had just declared, "Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me" (Mark 14:18). This declaration cast a pall over the meal, transforming a moment of communal worship into one of profound personal crisis for each disciple. Their immediate response was not to accuse one another, but to look inward, highlighting their deep emotional connection to Jesus and their genuine concern.

Key Themes

  • Sorrow and Distress: The disciples' primary reaction was profound sorrow. This wasn't just sadness, but a deep grief at the prospect of such a heinous act occurring within their intimate circle, especially against their beloved Master.
  • Individual Self-Examination: Rather than pointing fingers, each disciple's question, "Is it I?", demonstrates a remarkable humility and a readiness to examine their own heart. This moment underscores the potential for failure even among those closest to Christ. It reflects a genuine fear that they might unknowingly be capable of such a terrible deed.
  • The Reality of Betrayal: Despite their loyalty and love for Jesus, the reality of betrayal loomed large. This scene foreshadows the profound suffering Jesus would soon endure, not only at the hands of His enemies but also from one of His trusted companions, fulfilling ancient prophecies like Psalm 41:9.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase translated "Is it I?" is mēti egō eimi (μήτι ἐγώ εἰμι). The particle mēti typically introduces a question expecting a negative answer. So, it's not a confident "Surely it's not me!", but rather a fearful, "It's not me, is it?" This nuance reveals their profound uncertainty and genuine apprehension, rather than outright denial or self-righteousness. It shows a humble recognition of their own human fallibility in the face of such a grave accusation.

Related Scriptures

The account of the disciples' questioning is also found in the parallel Gospel narratives. Matthew 26:22 records the same response, while Luke 22:23 notes their inquiry among themselves as to who it might be. Notably, Matthew 26:25 uniquely records Judas Iscariot also asking "Is it I?", to which Jesus gives a subtle but direct affirmation.

Practical Application

Mark 14:19 serves as a timeless call to humility and self-examination for every believer. In moments of communal challenge or accusation, our first inclination should not be to blame others, but to ask ourselves, "Is it I?" This posture of introspection encourages a healthy spiritual discipline, prompting us to assess our own faithfulness, motives, and potential for compromise. It reminds us that spiritual danger can often lurk within, and that true discipleship requires a continual, honest look at our own hearts before God, fostering a spirit of watchfulness and dependence on divine grace to remain steadfast.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 13:22

    Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.

  • Luke 22:21

    But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me [is] with me on the table.

  • Luke 22:23

    And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

  • Matthew 26:22

    And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?

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