Mark 14:62

KJV

And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036}, I {G1473} am {G1510}: and {G2532} ye shall see {G3700} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} sitting {G2521} on {G1537} the right hand {G1188} of power {G1411}, and {G2532} coming {G2064} in {G3326} the clouds {G3507} of heaven {G3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I AM," answered Yeshua. "Moreover, you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of HaG'vurah and coming on the clouds of heaven."

Berean Standard Bible

“I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

American Standard Version

And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 14:62, Jesus, standing trial before the Jewish Sanhedrin and High Priest Caiaphas, makes a direct and profound declaration of His divine identity and future glorious return. This pivotal statement, "I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven," serves as the immediate grounds for His condemnation on charges of blasphemy, simultaneously unveiling His true nature as the promised Messiah, God incarnate, and the ultimate judge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic moment in Jesus' interrogation before the High Priest Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, immediately following Caiaphas' direct question: "Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" (Mark 14:61). Up to this point, Jesus had largely remained silent, fulfilling prophecies of a suffering servant who would not open his mouth (Isaiah 53:7). However, this question, touching upon His very identity and relationship with God, demanded a definitive answer. Jesus' response is not merely an affirmation but an expansive self-disclosure, drawing upon potent Old Testament imagery that His accusers would immediately recognize as a claim to divine authority and messianic kingship. This declaration directly leads to the High Priest's dramatic tearing of his clothes and the Sanhedrin's unanimous condemnation of Jesus to death for blasphemy (Mark 14:63-64), setting the stage for His delivery to Pilate.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin occurred late at night, after His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Sanhedrin was the supreme Jewish judicial and religious council, and the High Priest was its presiding officer. Under Mosaic Law, blasphemy was a capital offense (Leviticus 24:16). The Jewish leaders understood Jesus' "I am" statement, coupled with His claims of divine authority and future glory, as a direct usurpation of God's unique prerogatives, hence their charge of blasphemy. Furthermore, the titles and imagery Jesus uses—"Son of Man," "sitting on the right hand of power," and "coming in the clouds of heaven"—were deeply embedded in Jewish eschatological and messianic expectations. The phrase "right hand of power" is a circumlocution, a reverent way of referring to God without uttering His sacred name, YHWH, underscoring that Jesus was claiming co-equality and shared authority with God Himself.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:62 powerfully articulates several core themes central to Mark's Gospel and biblical theology. First, it unequivocally asserts **The Divinity of Christ**. Jesus' "I am" echoes the divine self-revelation to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Revelation as 'I AM'"), a profound claim to eternal existence and oneness with God. Second, it highlights Jesus' **Messianic Identity and Authority**. By embracing the title "Son of Man," Jesus deliberately invokes the prophecy of [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Prophecy"), which describes a divine, sovereign figure receiving everlasting dominion. His declaration of "sitting on the right hand of power" directly alludes to [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah at God's Right Hand"), a foundational messianic psalm signifying His future exaltation, kingly rule, and co-equality with God. Finally, the verse prophesies Jesus' **Future Glory and Judgment**. The phrase "coming in the clouds of heaven" reinforces the Danielic vision and points to Jesus' glorious [Second Coming](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Sign of the Son of Man"), where He will return not as a humble servant but as the divine judge and King, reversing the judgment He now faces.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **I am (Greek, _egō eimí'_):** This phrase combines G1473 (_egō_), the emphatic first-person pronoun "I," and G1510 (_eimí_), the verb "to be" in its emphatic first-person singular present indicative form, "I exist." When used absolutely, as here, it powerfully echoes the divine self-designation YHWH (rendered as "I AM THAT I AM" in the Septuagint's translation of [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Revelation to Moses")). Jesus' use of this phrase before the Sanhedrin was not merely an affirmative answer to Caiaphas' question but a profound, unequivocal claim to His pre-existence, eternal being, and divine nature, which His Jewish hearers immediately understood as blasphemy.
* **Power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** G1411 (_dýnamis_) refers to inherent force, ability, or miraculous power. In this context, "the right hand of power" functions as a reverent Jewish circumlocution for God Himself, avoiding the direct utterance of the divine name. Thus, Jesus' statement means "the right hand of God," emphasizing His co-equality with God and His future position of ultimate divine authority and majesty, fulfilling the prophecy of [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah at God's Right Hand").
* **Coming (Greek, _érchomai'_):** G2064 (_érchomai_) is a primary verb meaning "to come or go." Here, it signifies a future, active arrival. Coupled with "in the clouds of heaven," it directly alludes to the [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds") prophecy concerning the Son of Man's glorious, visible, and triumphant return. This "coming" is not a passive event but an active, sovereign act of the Son of Man to establish His eternal dominion and execute judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus said, I am:"** This is Jesus' direct and emphatic affirmation of His identity as the Christ, the Son of the Blessed (God). The "I am" (Greek: _Egō eimí_) is a profound declaration, understood by His Jewish audience as a claim to divine essence, echoing God's self-revelation to Moses. It is a bold and unequivocal assertion of His deity, which immediately provides the grounds for the Sanhedrin's charge of blasphemy.
* **"and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power,"** Jesus immediately expands on His identity by using the title "Son of Man," a term He frequently used for Himself, which simultaneously emphasizes His true humanity and His divine, authoritative role as prophesied in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Prophecy"). "Sitting on the right hand of power" is a direct allusion to [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah at God's Right Hand") and signifies His future exaltation, kingly rule, and shared divine authority with God (referred to as "Power" through circumlocution). This declares His future position of ultimate sovereignty, a stark contrast to His current vulnerable state as a prisoner.
* **"and coming in the clouds of heaven."** This phrase further reinforces the Danielic prophecy of the Son of Man's glorious return ([Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds")). "Coming in the clouds of heaven" is a powerful image of divine presence, majesty, and judgment. It speaks of Jesus' visible, public, and triumphant return at the end of the age, not as a humble servant, but as the divine judge and King. This declaration serves as a prophetic warning to His accusers that their roles will one day be reversed, and they will witness His ultimate triumph and authority.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:62 is rich with significant literary devices. **Allusion** is paramount, as Jesus' declaration is replete with direct references to Old Testament prophecies. His "I am" alludes to God's self-revelation in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Revelation as 'I AM'"), establishing His divine identity. The title "Son of Man" and the imagery of "coming in the clouds of heaven" are clear allusions to the majestic, divine figure in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Prophecy"). Furthermore, "sitting on the right hand of power" is an unmistakable allusion to the Messianic enthronement described in [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah at God's Right Hand"). The verse also employs profound **Symbolism**: "the right hand of power" symbolizes ultimate authority, co-equality with God, and sovereign rule, while "the clouds of heaven" symbolize divine presence, glory, and the impending judgment associated with the Lord's return. Finally, there is a striking element of **Dramatic Irony**: Jesus, who is being judged by human authorities for blasphemy, declares Himself to be the divine Son of Man who will one day sit as the ultimate judge, a powerful reversal of roles that underscores His true sovereignty despite His apparent weakness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:62 stands as a theological cornerstone, encapsulating the very essence of Christ's identity and mission. It is the most explicit declaration of Jesus' divinity and messianic authority in Mark's Gospel, delivered at the most critical juncture of His earthly ministry. This verse confirms that Jesus is not merely a prophet or a good teacher, but God incarnate, the long-awaited Messiah, who possesses ultimate authority over all creation and will return as the sovereign judge. It underscores the profound paradox of the Gospel: the one condemned by humanity is the one exalted by God, and the one seemingly powerless is the source of all power. This declaration provides the theological bedrock for understanding the atoning work of Christ, as only a divine-human Savior could bridge the gap between God and humanity and bear the weight of the world's sin.

