Mark 14:60

KJV

And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what [is it which] these witness against thee?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the high priest {G749} stood up {G450} in {G1519} the midst {G3319}, and asked {G1905} Jesus {G2424}, saying {G3004}, Answerest {G3756} thou {G611} nothing {G3762}? what {G5101} is it which these {G3778} witness {G2649} against thee {G4675}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen hagadol stood up in the front and asked Yeshua, "Have you nothing to say to the accusations these men are making?"

Berean Standard Bible

So the high priest stood up before them and questioned Jesus, “Have You no answer? What are these men testifying against You?”

American Standard Version

And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:60 captures the dramatic escalation of Jesus' illegal night trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish supreme court. After a series of failed attempts by false witnesses to provide credible testimony, the High Priest Caiaphas, growing increasingly frustrated, directly confronts Jesus. He demands an answer to the accusations, challenging Jesus' prolonged silence in the face of the mounting, albeit inconsistent, charges. This pivotal moment underscores the predetermined nature of the trial and sets the stage for Jesus' profound declaration of His divine identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 14:60 is situated at the climax of Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin, immediately following the chaotic and contradictory testimonies of numerous false witnesses (Mark 14:55-59). Jesus has maintained a profound silence throughout these accusations, fulfilling prophetic expectations. The High Priest's direct interrogation in this verse represents a shift in strategy, as the court attempts to elicit a self-incriminating statement from Jesus, having failed to secure a consistent basis for condemnation from external testimony. This scene is part of the larger Passion Narrative, which began with Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane (Mark 14:43-52) and will lead directly to His condemnation by the Sanhedrin (Mark 14:61-64) and subsequent delivery to Pontius Pilate (Mark 15:1).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin was highly irregular, if not outright illegal, by Jewish law of the time. It took place at night, during Passover, and without proper legal procedures, such as allowing the accused to present a defense or cross-examine witnesses. The Sanhedrin was the supreme Jewish judicial and religious council, composed of 71 members, including chief priests, elders, and scribes, presided over by the High Priest. Caiaphas, the High Priest from AD 18-36, held significant religious and political authority under Roman rule. The Jewish authorities sought to condemn Jesus on charges of blasphemy, which was punishable by death under Mosaic Law, but they lacked the Roman authority to execute Him, necessitating His transfer to Pilate. The cultural expectation was that an accused person would defend themselves, making Jesus' silence particularly striking and frustrating to His accusers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Mark's Gospel. The **unjust nature of Jesus' trial** is starkly highlighted by the High Priest's desperate questioning after the failure of false witnesses, revealing a court more intent on condemnation than justice. Jesus' **sovereign silence** in the face of baseless accusations, which is a profound act of self-control and prophetic fulfillment, particularly echoing the suffering servant passages in [Isaiah](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). This silence serves to emphasize the futility of human attempts to condemn divine truth. Furthermore, the High Priest's direct challenge sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent **affirmation of His messianic and divine identity** (Mark 14:61-62), which becomes the true "blasphemy" in the eyes of the Sanhedrin, providing the very grounds they sought for His execution. The entire scene underscores the **conflict between divine truth and human authority**, where human power seeks to suppress the revelation of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **asked (Greek, _eperōtáō'_):** This word, derived from `epi` (upon) and `erōtaō` (to ask), signifies an intensive or persistent inquiry. It suggests a demanding or pressing question, reflecting the High Priest's exasperation and his attempt to force a response from Jesus. It's not merely asking, but "asking for" or "inquiring intently," indicative of his desire to extract a confession or a damning statement.
* **midst (Greek, _mésos'_):** Meaning "middle" or "among," this word indicates Caiaphas's position. He "stood up in the midst" of the Sanhedrin, emphasizing his central role, authority, and perhaps his desire to take direct control of the failing proceedings. His physical movement to the center highlights the dramatic and confrontational nature of his interrogation.
* **witness against (Greek, _katamartyréō'_):** This compound verb combines `kata` (against) with `martyreō` (to bear witness). It specifically means "to testify against" someone, carrying a negative connotation of accusation. The High Priest's question directly references the failed attempts of the false witnesses to "witness against" Jesus effectively, underscoring the court's desperation to find a valid charge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the high priest stood up in the midst,"**: This clause depicts a dramatic shift in the trial's dynamic. Caiaphas, the presiding High Priest, physically rises from his seat and moves to a central position. This action signifies his assertion of authority and his direct intervention, indicating his frustration with the preceding chaos of contradictory testimonies and his determination to bring the proceedings to a head. It highlights the gravity and formality of the moment, as the highest religious authority directly addresses the accused.
* **"and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing?"**: Here, Caiaphas directly interrogates Jesus, breaking the silence that Jesus had maintained throughout the accusations. His question is rhetorical and accusatory, expressing exasperation and challenging Jesus' refusal to engage with the false charges. It reveals the High Priest's impatience and his attempt to provoke a response, possibly hoping Jesus would incriminate Himself or at least acknowledge the seriousness of the accusations.
* **"what [is it which] these witness against thee?"**: This second part of Caiaphas's question clarifies the nature of his demand. He is not merely asking why Jesus is silent, but specifically what Jesus has to say about the multitude of accusations brought against Him by the witnesses. The High Priest is effectively summarizing the court's frustration: despite many witnesses, no clear, consistent charge has emerged, yet the accusations persist. He wants Jesus to address the substance of these charges directly.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:60 is rich with **Dramatic Irony**, as the High Priest, seeking to condemn Jesus, inadvertently sets the stage for Jesus' most profound declaration of His divine identity (Mark 14:61-62). Caiaphas's frustration and the chaotic nature of the trial, marked by contradictory testimonies, highlight the **Injustice** of the proceedings, contrasting sharply with the divine order Jesus embodies. Jesus' **Silence** functions as a powerful literary device, conveying His composure, fulfillment of prophecy (e.g., [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Silent Suffering Servant")), and His refusal to dignify the false accusations with a defense. This silence also builds **Dramatic Tension**, forcing Caiaphas to confront Jesus directly. The High Priest's physical action of "standing up in the midst" serves as a form of **Symbolism**, representing the full weight of human religious authority confronting divine truth, and his desperate attempt to control a situation that is spiraling beyond his grasp.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:60 is a profound theological moment, illustrating the clash between human injustice and divine sovereignty. Jesus' silence in the face of false accusations is not a sign of weakness but of deliberate, prophetic fulfillment and a demonstration of His divine composure. It underscores the truth that He is not merely a victim but one who willingly submits to the Father's plan, even unto death. This scene highlights the world's inherent opposition to the light of Christ, where truth is twisted and justice perverted for political and religious expediency. The High Priest's desperate questioning reveals the futility of human attempts to condemn God's chosen one, ultimately forcing Jesus to declare His true identity, which becomes the very "blasphemy" they seek.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence") - "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."
* [Matthew 26:62-63](/matthew/26-62-63 "Matthew 26:62-63 - High Priest's Question and Jesus' Silence") - A parallel account in Matthew, emphasizing the High Priest's frustration and Jesus' initial silence.
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Jesus' Example in Suffering") - "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats, but entrusted himself to him who judges justly."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:60 offers powerful insights for believers navigating a world often hostile to truth and righteousness. Jesus' dignified silence in the face of relentless, false accusations provides a profound model of composure, trust in God's sovereignty, and strategic restraint. It reminds us that not every accusation demands a defense, especially when the accusers are not genuinely seeking truth but condemnation. There are times when our silence, coupled with a steadfast reliance on God, speaks more powerfully than any words. This passage also serves as a stark reminder of the corrupting influence of power and prejudice, and the willingness of some to pervert justice for their own ends. For us, it encourages perseverance in faith when facing injustice, knowing that our ultimate vindication comes from God, who sees and judges righteously. We are called to embody Christ's character, responding with grace and truth, even when falsely accused, trusting in God's ultimate plan and perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations might silence be a more powerful or appropriate response than speaking, especially when facing false accusations or hostility?**
* **How does Jesus' composure in this moment challenge our natural inclination to defend ourselves vigorously?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the nature of true justice versus human attempts to manipulate legal processes?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances appear unjust or out of our control?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus remain silent in Mark 14:60, and what is the significance of His silence?**

