Mark 14:27

KJV

And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} unto them {G846},{G3754} All ye {G3956} shall be offended {G4624} because of {G1722} me {G1722}{G1698} this {G5026} night {G3571}: for {G3754} it is written {G1125}, I will smite {G3960} the shepherd {G4166}, and {G2532} the sheep {G4263} shall be scattered {G1287}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said to them, "You will all lose faith in me, for the Tanakh says, `I will strike the shepherd dead, and the sheep will be scattered.'

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’

American Standard Version

And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered abroad.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this poignant declaration during the Last Supper, Jesus directly addresses His disciples, prophesying their imminent abandonment of Him. He explains that their "offense" and scattering will be a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically quoting from [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Prophecy of the Smitten Shepherd"). This verse serves as a stark warning, preparing the disciples for the profound shock and disillusionment they would experience upon His arrest and crucifixion, while simultaneously affirming the divine sovereignty over these unfolding events.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration in [Mark 14:27](/mark/14-27 "Mark 14:27 - Jesus Foretells Disciples' Desertion") is situated immediately after the institution of the Last Supper, where Jesus establishes the New Covenant through the bread and wine ([Mark 14:22-25](/mark/14-22-25 "Mark 14:22-25 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). It precedes their departure to the Garden of Gethsemane ([Mark 14:32](/mark/14-32 "Mark 14:32 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")), where Jesus will be betrayed by Judas and arrested. The atmosphere is heavy with the weight of impending suffering and betrayal, and Jesus' words serve as a solemn, yet predictive, warning to His closest followers about the trials that will test their faith. This prophecy sets the stage for the disciples' flight in [Mark 14:50](/mark/14-50 "Mark 14:50 - Disciples Flee"), highlighting the immediate fulfillment of Jesus' words.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the Passover festival, a time of intense religious fervor and political tension. Jesus and His disciples are observing the Passover meal, which commemorates Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt. This context adds layers of meaning, as Jesus reinterprets the Passover meal as a symbol of His own sacrificial death, initiating a new exodus from sin. The imagery of a "shepherd" and "sheep" was deeply resonant in ancient Israel, where pastoral life was common. Leaders were often referred to as shepherds, and the people as their flock. The smiting of a shepherd and the scattering of sheep would immediately evoke an image of chaos, vulnerability, and the dissolution of a community, a stark reality for the disciples facing the arrest of their leader.

