


Mark 14:46
Bible Versions
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Judges 16:21
But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house. -
Lamentations 4:20
The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen. -
Acts 2:23
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: -
John 18:12
Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
Mark 14:46 (KJV) concisely describes the moment of Jesus's arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Following Judas Iscariot's treacherous kiss, the armed crowd that accompanied him immediately moved to seize Jesus.
Context
This verse is the direct aftermath of Judas's signal (the kiss) and the culmination of the plot by the Jewish religious leaders to apprehend Jesus secretly. The scene unfolds in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus had just finished a fervent prayer, wrestling with the Father's will but ultimately submitting to it. The "they" refers to the detachment of soldiers, temple guards, and servants sent by the chief priests and elders, as described in the parallel accounts. This was not a subtle invitation, but a forceful apprehension that marked the beginning of His passion.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "laid their hands on him" is a direct translation of the Greek epebalon tas cheiras autō (ἐπέβαλον τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῷ), which is a common idiom in ancient Greek for seizing or arresting someone. The subsequent "and took him" comes from ekratēsan auton (ἐκράτησαν αὐτόν), meaning they "held him fast" or "secured him," emphasizing that the arrest was effective and he was now in their custody.
Practical Application
Mark 14:46 reminds us that even in moments of profound injustice and betrayal, God's sovereign plan is at work. Jesus's unresisting capture teaches us about humble submission to divine will, even when it leads through suffering. It challenges believers to trust in God's ultimate control, even when facing opposition or experiencing personal betrayal. This verse sets the stage for the trials and crucifixion, emphasizing the voluntary nature of Christ's sacrifice for humanity.