Mark 14:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:19 captures a deeply poignant moment during the Last Supper, immediately following Jesus' declaration that one of His own disciples would betray Him. This verse vividly portrays the disciples' collective sorrow and individual introspection, as each, in turn, asks Jesus with profound apprehension, "Is it I?", revealing their genuine distress and the unsettling realization that such a heinous act could potentially stem from within their intimate circle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the solemn and highly charged narrative of the Last Supper, a pivotal event in Mark's Gospel that transitions from Jesus' public ministry to His passion. Preceding this verse, Jesus has just observed the Passover meal with His disciples and made the shocking pronouncement in [Mark 14:18](/mark/14-18 "Mark 14:18 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayer") that one of them, who was eating with Him, would betray Him. This declaration shatters the communal peace of the meal, immediately plunging the disciples into a state of profound distress and self-doubt. The subsequent verses ([Mark 14:20-21](/mark/14-20-21 "Mark 14:20-21 - Jesus Identifies the Betrayer")) continue this dramatic tension, with Jesus subtly identifying the betrayer, setting the stage for the imminent arrest and crucifixion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is a private room in Jerusalem, where Jesus and His disciples are observing the Passover, a central Jewish festival commemorating Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt. The Passover meal itself was a highly symbolic and communal event, emphasizing themes of deliverance, covenant, and shared identity. For a betrayal to occur during such a sacred meal, by one who shared bread with the host, was considered a profound violation of hospitality and trust, carrying immense cultural weight. The disciples' reaction reflects the societal expectation of loyalty within a close-knit group, especially a rabbinic circle, where the bond between master and disciple was sacred. This betrayal also fulfills ancient prophecies, such as [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend"), which speaks of a trusted friend lifting his heel against the psalmist.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **human fallibility and vulnerability** of even those closest to Jesus; despite their devotion, the disciples are forced to confront their own capacity for failure. Secondly, it underscores the **pain and reality of betrayal**, a theme central to Jesus' suffering, as He is betrayed not by an enemy, but by one of His chosen twelve. This moment intensifies the **dramatic irony** that permeates the passion narrative, as the audience knows Judas's identity, while the disciples remain tragically unaware, emphasizing the profound isolation Jesus would soon experience. Finally, it sets the stage for the unfolding **Messianic suffering**, demonstrating that the path to redemption would involve profound personal anguish and treachery, as prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sorrowful (Greek, _lypéō'_):** Derived from _lypē_ (grief, pain), this verb signifies to distress, cause grief, or to be sad. In this context, it describes the disciples' immediate and profound emotional reaction—a deep sorrow or grief that goes beyond mere sadness, indicative of their shock and the personal pain caused by the prospect of betrayal from within their intimate circle. It suggests a heavy heart, burdened by the gravity of Jesus' announcement.
* **one by one (Greek, _heîs kath’ heîs'_):** This phrase, literally "one according to one," emphasizes the individual and sequential nature of the disciples' questioning. It highlights that their response was not a chaotic outcry, but a deliberate, personal, and introspective inquiry from each disciple. This detail underscores the personal impact of Jesus' words on every individual and their immediate self-examination.
* **Is it I? (Greek, _mḗti egṓ'_):** This interrogative particle _mḗti_ (from _mē_ and _tis_) introduces a question that anticipates a negative answer, often implying a sense of apprehension or a fearful hope that the answer is "no." Coupled with _egō_ ("I"), the question is not a confident denial ("Surely it's not me!"), but rather a humble, anxious, "It's not me, is it?" or "Surely it's not I?" This nuance reveals their profound uncertainty, their recognition of their own human weakness, and a genuine fear that they might unknowingly be capable of such a terrible act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they began to be sorrowful":** This clause immediately establishes the emotional atmosphere. The verb "began" (_árchomai_) indicates the onset of a new state, suggesting a sudden shift from the solemn but perhaps peaceful Passover meal to one of profound grief and distress. This sorrow is not merely sadness but a deep, internal anguish provoked by the shocking revelation of betrayal from within their trusted ranks.
* **"and to say unto him one by one":** This phrase describes the disciples' collective yet individualized response. The direct address "unto him" signifies their immediate turning to Jesus for clarification and reassurance. The emphasis on "one by one" underscores the personal nature of the inquiry, indicating that each disciple felt the weight of the accusation and was compelled to examine their own heart before the Lord, rather than engaging in mutual suspicion or accusation.
* **"Is it I? and another said, Is it I?":** This repeated question is the heart of the verse. As explored in the key word analysis, the Greek phrasing suggests a fearful, self-doubting inquiry rather than a confident denial. The repetition emphasizes the pervasive fear and introspection among the disciples. It highlights their humility, their awareness of their own fallibility, and their genuine concern that they might, in some unknown way, be the one capable of such a heinous act against their beloved Master. It is a moment of profound vulnerability and self-assessment.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:19 effectively employs several literary devices to heighten its dramatic and theological impact. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with the phrase "Is it I?" being reiterated by multiple disciples. This not only emphasizes the widespread distress and individual introspection among the twelve but also creates a rhythmic, almost desperate chorus of self-examination. Furthermore, the scene is imbued with **Dramatic Iron irony**, as the audience, having read or heard the Gospels, is aware that Judas Iscariot is the betrayer, while the disciples remain tragically ignorant, each suspecting themselves. This irony amplifies the pathos of the moment and underscores the profound isolation Jesus experiences as He faces betrayal from within His inner circle. The disciples' sorrow and questioning also serve as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the profound suffering Jesus is about to endure, not only from His enemies but also from the treachery of a friend, and preparing the reader for the subsequent events of the passion narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:19 serves as a profound theological statement on human fallibility and the nature of true discipleship. The disciples' immediate response of self-examination, rather than accusation, reveals a commendable humility and a recognition of their own potential for failure, even in their intimate walk with Christ. This scene underscores the painful reality that betrayal often comes from within the closest circles, highlighting the depth of Jesus' suffering. The question "Is it I?" resonates through the ages as a call to constant spiritual introspection, reminding believers that vigilance against sin and self-deception is a perpetual necessity, and that genuine faithfulness requires a humble acknowledgment of one's own capacity for compromise and sin.

