Mark 14:61

KJV

But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he held his peace {G4623}, and {G2532} answered {G611} nothing {G3762}. Again {G3825} the high priest {G749} asked {G1905} him {G846}, and {G2532} said {G3004} unto him {G846}, Art {G1488} thou {G4771} the Christ {G5547}, the Son {G5207} of the Blessed {G2128}?

Complete Jewish Bible

But he remained silent and made no reply. Again the cohen hagadol questioned him: "Are you the Mashiach, Ben-HaM'vorakh?"

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus remained silent and made no reply. Again the high priest questioned Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?”

American Standard Version

But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and saith unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:61 captures the pivotal moment in Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin when, after a period of profound silence amidst false accusations, the High Priest Caiaphas directly challenges Jesus' identity. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' crucial and explicit affirmation of His messianic and divine Sonship, forcing the Jewish religious authorities to confront the very core of His claims and ultimately leading to His condemnation on charges of blasphemy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of Jesus' passion, specifically His nocturnal trial before the Jewish high council, the Sanhedrin, immediately following His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane ([Mark 14:43-52](/mark/14-43-52 "Mark 14:43-52 - Jesus' Arrest")). Prior to this direct question, Mark recounts the frantic search for false testimony against Jesus ([Mark 14:55-56](/mark/14-55-56 "Mark 14:55-56 - False Witnesses")), highlighting the chaotic and contradictory nature of the accusations. Jesus' initial silence in the face of these charges ([Mark 14:60](/mark/14-60 "Mark 14:60 - Jesus' Silence Before Accusations")) serves as a powerful precursor, building tension until the High Priest's direct and ultimate question regarding His identity. This moment is the climax of the Jewish phase of Jesus' trial, where the true theological conflict is brought into sharp focus.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin was a hurried affair, conducted at night and likely in Caiaphas's house, deviating significantly from standard Jewish legal procedures which typically forbade capital trials at night or on feast days. The Sanhedrin, composed of chief priests, elders, and scribes, was the supreme Jewish judicial and administrative body. Their primary concern was not Roman law but Jewish law, particularly the charge of blasphemy, which was punishable by death. The High Priest Caiaphas, serving under Roman authority, sought a charge that would warrant a death sentence, which the Sanhedrin itself could not execute without Roman approval. His question, "Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?", directly probed Jesus' claim to messianic and divine status, which, if affirmed, could be interpreted as blasphemy, especially if they viewed it as a claim to equality with God. The term "the Blessed" is a reverent circumlocution for God, reflecting Jewish custom to avoid pronouncing the divine name.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:61 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Jesus' Messianic Identity**, forcing a direct confrontation over whether He is indeed the long-awaited Christ. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sonship**, as the High Priest's question implicitly asks if Jesus claims to be the unique "Son of God." This is a central theological claim of Christianity, often revealed through confessions of faith or divine pronouncements in Mark, such as at His baptism ([Mark 1:11](/mark/1-11 "Mark 1:11 - Jesus' Baptism")) and transfiguration ([Mark 9:7](/mark/9-7 "Mark 9:7 - The Transfiguration")). Thirdly, the verse showcases the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus' silence before His accusers echoes the Suffering Servant passages in Isaiah, particularly [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant"). Finally, it emphasizes the **Nature of the Trial**, revealing that the true conflict was not about minor legal infractions but about Jesus' inherent nature and authority, challenging the established religious order.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **held his peace (Greek, _siōpáō'_):** This verb, derived from a root meaning "silence" or "a hush," denotes a state of being dumb or mute. In this context, it signifies Jesus' deliberate and profound silence in the face of the false accusations and contradictory testimonies, a silence that is not due to inability but to a conscious choice. It contrasts with a voluntary refusal to speak, implying an imposed or profound stillness.
* **asked (Greek, _eperōtáō'_):** This verb means "to ask for," "inquire," or "seek." It implies a direct and pointed question, often seeking a definitive answer. The High Priest's use of this word indicates his intent to cut through the confusion of the prior testimonies and elicit a clear, binding statement from Jesus regarding His identity.
* **Blessed (Greek, _eulogētós'_):** This adjective means "adorable" or "blessed." In Jewish tradition, "the Blessed" (often with the definite article) is a circumlocution used to refer to God, especially when speaking reverently or in blessings. Its use by the High Priest signifies that he is asking if Jesus claims to be the Son of God, a claim that, in their view, constituted blasphemy if not true.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he held his peace, and answered nothing."**: This clause emphasizes Jesus' initial, profound silence. Despite the chaos and the barrage of false accusations and conflicting testimonies detailed in the preceding verses, Jesus remains utterly silent. This silence is not an admission of guilt but a deliberate posture, perhaps fulfilling prophecy or demonstrating His sovereign control over the situation, refusing to engage with the illegitimate proceedings until the decisive moment.
* **"Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him,"**: This indicates a renewed effort by Caiaphas to elicit a response. Frustrated by Jesus' silence and the failure of the witnesses to provide a consistent charge, the High Priest takes matters into his own hands, directly addressing Jesus. The repetition ("Again... asked... and said") underscores the High Priest's determination to force a confession or denial.
* **"Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?"**: This is the climactic question, cutting to the heart of Jesus' identity and mission. "The Christ" (Greek: _Christos_) is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah," referring to the Anointed One, the promised deliverer of Israel. "The Son of the Blessed" is a reverent Jewish circumlocution for "the Son of God." Caiaphas's question is therefore a direct challenge: Is Jesus claiming to be both the promised Messiah and the divine Son of God? This question carries the weight of blasphemy under Jewish law if the claim is false, and it is precisely the answer to this question that will seal Jesus' fate.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:61 powerfully employs **Dramatic Irony**, as the High Priest, in his attempt to condemn Jesus, unknowingly articulates the profound theological truth of Jesus' identity. Caiaphas intends to expose what he believes to be a false claim to messiahship and divine sonship, yet his question perfectly encapsulates the very truth that the Gospel of Mark has been revealing about Jesus from its opening verse ([Mark 1:1](/mark/1-1 "Mark 1:1 - The Beginning of the Gospel")). Furthermore, the verse highlights **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, particularly the motif of the **Suffering Servant** from Isaiah 53, who "was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")). Jesus' initial silence in this verse, before His eventual powerful declaration in the next, resonates deeply with this prophetic image, portraying Him as the one who willingly endures suffering for the sake of others. The use of **Circumlocution** in "Son of the Blessed" is also a significant literary and cultural device, showcasing Jewish reverence for the divine name while still allowing the High Priest to pose a direct theological challenge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:61 stands as a theological watershed, where the implicit claims of Jesus throughout His ministry are brought into explicit confrontation with the religious establishment. The High Priest's question forces Jesus to either deny His true identity or affirm it, knowing the fatal consequences. This moment underscores the core theological claim of Christianity: that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the promised Messiah, and uniquely the Son of God. His subsequent affirmation (in Mark 14:62) is not merely a statement of self-identity but a declaration of His divine nature and future glory, challenging the very foundations of the Sanhedrin's authority and understanding of God. This confrontation reveals the blindness of those who, despite holding the keys to scriptural understanding, failed to recognize the fulfillment of prophecy standing before them. It also highlights the divine sovereignty at play, as even the High Priest's hostile interrogation serves to bring about God's redemptive plan.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant Prophecy"): "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 his shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."
* [Matthew 26:63-64](/matthew/26-63-64 "Matthew 26:63-64 - Jesus' Confession Before Caiaphas"): "But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, 'I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.' 'You have said it,' Jesus replied. 'But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.'"
* [John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Kingship Before Pilate"): " 'You are a king, then!' said Pilate. Jesus answered, 'You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.'"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:61 presents us with a profound moment of truth and silence, inviting deep personal reflection. Jesus' initial silence in the face of false accusations is a powerful example of composure, dignity, and trust in God's ultimate justice. It challenges us to consider our own responses when we are unjustly accused or misunderstood. Do we rush to defend ourselves, or can we, like Christ, find strength in quiet reliance on God, knowing that truth will ultimately prevail? The High Priest's direct question, "Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?", forces us to confront the central question of our faith: Who is Jesus to us? Is He merely a historical figure, a good teacher, or truly the Anointed One, the divine Son of God? Our answer to this question profoundly shapes our worldview, our values, and our eternal destiny. This verse reminds us that genuine faith is not based on popular opinion or human judgment, but on the revealed identity of Christ. It calls us to stand firm in our conviction of who Jesus is, even when faced with opposition or skepticism, and to be prepared to articulate our faith with clarity and conviction, just as Jesus does in the very next verse.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' initial silence in Mark 14:61 challenge or affirm your own approach to conflict or false accusations?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the Blessed"? How does this identity impact your daily life and faith?**
* **In what ways might we, like the High Priest, unknowingly stand in judgment of truth, even when it is directly before us?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus remain silent initially, before the High Priest's direct question?**

