Mark 14:2

KJV

But they said, Not on the feast [day], lest there be an uproar of the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} they said {G3004}, Not {G3361} on {G1722} the feast {G1859} day, lest {G3379} there be {G2071} an uproar {G2351} of the people {G2992}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for they said, "Not during the festival, or the people will riot."

Berean Standard Bible

“But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”

American Standard Version

for they said, Not during the feast, lest haply there shall be a tumult of the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:2 reveals the strategic deliberations of the chief priests and scribes concerning their plot to arrest and kill Jesus. Despite their unanimous decision to eliminate Him, they were cautious about the timing, specifically avoiding the upcoming Passover feast. Their primary motivation for this delay was a pragmatic fear of inciting a popular uprising or "uproar" among the large crowds of pilgrims gathered in Jerusalem, recognizing Jesus' significant public support. This verse highlights their political expediency and fear of man, setting the stage for the dramatic events that would unfold, ultimately orchestrated by divine providence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the council of the chief priests and scribes, who were actively "seeking how they might take him by craft, and put him to death" ([Mark 14:1](/mark/14-1 "Mark 14:1 - The Plot Against Jesus")). It serves as a direct continuation of their malicious plotting, revealing not only their intent but also their calculated strategy. The "they" in this verse refers directly back to these religious authorities, emphasizing their collective decision-making. The subsequent verses, particularly [Mark 14:3-9](/mark/14-3-9 "Mark 14:3-9 - The Anointing at Bethany"), introduce the anointing at Bethany, which contrasts sharply with the leaders' dark intentions, highlighting devotion versus conspiracy. Following this, [Mark 14:10-11](/mark/14-10-11 "Mark 14:10-11 - Judas' Betrayal") details Judas' agreement to betray Jesus, a development that directly facilitates the leaders' plan, albeit not on their initially preferred timeline.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, mere days before the Passover feast, a pivotal annual pilgrimage festival for Jews. During Passover, Jerusalem's population swelled dramatically with pilgrims from across the Roman Empire, making the city a volatile environment. Public disturbances during such a high-stakes religious festival were a major concern for both Jewish authorities and Roman occupiers, as they could quickly escalate into riots, leading to harsh Roman intervention. The chief priests and scribes, as custodians of religious and social order, were acutely aware of the potential for chaos. Their fear of an "uproar" (G2351, _thórybos_) was not merely about public disapproval but about a full-blown civil disturbance that could undermine their authority or provoke Roman suppression, which they sought to avoid at all costs. The "feast day" (G1859, _heortḗ_) was a time of heightened religious fervor and nationalistic sentiment, making any move against a popular figure like Jesus particularly risky.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **Antagonism of Religious Authority** towards Jesus, a theme prevalent throughout Mark, especially from [Mark 3:6](/mark/3-6 "Mark 3:6 - Pharisees Plot Against Jesus") onwards, where the Pharisees and Herodians first conspire against Him. Secondly, it highlights the **Fear of Man versus God's Will**, as the leaders' decisions are driven by political expediency and public opinion rather than divine truth or justice. This contrasts sharply with Jesus' unwavering commitment to His Father's will, even unto death. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** over human schemes. Despite the leaders' careful planning to avoid a public arrest during the feast, God's ultimate plan would ensure Jesus' crucifixion occurred precisely during Passover, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating God's ultimate control over history, as seen in passages like [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan"). Finally, it reinforces **Jesus' Popularity Among the People**, a recurring motif that explains the leaders' apprehension and their need for a clandestine arrest, as evidenced by the crowds who followed Jesus and acclaimed Him during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem in [Mark 11:8-10](/mark/11-8-10 "Mark 11:8-10 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _légō'_):** This primary verb, often translated as "to lay forth" or "relate in words," indicates a deliberate and systematic discourse. In this context, it suggests a formal discussion or decision made by the chief priests and scribes. It implies a considered statement or conclusion reached by the group, rather than a casual remark, underscoring the gravity of their plotting against Jesus.
* **feast (Greek, _heortḗ'_):** Referring to a "festival" or "holyday," this word specifically denotes the Passover and Unleavened Bread celebration, a time of immense religious and national significance for the Jewish people. The leaders' avoidance of this particular time for their arrest highlights their awareness of the heightened spiritual and emotional climate, and the potential for public outrage if they were to act against Jesus during such a sacred occasion.
* **uproar (Greek, _thórybos'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to disturb," this noun signifies a "tumult," "commotion," or "disturbance." It perfectly captures the leaders' fear of a disorderly crowd, a riot, or a public outcry that could quickly escalate into violence. Their concern was not just about general disapproval but about an uncontrolled popular reaction that could challenge their authority and potentially invite severe Roman intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But they said,"**: This opening phrase immediately connects to the preceding verse ([Mark 14:1](/mark/14-1 "Mark 14:1 - The Plot Against Jesus")), identifying "they" as the chief priests and scribes who had just decided to seize and kill Jesus. The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a contrasting element: while they had resolved to act, they now discuss the *how* and *when*, revealing a strategic caution.
* **"Not on the feast [day],"**: This is their crucial decision regarding timing. The "feast day" (G1859, _heortḗ_) refers specifically to the Passover and Unleavened Bread, which was imminent. Their choice to avoid this period indicates their pragmatic assessment of the political and social risks involved. They understood that arresting Jesus during such a crowded and religiously charged time would be highly provocative.
* **"lest there be an uproar of the people."**: This clause reveals the direct motivation for their timing decision. "Lest" (G3379, _mḗpote_) indicates a negative purpose or fear. Their primary concern was to prevent a "tumult" or "disturbance" (G2351, _thórybos_) among the "people" (G2992, _laós_), referring to the general populace, many of whom admired Jesus. This highlights their fear of public opinion and potential civil unrest, which could destabilize their authority or attract unwanted Roman attention.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's concise narrative in this verse employs several powerful literary devices. There is clear **Foreshadowing** as the leaders' attempt to avoid an "uproar" during the feast ultimately fails, as Jesus is indeed crucified during Passover, leading to the greatest "uproar" imaginable in the spiritual realm. This creates a profound **Irony**: their careful human planning to control events is utterly subverted by God's sovereign will, leading to the very public spectacle they sought to avoid, but on God's terms. The verse also utilizes **Contrast** between the hidden, conspiratorial nature of the leaders' plotting and the widespread, public popularity of Jesus. Their fear of the "people" underscores this contrast, highlighting the chasm between the religious elite and the common folk who followed Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:2 profoundly illustrates the tension between human will and divine sovereignty. The religious leaders, driven by self-preservation and fear of public opinion, meticulously plan to avoid a public confrontation during the Passover feast. Yet, their very attempt to control the timing and circumstances of Jesus' arrest and death ultimately serves God's predetermined plan. This verse underscores the biblical truth that even the most calculated human schemes cannot thwart the purposes of God, but rather, often become unwitting instruments in their fulfillment. It highlights the spiritual blindness of those who prioritize political expediency and worldly power over divine truth and justice, ultimately leading them to reject the Messiah.

* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.")
* [Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "Acts 4:27-28 - God's Plan for Jesus' Crucifixion")
* [Psalm 2:1-4](/psalms/2-1-4 "Psalm 2:1-4 - The Futility of Human Rebellion Against God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a sobering reflection on the dangers of fear-driven decision-making and the futility of attempting to circumvent God's will. The religious leaders, in their desire to maintain control and avoid public unrest, became instruments in the very divine plan they unwittingly opposed. For believers today, Mark 14:2 serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize faithfulness to God's truth above all else, even when faced with social pressure, public opinion, or the desire for personal comfort and security. It challenges us to examine our own motivations: are we driven by a fear of man or a reverence for God? Do we trust in our own careful planning, or do we yield to God's sovereign timing and purpose? This passage encourages us to rest in the assurance that God is ultimately in control, orchestrating even the most chaotic human events to accomplish His perfect will, reminding us that true peace comes from aligning our will with His, rather than striving to manipulate circumstances for our own perceived benefit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be making decisions based on the "fear of man" rather than trust in God?**
* **How does the leaders' attempt to control the situation, yet ultimately fulfilling God's plan, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty?**
* **What "uproars" or disturbances are you trying to avoid in your life, and are those efforts hindering your obedience to God's call?**

### FAQ
**Why were the chief priests and scribes so afraid of an "uproar of the people"?**

Answer: The chief priests and scribes were deeply concerned about an "uproar" (G2351, _thórybos_) because Jerusalem swelled with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims during the Passover feast, making it a highly volatile environment. Jesus was widely popular among the common people, who saw Him as a prophet or even the Messiah. A public arrest of such a figure during a major festival could easily incite a riot or civil disturbance. Such an event would not only challenge the authority of the Jewish leaders but also risk drawing severe intervention from the Roman authorities, who were always vigilant about maintaining order, especially during large gatherings. Their fear was rooted in political expediency and the desire to maintain their own power and control, rather than any concern for justice or truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though the religious leaders meticulously planned to avoid arresting Jesus "on the feast day" to prevent a public "uproar," their human schemes ultimately served God's sovereign timetable. It was precisely during the Passover feast, the very time they sought to avoid, that Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), was crucified. This timing was no accident; it perfectly fulfilled the Old Testament types and shadows of the Passover sacrifice, where a lamb was slain to atone for sins, as seen in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"). Jesus' death on Passover marked Him as the ultimate sacrifice, whose blood covers the sins of all who believe, ushering in the new covenant foretold in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"). Thus, the leaders' fear of a temporal "uproar" ironically led to the most profound and redemptive "uproar" in history: the shaking of the earth, the tearing of the temple veil, and the triumph of God's love over sin and death, culminating in Jesus' resurrection, as described in [Matthew 27:50-54](/matthew/27-50-54 "Matthew 27:50-54 - Events at Jesus' Death"). Their attempt to control the narrative only highlighted God's supreme control, ensuring that the Messiah's atoning work would be accomplished precisely when and how God intended.

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 12:19

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Lamentations 3:27

[It is] good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.

John 7:40

Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

Mark 11:32

But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all [men] counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.

Luke 20:6

But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.

Proverbs 19:21

¶ [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.