* [Matthew 26:22](/matthew/26-22 "Matthew 26:22 - Disciples' Sorrowful Question")
* [Luke 22:23](/luke/22-23 "Luke 22:23 - Disciples Discuss Who It Could Be")
* [John 13:22](/john/13-22 "John 13:22 - Disciples Look at Each Other")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The disciples' response in Mark 14:19 offers a timeless and powerful lesson for every believer. When confronted with the possibility of sin, failure, or even betrayal within a community, our first impulse should not be to point fingers or assume moral superiority, but rather to humbly and honestly examine our own hearts. The question "Is it I?" embodies a posture of spiritual humility and self-awareness, acknowledging our inherent human weakness and our susceptibility to temptation. This scene challenges us to cultivate a spirit of introspection, to regularly assess our motives, actions, and faithfulness before God, and to remain vigilant against the subtle ways sin can creep into our lives, even when we believe ourselves to be most secure. It reminds us that true discipleship involves a continuous process of self-assessment and dependence on divine grace to remain steadfast.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when sin or failure is exposed within my community or church? Do I first look inward or outward?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be unknowingly susceptible to compromising my faith or betraying Christ's trust?**
* **What does the disciples' question "Is it I?" teach me about humility and self-awareness in my walk with God?**
* **How can I cultivate a more consistent practice of honest self-examination and reliance on God's grace to overcome my own weaknesses?**

### FAQ
**Why did the disciples ask "Is it I?" instead of accusing one another?**

Answer: The disciples' collective question, "Is it I?", rather than an immediate accusation of one another, reveals several profound aspects of their character and their relationship with Jesus. Firstly, it demonstrates a remarkable degree of humility and self-awareness. They recognized their own human fallibility and the potential for sin, even within their close relationship with the Master. The Greek phrasing of the question, using _mēti_, implies a fearful "Surely it's not I?" rather than a confident denial, underscoring their genuine apprehension. Secondly, it reflects the deep respect and love they had for Jesus; their primary concern was the gravity of the betrayal itself and its impact on Him, not merely their own innocence. Finally, it highlights the intimate bond they shared as a group, where mutual suspicion was not their immediate reaction, but rather a shared sense of dread and introspection. This response sets a powerful example for believers today, emphasizing the importance of personal accountability and humility in the face of potential sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:19, with its raw depiction of human fallibility and the pain of impending betrayal, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the disciples grapple with their own potential for failure, Jesus, the very object of their sorrow and the victim of the coming treachery, stands as the perfectly faithful one. His willingness to endure betrayal, even from one He had chosen and loved, underscores the depth of His commitment to His redemptive mission. The sorrow of the disciples foreshadows the immense grief and suffering Jesus would experience, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually, as He bore the weight of human sin, including the sin of betrayal. Ultimately, Jesus' response to their questions, and His subsequent journey to the cross, reveals Him as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one who, though betrayed, offers forgiveness and new life. His suffering, culminating in His death and resurrection, is the divine answer to the very human capacity for sin and betrayal depicted in this verse, offering reconciliation and restoration to all who, like the disciples, humbly ask, "Is it I?", and turn to Him for grace and mercy, as highlighted in passages like [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

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?