Answer: Jesus' initial silence, as recorded in [Mark 14:60](/mark/14-60 "Mark 14:60 - Jesus' Silence Before Accusations"), was a deliberate and multifaceted act. Firstly, it fulfilled prophecy, particularly the Suffering Servant passages in [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant Prophecy"), which describes the Messiah as being silent before His accusers. Secondly, it demonstrated His sovereign control over the proceedings; He refused to dignify the false, contradictory testimonies with a response, knowing that the trial was a sham. His silence also served to highlight the injustice and the desperation of His accusers, forcing the High Priest to directly confront Him on the core issue of His identity, which was the true reason for their animosity.

**What is the significance of the title "Son of the Blessed" used by the High Priest?**

Answer: "The Blessed" (Greek: _eulogētós_) is a reverent Jewish circumlocution for God. It was a common practice to avoid speaking the divine name directly out of reverence. By asking "Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?", the High Priest Caiaphas was asking if Jesus claimed to be both the Messiah and the divine Son of God. This was the ultimate question of identity and authority. For the Jewish leaders, a claim to divine Sonship in a way that implied equality with God was considered blasphemy, punishable by death. Thus, the High Priest's question was designed to elicit a response that would provide the grounds for a capital charge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:61, though portraying Jesus' moment of silence, is deeply Christ-centered in its anticipation of His explicit affirmation of identity in the very next verse ([Mark 14:62](/mark/14-62 "Mark 14:62 - Jesus' Affirmation")). The High Priest's question, "Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?", encapsulates the central truth of the Gospel: that Jesus is indeed the Anointed One, the Messiah, and uniquely the divine Son of God. This pivotal confession, made under oath, reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, not merely a political king but a divine figure with ultimate authority. His subsequent condemnation and crucifixion, initiated by this very confession, are not a defeat but the necessary path for the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus proves His claim to be the Son of God with power ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God")), establishing His eternal reign at the right hand of God, as He Himself prophesies ([Mark 14:62](/mark/14-62 "Mark 14:62 - Jesus' Affirmation")). Thus, this verse, by framing the ultimate question of Jesus' identity, points directly to His redemptive work and His ongoing role as Lord and Savior.

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

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.

Matthew 26:64

Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Mark 15:2

And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest [it].

Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

John 10:30

I and [my] Father are one.

John 10:31

Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

John 19:7

The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.