Mark 14:60

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

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}?

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

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

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

Mark 14:60 captures a pivotal moment during Jesus' illegal night trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish supreme court. The scene depicts the high priest, Caiaphas, directly confronting Jesus after numerous false witnesses have failed to provide consistent or credible testimony against Him.

Context of Mark 14:60

This verse is set immediately after a series of attempts by the Jewish religious authorities to find grounds for condemning Jesus. They had gathered false witnesses who gave contradictory statements, highlighting the desperation and illegitimacy of the proceedings. The high priest, growing impatient with the lack of damning evidence, steps forward to demand an answer from Jesus, who has remained silent throughout the accusations. This trial is part of the larger narrative leading to Jesus' crucifixion, following His arrest in Gethsemane and preceding His delivery to Pontius Pilate.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Silence of Jesus: Jesus' refusal to answer the high priest's questions is a profound act. It signifies His calm resolve and fulfillment of prophecy, particularly Isaiah 53:7, which foretold that the suffering servant would not open His mouth. His silence also highlights the futility of arguing with those whose minds are already made up.
  • Unjust Judicial Process: The high priest's aggressive questioning, coupled with the reliance on false witnesses, underscores the corrupt and predetermined nature of Jesus' trial. It was not a search for truth but a desperate attempt to justify a preconceived condemnation.
  • Caiaphas's Frustration and Authority: Caiaphas, as the high priest, held immense religious and political power. His direct challenge to Jesus reveals his frustration with the lack of concrete evidence and his attempt to force a self-incriminating statement from Jesus, asserting his authority over the proceedings.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "high priest" translates the Greek word archiereus (ἀρχιερεύς), denoting the chief religious official, who served as the head of the Sanhedrin. Caiaphas held this position, and his role in this trial is significant. His question, "Answerest thou nothing? what [is it which] these witness against thee?", conveys his exasperation and desire for Jesus to respond to the accusations (from the Greek verb καταμαρτυρέω - katamartyreō, meaning "to bear witness against").

Practical Application

Mark 14:60 offers several enduring lessons. Jesus' dignified silence in the face of false accusations teaches us about composure and trusting God's sovereign plan, even when facing immense pressure and injustice. It reminds us that not every accusation requires a defense, especially when the accusers are not seeking truth but condemnation. His example encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, knowing that ultimate vindication comes from God, not from human courts or opinions. This passage also serves as a powerful reminder of the world's opposition to divine truth and the willingness of some to pervert justice for their own ends, a reality believers may still encounter today.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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