* [John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Jesus' Divine Claim")
* [Matthew 26:64](/matthew/26-64 "Matthew 26:64 - Parallel Account of Jesus' Declaration")
* [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Christ's Return in Clouds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' bold declaration in Mark 14:62, made at the very moment of His deepest humiliation, offers profound assurance and a challenging call to discipleship for believers today. It reminds us that our Lord is not merely a historical figure but the eternally existent "I AM," who holds all power and authority, even when His circumstances might suggest otherwise. This truth should instill in us an unwavering confidence in His sovereignty, especially when we face trials or persecution. Just as Jesus endured unjust judgment with the certainty of His future vindication and glory, so too are we called to persevere, knowing that our ultimate hope rests in His promised return. This declaration compels us to live with an eschatological awareness, recognizing that we serve a King who will one day return in undeniable glory to judge the living and the dead. It challenges us to align our lives with His kingdom values, to worship Him as the divine Lord, and to share the good news of His ultimate triumph with a world that desperately needs to see Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' bold declaration of "I am" challenge or deepen my understanding of His divine identity and authority?**
* **What comfort or conviction do I draw from the promise that Jesus, the "Son of Man," will return in power and glory?**
* **How should the reality of Jesus' ultimate sovereignty and future judgment impact my daily decisions, priorities, and witness?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus say "I am" and what was its significance?**

