Mark 14:57

KJV

And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} there arose {G450} certain {G5100}, and bare false witness {G5576} against {G2596} him {G846}, saying {G3004},

Complete Jewish Bible

Some stood up and gave this false testimony:

Berean Standard Bible

Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him:

American Standard Version

And there stood up certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:57 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' illegal night trial before the Sanhedrin, where the Jewish religious authorities, desperate to secure a conviction, orchestrated and welcomed individuals who presented fabricated accusations against Him. This verse highlights the deliberate perversion of justice and the profound injustice Jesus faced, as His accusers knowingly violated God's law by bearing false witness to condemn an innocent man.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 14:57 immediately follows Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane and His initial appearance before the High Priest Caiaphas and the assembled Sanhedrin, as detailed in [Mark 14:53](/mark/14-53 "Mark 14:53 - Jesus before the High Priest"). The preceding verses describe the gathering of chief priests, elders, and scribes, indicating a formal, albeit illicit, judicial proceeding. This verse sets the stage for the formal accusations, showing the Sanhedrin's intent to find grounds for a death sentence. The subsequent verses in [Mark 14:58-59](/mark/14-58-59 "Mark 14:58-59 - The False Testimony") elaborate on the specific nature of the false testimonies, particularly concerning Jesus' statement about destroying and rebuilding the temple, revealing the desperate and contradictory nature of the accusations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin, as depicted in Mark, violated numerous Jewish legal customs and procedures. Trials were typically not held at night, especially not capital cases, nor on feast days like Passover. Witnesses were supposed to be examined thoroughly, and their testimonies had to agree perfectly for a conviction, particularly in capital cases (as stipulated in [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement for Two or Three Witnesses")). The Sanhedrin's actions in this passage—actively seeking and accepting false witnesses—demonstrate a profound disregard for their own laws and a predetermined agenda to condemn Jesus, regardless of truth or justice. The scene unfolds in the High Priest's courtyard, a place of religious authority now corrupted by political and personal malice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Injustice and Perjury**, as the highest religious court actively engages in the violation of the Ninth Commandment, "[Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")" ([Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")). It also highlights the **Opposition to Divine Truth**, as the world, represented by these religious leaders, rejects the incarnate Truth, Jesus, and resorts to lies to silence Him. Furthermore, Jesus' silent endurance of these false accusations, as described in [Mark 14:61](/mark/14-61 "Mark 14:61 - Jesus' Silence"), fulfills ancient **Prophecies of the Suffering Servant**, such as those found in [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant"), portraying Him as one who "was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **arose (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** This verb, derived from `anístēmi` (G450), literally means "to stand up" or "to raise up." In this context, it signifies that certain individuals deliberately came forward, presenting themselves as witnesses. It implies a purposeful action, not a passive observation, suggesting that these "certain" individuals were either pre-arranged or eagerly stepped forward to participate in the condemnation of Jesus.
* **bare false witness (Greek, _pseudomartyréō'_):** The Greek verb `pseudomartyréō` (G5576) is a compound word combining `pseudo-` (false, deceitful) and `martyréō` (to bear witness, testify). This term precisely describes the act of giving testimony that is known to be untrue or fabricated. It is a direct and intentional violation of the Ninth Commandment, emphasizing the deliberate perjury committed against Jesus. This was not a misunderstanding but a conscious act of deceit aimed at securing His condemnation.
* **against (Greek, _katá'_):: The preposition `katá` (G2596) here denotes opposition or hostility. When used with a person, as in "against him," it clearly indicates an adversarial stance, emphasizing that the false testimony was directed with malicious intent toward Jesus. It underscores the accusatory and hostile nature of the proceedings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there arose certain":** This phrase introduces the appearance of specific individuals who were not merely bystanders but active participants in the trial. The term "certain" (G5100, `tìs`) indicates an indefinite number of people, yet implies they were distinct individuals who stepped forward with a clear purpose. This suggests a prepared effort to gather testimony against Jesus, rather than a spontaneous outpouring of witnesses.
* **"and bare false witness against him":** This is the core action of the verse, highlighting the deliberate and unlawful nature of the testimony. The witnesses presented fabricated evidence, knowingly lying under oath, with the express intent of incriminating Jesus. This act of perjury was a grave offense under Mosaic Law and underscored the corrupt nature of the trial.
* **"saying,":** This word serves as an introduction to the content of the false testimony that immediately follows in the subsequent verses ([Mark 14:58-59](/mark/14-58-59 "Mark 14:58-59 - The False Testimony")). It signals that the narrative is about to reveal the specific accusations leveled against Jesus, further exposing their contradictory and baseless nature.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:57 employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is powerfully present, as the very religious leaders who are meant to uphold God's law orchestrate and accept testimony that directly violates the Ninth Commandment against false witness. This highlights the profound moral corruption within the Sanhedrin. The scene also builds **dramatic tension**, as the forces of darkness and injustice converge upon Jesus, setting the stage for His ultimate condemnation. Furthermore, the event serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, indicating the depth of the opposition Jesus would face and the unjust suffering He would endure, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. The perversion of legal process also exemplifies **inversion of justice**, where the system designed to establish truth and righteousness is twisted to condemn the innocent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:57 stands as a stark testament to the world's rejection of divine truth and the lengths to which human depravity will go to silence it. The theological implications are profound: it reveals the depth of sin in humanity's heart, even among religious leaders, who prioritize their own power and perceived order over righteousness and truth. The willingness to bear false witness against Jesus underscores the spiritual battle at play, where the forces of darkness actively seek to destroy the Light of the World. Yet, in God's sovereign plan, this injustice was not a defeat but a necessary step towards the ultimate triumph of redemption. Jesus' silent endurance of these lies exemplifies His perfect obedience and foreshadows His role as the innocent Lamb led to slaughter for the sins of humanity.