* **Key Themes:** [Mark 14:27](/mark/14-27 "Mark 14:27 - Jesus Foretells Disciples' Desertion") contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, as Jesus explicitly states, "for it is written," directly quoting [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Prophecy of the Smitten Shepherd"). This emphasizes that Jesus' suffering and the disciples' temporary failure were not random events but part of God's predetermined redemptive plan. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Jesus' Suffering and Sacrifice**, portraying Him as the "shepherd" who will be "smitten," foreshadowing His crucifixion and atoning death. This aligns with Mark's broader emphasis on the suffering Messiah, a concept often misunderstood by the disciples themselves throughout the narrative, such as in [Mark 8:31-33](/mark/8-31-33 "Mark 8:31-33 - Jesus Predicts His Death"). Lastly, the verse introduces the theme of **Discipleship's Cost and Failure**, revealing the disciples' impending "offense" and "scattering." This serves as a realistic portrayal of human frailty even among those closest to Jesus, a recurring motif in Mark's Gospel that contrasts sharply with Jesus' unwavering resolve.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Offended (Greek, _skandalízō'_):** From G4624, this word means "to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)." In this context, it signifies a profound spiritual stumbling or disillusionment. The events surrounding Jesus' arrest and crucifixion would act as a "stumbling block" for the disciples, causing them to lose their footing in faith, to waver, and ultimately to abandon Him, not merely to be annoyed or mildly upset.
* **Smite (Greek, _patássō'_):** From G3960, this verb means "to knock (gently or with a weapon or fatally)." Here, it implies a violent, fatal strike against the shepherd, directly referring to Jesus' arrest, abuse, and crucifixion. The passive voice ("I will smite") suggests a divine agency behind this action, indicating that Jesus' suffering was not an accident but part of God's sovereign plan.
* **Scattered (Greek, _diaskorpízō'_):** From G1287, this word means "to dissipate, i.e. (genitive case) to rout or separate; specially, to winnow; figuratively, to squander." It vividly describes the disarray and dispersal of the disciples, like sheep without a shepherd, fleeing in fear and confusion. This scattering signifies the temporary dissolution of the immediate community gathered around Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus saith unto them,"**: This opening phrase establishes the speaker as Jesus and the immediate audience as His disciples, setting a tone of direct, authoritative, and intimate communication. It highlights the personal nature of this prophecy, delivered specifically to those who were closest to Him.
* **"All ye shall be offended because of me this night:"**: Jesus directly prophesies the universal failure of His disciples. The term "offended" (skandalízō) indicates that His impending suffering and apparent defeat would serve as a profound stumbling block, causing them to lose faith or abandon their allegiance. The phrase "this night" specifies the immediate timeframe, emphasizing the imminence of these traumatic events.
* **"for it is written,"**: This crucial phrase signals that Jesus is quoting from Scripture, specifically [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Prophecy of the Smitten Shepherd"). By invoking prophecy, Jesus underscores the divine necessity and foreknowledge of His suffering and the disciples' reaction, placing these events within God's overarching redemptive plan.
* **"I will smite the shepherd,"**: This is the core of the quoted prophecy. "I" refers to God, indicating divine agency in the "smiting" or striking down of the "shepherd," who is Jesus Himself. This foretells Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion, emphasizing that His suffering is not a random tragedy but a divinely ordained act.
* **"and the sheep shall be scattered."**: This clause describes the direct consequence of the shepherd being smitten. The "sheep" represent the disciples, and their "scattering" signifies their flight, fear, and temporary abandonment of Jesus in His hour of need, fulfilling the prophetic word.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:27 is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological depth and emotional impact. **Prophecy** is central, as Jesus explicitly quotes [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Prophecy of the Smitten Shepherd"), demonstrating that the unfolding events are not accidental but divinely foreordained and part of God's sovereign plan. This use of prophecy also serves as **Foreshadowing**, preparing both the disciples and the reader for the immediate future: Jesus' arrest and the disciples' subsequent flight. The verse employs powerful **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, with Jesus identifying Himself as the "shepherd" and His disciples as "sheep." This imagery draws on a common biblical motif (e.g., [Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd")) to convey Jesus' protective and leading role, and the disciples' vulnerability and dependence. The scattering of the sheep vividly symbolizes the disarray and fear that will grip the disciples when their leader is struck down. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** in Jesus' words: despite the disciples' fervent declarations of loyalty (as seen in [Mark 14:29-31](/mark/14-29-31 "Mark 14:29-31 - Peter's Denial Foretold")), Jesus knows and predicts their imminent failure, highlighting the disparity between human resolve and divine foreknowledge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:27 profoundly emphasizes the divine orchestration of Jesus' passion and the human frailty of His followers. The prophecy from Zechariah underscores that Jesus' suffering was not a random act of violence but a necessary component of God's redemptive plan, a preordained sacrifice for the sins of humanity. It highlights Jesus' self-awareness of His role as the Suffering Servant and the Good Shepherd, willingly submitting to the Father's will even when it meant being "smitten." The scattering of the sheep, while a moment of profound failure for the disciples, also serves to magnify God's grace in their eventual restoration and empowerment, demonstrating that even human weakness cannot thwart divine purpose. This verse sets the stage for the New Covenant, where the "smitten shepherd" becomes the foundation for the re-gathering of a new flock, the church.