Answer: Jesus' silence in Mark 14:60, as in other Gospel accounts of His trial, is highly significant. Firstly, it fulfills Old Testament prophecy, particularly the suffering servant passages in [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence"), which describes the Messiah as one who "did not open his mouth" when oppressed. Secondly, His silence was a deliberate refusal to dignify the false and contradictory accusations with a response. He knew the court was not seeking truth but a pretext for condemnation. Engaging with their lies would have been futile. Thirdly, it demonstrated His complete self-control and submission to His Father's will, signifying His willingness to suffer unjustly for the salvation of humanity. His silence was not born of weakness but of divine resolve and sovereignty.

**Who was the high priest mentioned in Mark 14:60, and what was his role?**

Answer: The high priest mentioned in Mark 14:60 was Caiaphas, who served as the Jewish high priest from approximately AD 18 to 36. As high priest, he was the head of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious and judicial council. His role was to preside over the trial, question the accused, and ultimately pronounce judgment. In this passage, his direct intervention and questioning of Jesus reveal his frustration with the lack of consistent testimony from the false witnesses and his determination to extract a confession or a self-incriminating statement from Jesus. Caiaphas played a central role in orchestrating Jesus' condemnation and handing Him over to the Roman authorities for execution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:60, with the High Priest's desperate demand for an answer from a silent Jesus, powerfully foreshadows and fulfills Christ's ultimate role as the Suffering Servant and the innocent Lamb of God. Jesus' silence is not an evasion, but a profound act of self-giving, embodying the prophetic words of [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence"), who "did not open his mouth." This deliberate non-engagement with false accusations highlights His perfect righteousness and His willingness to absorb the world's injustice without retaliation, a theme echoed in [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Jesus' Example in Suffering"). When Jesus finally speaks in the subsequent verses (Mark 14:61-62), His declaration of being the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One, and His future coming on the clouds of heaven, is the very truth that condemns Him in the eyes of the Sanhedrin, yet it is the truth that offers salvation to all humanity. His trial, though unjust, was part of God's sovereign plan, leading to the cross where He, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), would take away the sin of the world. Thus, His silence and subsequent confession at this pivotal moment are central to His redemptive mission, demonstrating His perfect obedience and His identity as the promised Messiah who would suffer and reign.

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

Mark 15:3

And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.

Mark 15:5

But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.

John 19:9

And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

John 19:10

Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?

Matthew 26:62

And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what [is it which] these witness against thee?

Matthew 26:63

But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.