* [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 19:16-19](/deuteronomy/19-16-19 "Deuteronomy 19:16-19 - Law Concerning False Witnesses")
* [Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:57 serves as a sobering reminder that injustice and false accusations are not new phenomena, even against the most righteous. For believers, this passage offers profound lessons on integrity, perseverance, and trust in God's sovereign plan. We are called to embody truth in our words and actions, resisting the temptation to bear false witness, whether in legal settings, gossip, or social discourse. Just as Jesus endured slander, followers of Christ may also face unfair criticism or false accusations for their faith. In such moments, we are reminded to respond with grace and trust, knowing that God sees and ultimately vindicates. This verse also encourages us to reflect on the nature of truth itself—how easily it can be distorted and rejected by those who prefer darkness to light. Our commitment should always be to uphold truth, even when it is costly, and to rest in the assurance that God's purposes will prevail despite human wickedness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Sanhedrin's willingness to accept false witness challenge our understanding of religious authority and integrity?**
* **In what ways might we, even subtly, be tempted to "bear false witness" in our daily lives, perhaps through gossip, exaggeration, or misrepresentation?**
* **How can Jesus' example of enduring false accusations with silence and dignity inspire us when we face unfair treatment or slander?**
* **What comfort can we draw from the fact that God's sovereign plan unfolded even amidst such profound injustice against His Son?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Sanhedrin need "false witnesses" if they already intended to condemn Jesus?**

Answer: The Sanhedrin, despite their predetermined desire to condemn Jesus, still needed to maintain a semblance of legal procedure, especially for a capital offense. Jewish law required at least two consistent witnesses for a conviction ([Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement for Two or Three Witnesses")). Since Jesus had committed no actual crime punishable by death under their law, they had to fabricate charges and find individuals willing to lie under oath. The fact that they resorted to false witnesses highlights their inability to find legitimate grounds for condemnation and underscores the illegitimacy of the entire trial. Even with false witnesses, their testimonies were contradictory, further exposing the sham nature of the proceedings, as noted in [Mark 14:59](/mark/14-59 "Mark 14:59 - Contradictory Testimony").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:57, with its depiction of false witnesses rising against Jesus, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, it unmistakably points to Jesus as the Suffering Servant prophesied in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), who would be "oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")). His silent endurance of these lies, as seen in subsequent verses, perfectly embodies this prophetic image. Secondly, Jesus' willingness to be unjustly accused and condemned by false testimony underscores His identity as the innocent [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He, who knew no sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")), allowed Himself to be slandered and condemned, not because He deserved it, but to fulfill God's redemptive plan. This act of bearing false witness against Him was a crucial step in the divine drama that led to the cross, where He would become the perfect sacrifice for humanity's true guilt. His suffering under false accusations demonstrates His perfect empathy as our [High Priest, who was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest") ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest")), enduring the worst of human injustice to secure our eternal justice.

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

Acts 6:13

And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

Acts 6:14

For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

Matthew 26:60

But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, [yet] found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,

Matthew 26:61

And said, This [fellow] said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

Jeremiah 26:8

Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded [him] to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die.

Jeremiah 26:9

Why hast thou prophesied in the name of the LORD, saying, This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate without an inhabitant? And all the people were gathered against Jeremiah in the house of the LORD.

Mark 15:29

And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days,