Answer: When Jesus said "I am" (Greek: _Egō eimí_), it was far more than a simple affirmative answer to Caiaphas' question, "Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" It was a profound and direct claim to divine identity. In the Old Testament, particularly in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Revelation to Moses"), God revealed Himself to Moses as "I AM THAT I AM." Jesus' use of this phrase, especially in an absolute sense, was understood by His Jewish audience as an assertion of His eternal existence, self-sufficiency, and essential oneness with God. This was perceived as blasphemy by the Sanhedrin, as only God could claim such a title, and it became the immediate grounds for His condemnation.

**What does the title "Son of Man" signify in this context?**

Answer: The title "Son of Man" (Greek: _huios tou anthrōpou_) is a complex and significant self-designation used by Jesus throughout the Gospels. While it emphasizes His true humanity, its primary significance here is eschatological and divine. Jesus is directly alluding to the prophecy in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Prophecy"), where "one like a son of man" comes with the clouds of heaven to receive everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will not be destroyed. By using this title, Jesus was claiming not only His humanity but also His unique, divine authority as the prophesied Messiah who would rule and judge, a stark contrast to His current position as a prisoner on trial.

**What is the meaning of "sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven"?**

Answer: These phrases are rich with Old Testament allusions and theological significance. "Sitting on the right hand of power" directly refers to [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah at God's Right Hand"), a foundational messianic psalm that prophesies the Messiah's exaltation to a position of ultimate authority and co-equality with God. "Power" (Greek: _dýnamis_) here is a reverent circumlocution for God Himself, meaning "the right hand of God." This signifies Jesus' ultimate divine authority, reign, and vindication. "Coming in the clouds of heaven" reinforces the [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds") prophecy, depicting a glorious, visible, and triumphant return of the Son of Man at the end of the age. It speaks of Jesus' Second Coming, where He will return not as a humble servant but as the divine judge and King, reversing the judgment He now faces and establishing His eternal kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:62, Jesus' profound declaration before His accusers, stands as a pivotal moment revealing the very heart of Christ-centered fulfillment. In this declaration, Jesus, the seemingly powerless prisoner, unveils His true identity as the divine "I AM" and the sovereign "Son of Man" who will ultimately sit in judgment. This bold statement, though leading to His immediate condemnation and crucifixion, foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan. The "sitting on the right hand of power" points directly to His resurrection and ascension, where He was indeed [exalted to the right hand of God](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Christ Exalted to God's Right Hand"), receiving all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - Jesus' Great Commission and Authority")). His current reign is a reality for believers, as He is [seated in the heavenly places](/ephesians/1-20-23 "Ephesians 1:20-23 - Christ's Supremacy and the Church") far above all rule and authority. Furthermore, "coming in the clouds of heaven" speaks to His glorious [Second Coming](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Return"), when He will return visibly and powerfully to consummate His kingdom and bring final judgment and salvation. Thus, Mark 14:62 is not merely a historical record of Jesus' trial but a prophetic blueprint of His redemptive journey from suffering to sovereignty, a journey in which He, the innocent Lamb, was judged so that humanity might be saved and welcomed into His eternal kingdom. His declaration assures us that the one who suffered for us is the one who reigns and will return, making Him the ultimate fulfillment of all divine promises.

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

Daniel 7:13

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

Daniel 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

Psalms 110:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Hebrews 1:3

Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Mark 13:26

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

Matthew 24:30

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

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.