* [Matthew 26:31](/matthew/26-31 "Matthew 26:31 - Jesus Foretells Disciples' Desertion")
* [John 16:32](/john/16-32 "John 16:32 - Disciples Will Be Scattered")
* [Mark 14:50](/mark/14-50 "Mark 14:50 - Disciples Flee")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:27 offers profound insights into the nature of faith, suffering, and divine sovereignty. Jesus' foreknowledge of His disciples' stumbling reminds us that God is never caught off guard by our failures or the trials we face. This should bring comfort, knowing that even our moments of weakness are within His purview and do not derail His ultimate plan. For believers, this verse serves as a sober reminder of our own human frailty; just as the disciples, despite their devotion, faltered under pressure, so too can we be "offended" or stumble when faced with unexpected hardship, persecution, or disillusionment. It calls us to humility, acknowledging our dependence on God's strength rather than our own resolve. Yet, the story doesn't end with scattering; it points to the shepherd's ultimate victory and the re-gathering of His flock, offering immense hope for restoration and forgiveness even after we stumble. This passage encourages us to lean into God's grace, understanding that our salvation is secured not by our unwavering performance, but by the smitten Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you react when your faith is challenged by unexpected difficulties or apparent setbacks in God's plan?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to "stumble" or be "offended" when faced with trials that seem to contradict your expectations of God's protection or provision?**
* **What comfort can you draw from Jesus' foreknowledge of His disciples' failure, and how does this inform your understanding of God's grace towards your own weaknesses?**
* **How does the imagery of Jesus as the "smitten shepherd" and us as the "scattered sheep" deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice and His work of re-gathering believers?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus predict His disciples would be "offended" and scattered, and what does "offended" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: Jesus predicted His disciples would be "offended" and scattered to fulfill Old Testament prophecy ([Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Prophecy of the Smitten Shepherd")) and to prepare them for the traumatic events about to unfold. The Greek word translated "offended" is *skandalízō*, which means "to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may stumble or fall." In a spiritual sense, it means to cause someone to waver in their faith, to be led into sin, or to abandon their spiritual allegiance. For the disciples, Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion would be a profound "stumbling block" to their understanding of Him as the triumphant Messiah, causing them to experience fear, disillusionment, and ultimately to abandon Him temporarily, as recorded in [Mark 14:50](/mark/14-50 "Mark 14:50 - Disciples Flee"). It was not merely annoyance, but a deep crisis of faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:27 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' identity as the ultimate Good Shepherd who willingly lays down His life for His sheep. The prophecy of the "smitten shepherd" from [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Prophecy of the Smitten Shepherd") is not merely a prediction of suffering but a revelation of God's redemptive plan, where the striking of the Shepherd leads to the salvation of the flock. Jesus, the Great Shepherd ([Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The Great Shepherd")), deliberately walked towards this smiting, knowing it was the path to atone for the sins of humanity. His death on the cross, the ultimate "smiting," was the necessary sacrifice to gather His scattered sheep from every nation into one fold ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd")). The temporary scattering of the disciples in [Mark 14:50](/mark/14-50 "Mark 14:50 - Disciples Flee") foreshadows the broader human condition of being lost and separated from God due to sin. Yet, through His resurrection, the smitten Shepherd triumphs over death, actively seeking out and restoring His scattered sheep, as seen in His post-resurrection appearances to the disciples ([Luke 24:13-35](/luke/24-13-35 "Luke 24:13-35 - The Road to Emmaus")) and His specific restoration of Peter ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")). Thus, the smiting of the Shepherd culminates not in permanent scattering, but in the eternal gathering of a redeemed people under His loving care, establishing His church as the new flock, led by the Shepherd and Overseer of their souls ([1 Peter 2:25](/1_peter/2-25 "1 Peter 2:25 - Shepherd and Overseer of Souls")).

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

Zechariah 13:7

¶ Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man [that is] my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

John 16:32

Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

Matthew 26:31

¶ Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

John 16:1

¶ These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

2 Timothy 4:16

¶ At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge.

Luke 22:31

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat:

Luke 22:32

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.