Mark 14:46

KJV

And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they laid {G1911} their {G846} hands {G5495} on {G1909} him {G846}, and {G2532} took {G2902} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they laid hold of Yeshua and arrested him;

Berean Standard Bible

Then the men seized Jesus and arrested Him.

American Standard Version

And they laid hands on him, and took him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:46 succinctly chronicles the moment of Jesus's arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, immediately following Judas Iscariot's treacherous kiss. This verse marks the physical apprehension of Jesus by the armed crowd, signifying the culmination of the religious leaders' plot and the definitive transition from Jesus's public ministry to His passion, trials, and ultimate sacrifice. It is a pivotal moment, highlighting both human treachery and divine sovereignty as the redemptive plan begins to unfold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the direct and immediate consequence of [Judas's betrayal](/mark/14-43-45 "Mark 14:43-45 - Judas's Betrayal") in the Garden of Gethsemane. It follows Jesus's profound prayer of submission to the Father's will, as detailed in [Mark 14:32-42](/mark/14-32-42 "Mark 14:32-42 - Jesus's Prayer in Gethsemane"), where He wrestled with the impending suffering but ultimately declared, "Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will." The arrest itself sets in motion the subsequent events of Jesus's passion, including His abandonment by the disciples, His trials before the Sanhedrin and Pilate, and ultimately His crucifixion. The brevity of the description in Mark emphasizes the swift and decisive nature of the apprehension.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The arrest occurred under the cloak of night in the Garden of Gethsemane, an olive grove on the Mount of Olives, a common retreat for Jesus and His disciples. The arresting party, though simply referred to as "they," is understood from parallel accounts (e.g., [John 18:3](/john/18-3 "John 18:3 - The Arresting Party")) to be a contingent of temple guards, servants of the chief priests and Pharisees, and possibly a Roman cohort. The use of "swords and clubs" ([Mark 14:43](/mark/14-43 "Mark 14:43 - Judas and the Crowd")) indicates a forceful, almost military-style operation, designed to prevent any resistance or public uprising. The secrecy and timing of the arrest (at night, away from the crowds) suggest that the Jewish authorities feared a popular reaction if Jesus were apprehended openly during the day, underscoring their desire to eliminate Him without incident.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:46 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **betrayal**, as the arrest is directly facilitated by one of Jesus's own disciples, Judas, fulfilling prophetic warnings. Secondly, it highlights **Jesus's voluntary submission** to God's sovereign will, despite having the power to resist. His unresisting capture, even when [Peter attempts to intervene](/mark/14-47 "Mark 14:47 - Peter's Rash Act"), aligns with His earlier declaration that [no one takes His life from Him, but He lays it down of His own accord](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus's Authority Over His Life"). This submission is not weakness but a profound act of obedience to fulfill the Father's redemptive plan. Finally, the arrest is a crucial step in the **fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy** concerning the suffering Messiah, marking the moment when the "power of darkness" ([Luke 22:53](/luke/22-53 "Luke 22:53 - The Hour of Darkness")) seemed to prevail, yet was ultimately serving God's greater purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **laid (Greek, _epibállō'_):** From G1911 (epibállō), meaning "to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force)." In this context, it signifies a forceful imposition, indicating that the action was decisive and assertive, not a gentle invitation. It conveys the immediate and physical act of seizing.
* **hands (Greek, _cheír'_):** From G5495 (cheír), referring to "the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or instrument)." The phrase "laid their hands on him" is a common idiom in ancient Greek and Hebrew for taking hold of someone, often with the intent to arrest, harm, or assert control. It emphasizes the physical, tangible nature of the apprehension.
* **took (Greek, _kratéō'_):** From G2902 (kratéō), meaning "to use strength, i.e. seize or retain (literally or figuratively); to hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by)." This word highlights the effectiveness and success of the arrest. They didn't just touch Him; they secured Him, indicating He was now firmly in their custody and under their control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they laid their hands on him":** This clause describes the initial, physical act of apprehension. The "they" refers to the armed crowd that accompanied Judas. The action of "laying hands" is a direct, forceful seizure, indicating that Jesus was not going willingly or being politely escorted. It signifies the transition from the verbal signal (Judas's kiss) to the physical act of arrest.
* **"and took him":** This second clause confirms the success and completion of the arrest. It implies that Jesus was now in their custody, held fast, and unable to escape. This phrase underscores the effectiveness of the apprehension and marks the definitive end of Jesus's freedom, ushering in the period of His passion.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:46 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Conciseness**, as Mark presents the pivotal moment of arrest with stark brevity. The simple, declarative sentence structure, "And they laid their hands on him, and took him," reflects the swift and decisive nature of the event, allowing the reader to grasp the immediate and irreversible shift in Jesus's circumstances. This conciseness also contributes to the sense of **Directness** and immediacy, plunging the reader straight into the action without elaborate description. Furthermore, the verse serves as a moment of **Foreshadowing**, as this physical capture directly precedes and sets the stage for Jesus's trials, suffering, and crucifixion, which are the ultimate purpose of His coming. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the fact that the One who holds all power and authority willingly submits to being "taken" by mere mortals, highlighting His divine humility and commitment to His redemptive mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:46 is a profound theological statement, not merely a historical record. It underscores the reality of human sin and betrayal, exemplified by Judas and the crowd, yet simultaneously magnifies God's sovereign control over even the most heinous acts of injustice. Jesus's unresisting submission to arrest is a powerful demonstration of His obedience to the Father's will, a crucial aspect of His atoning work. This moment is not a defeat but a deliberate step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, where the innocent Lamb of God willingly allows Himself to be led to slaughter for the sins of humanity. It reveals the depth of divine love and the voluntary nature of Christ's sacrifice, transforming an act of human malice into a moment of divine purpose.
* [Matthew 26:50](/matthew/26-50 "Matthew 26:50 - Jesus's Arrest in Matthew")
* [John 18:12](/john/18-12 "John 18:12 - Jesus's Arrest in John")
* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant Led to Slaughter")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:46 serves as a powerful reminder that even in moments of profound injustice, betrayal, and apparent defeat, God's sovereign hand is at work, guiding events toward His ultimate redemptive purposes. Jesus's unresisting capture, despite His divine power, challenges us to cultivate a spirit of humble submission to God's will, even when it leads through difficult or painful circumstances. It teaches us to trust in God's ultimate control, even when we face opposition, experience personal betrayal, or feel overwhelmed by the forces of darkness in the world. This verse encourages us to find peace in knowing that our suffering, when offered in submission to God, can become part of His greater plan, just as Christ's suffering paved the way for salvation. It calls us to respond to injustice not with violence or retaliation, but with the quiet strength of faith and obedience, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate His righteous ones.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's unresisting submission in this verse challenge my natural inclination to resist or fight back against injustice?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to submit to God's will, even when it involves personal discomfort or suffering?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty in this moment of betrayal strengthen my trust in Him during my own trials?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" who laid hands on Jesus and took him?**

Answer: While Mark's account is concise, parallel Gospel narratives and historical context clarify that "they" refers to a diverse group sent by the Jewish religious authorities. This included temple guards from the Sanhedrin, servants of the chief priests and elders, and possibly a detachment of Roman soldiers, as indicated by [John 18:3](/john/18-3 "John 18:3 - The Roman Cohort"). This combined force was armed with "swords and clubs" ([Mark 14:43](/mark/14-43 "Mark 14:43 - The Armed Crowd")) to ensure Jesus's capture and prevent any resistance from His followers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:46 is a pivotal moment that profoundly points to Christ's fulfillment of His redemptive mission. In this act of being "laid hands on" and "taken," Jesus embodies the Suffering Servant prophesied in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), who "was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Silent Lamb")). This seemingly humiliating capture is, in fact, an act of supreme obedience and love, as Jesus willingly surrenders Himself to the very forces that seek to destroy Him, knowing that this path leads to the cross and ultimately to resurrection. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), voluntarily offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. His submission to arrest, trial, and death, even to the point of [humbling Himself and becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation"), demonstrates the depth of His commitment to God's plan for humanity's salvation. This moment, therefore, is not merely an arrest but a divinely orchestrated step towards the shedding of His innocent blood, without which [there is no forgiveness of sins](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Blood for Remission of Sins"), thus fulfilling the very purpose for which He came.

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

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,