Mark 14:65

KJV

And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} some {G5100} began {G756} to spit {G1716} on him {G846}, and {G2532} to cover {G4028} his {G846} face {G4383}, and {G2532} to buffet {G2852} him {G846}, and {G2532} to say {G3004} unto him {G846}, Prophesy {G4395}: and {G2532} the servants {G5257} did strike {G906} him {G846} with the palms of their hands {G4475}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then some began spitting at him; and after blindfolding him, they started pounding him with their fists and saying to him, "Let's see you prophesy!" And as the guards took him, they beat him too.

Berean Standard Bible

Then some of them began to spit on Him. They blindfolded Him, struck Him with their fists, and said to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps in His face.

American Standard Version

And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the officers received him with blows of their hands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:65 powerfully depicts the immediate aftermath of Jesus' condemnation by the Jewish Sanhedrin, revealing a scene of intense physical abuse and profound humiliation. This verse captures the raw cruelty inflicted upon Jesus, as He is subjected to spitting, blindfolding, striking, and mocking challenges to His prophetic claims, underscoring the depths of human depravity and the beginning of His ultimate suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in Mark's Gospel, immediately following Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane and His clandestine trial before the full Sanhedrin in the high priest's palace. Just moments prior, Jesus had unequivocally affirmed His divine identity as "the Christ, the Son of the Blessed" and prophesied His future return "sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven" ([Mark 14:62](/mark/14-62 "Mark 14:62 - Jesus' Affirmation Before the Sanhedrin")). This declaration, perceived as blasphemy by the council, led to their unanimous condemnation to death. The actions described in [Mark 14:65](/mark/14-65 "Mark 14:65 - Jesus' Humiliation") are not part of a formal legal punishment but rather an outburst of contempt, rage, and mockery from the religious leaders and their attendants, a visceral expression of their rejection of His claims.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin was fraught with legal irregularities, including being held at night, on a feast day, and without proper witnesses or defense. Culturally, spitting on someone was an act of extreme contempt and dishonor, a public display of utter disdain. Covering someone's face, especially in this context, could serve multiple purposes: to prevent the victim from identifying their assailants, to symbolize a criminal's impending execution (as a condemned man), or to intensify the mockery by challenging their supposed divine knowledge while visually impaired. The "buffeting" and "striking with the palms of their hands" were not mere slaps but forceful blows, designed to inflict pain and further degrade the accused. These actions were a stark violation of any semblance of justice or human dignity, reflecting the intense hatred Jesus provoked among His accusers.
* **Key Themes:** [Mark 14:65](/mark/14-65 "Mark 14:65 - Jesus' Humiliation and Mockery") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Foremost is the theme of **Profound Suffering and Humiliation** of the Messiah, which is central to Mark's portrayal of Jesus. The physical and emotional abuse highlights the depths to which the Son of God descended for humanity's sake. Another key theme is the **Mockery of Jesus' Messianic and Prophetic Claims**. The command "Prophesy!" after His face was covered directly challenges His divine knowledge and authority, ironically confirming His true identity even as they scorned it. This scene also underscores the **Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy**, particularly the Suffering Servant passages in Isaiah, where the Messiah is depicted as enduring shame and spitting ([Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant's Endurance")). Finally, the verse vividly illustrates **Human Depravity and Injustice**, revealing the capacity for extreme cruelty and the perversion of justice when religious and political power are wielded by those blinded by prejudice and fear.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spit (Greek, _emptýō_):** Derived from "en" (in) and "ptýō" (to spit), this word signifies an act of spitting at or upon someone. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, spitting was a profound gesture of contempt, disgust, and utter humiliation, designed to publicly shame and dishonor an individual. Its use here emphasizes the extreme degradation Jesus endured.
* **buffet (Greek, _kolaphízō_):** This term, from a root meaning "to chastise" or "to punish," specifically means "to strike with the fist," often implying blows to the head or face. It conveys forceful, repeated, and violent physical abuse. The word highlights the brutal, intentional infliction of pain by Jesus' captors.
* **Prophesy (Greek, _prophēteúō_):** Meaning "to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, or exercise the prophetic office," this word is used here in a deeply sarcastic and mocking sense. By covering Jesus' face and then demanding He prophesy who struck Him, His tormentors were cruelly challenging His claims to divine insight and His identity as the Messiah, who was expected to be a great prophet.
* **palms of their hands (Greek, _rhápisma_):** This noun refers to a "slap" or a "blow with the open hand," or even with a rod. While it might seem less severe than "buffet," it still denotes a painful and humiliating strike. The phrase "did strike him with the palms of their hands" indicates a continuous, demeaning assault, further emphasizing the physical abuse and the complete lack of respect shown to Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And some began to spit on him,"**: This clause initiates the physical abuse, highlighting the profound disrespect and contempt shown to Jesus. Spitting was a public act of extreme dishonor, intended to defile and degrade the recipient. The use of "began" suggests this was the start of a prolonged period of abuse.
* **"and to cover his face,"**: This action, often referred to as blindfolding, served multiple purposes. It prevented Jesus from seeing His attackers, adding to His vulnerability and psychological torment. It also allowed His tormentors to strike Him with impunity, and symbolically, it could signify a condemned man, whose face would be covered before execution.
* **"and to buffet him,"**: Following the spitting and blindfolding, this describes the direct physical assault. "Buffeting" implies striking with fists, particularly to the head or face, indicating a violent and painful beating. This was not merely a slap but a forceful, repeated assault.
* **"and to say unto him, Prophesy:"**: This is the verbal component of the mockery. With His face covered, Jesus was challenged to use His supposed prophetic powers to identify who had just struck Him. This was a cruel taunt, directly ridiculing His claims to divine knowledge and His identity as the Messiah, who was expected to be a prophet and king.
* **"and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands."**: This final clause indicates that the abuse was not limited to the Sanhedrin members but extended to their attendants. The "servants" joined in the physical assault, using open-handed blows. This detail underscores the widespread contempt and the complete breakdown of any decorum or justice, as even those in subservient roles felt emboldened to participate in the humiliation of Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:65 is rich with literary devices that amplify its impact. **Irony** is profoundly present in the command "Prophesy!" The very individuals who reject Jesus' prophetic claims and divine identity mockingly challenge Him to demonstrate those powers. This verbal taunt, coupled with the physical abuse, serves as a dark mirror to His true nature. The scene also employs **Pathos**, evoking deep pity and sorrow for Jesus' suffering. The graphic descriptions of spitting, blindfolding, and striking are designed to elicit an emotional response from the reader, emphasizing the immense pain and humiliation He endured. Furthermore, the verse uses **Symbolism**: the covering of Jesus' face can symbolize the spiritual blindness of His accusers, who fail to recognize the Son of God standing before them. The entire scene serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of the greater suffering and ultimate crucifixion that awaits Jesus, establishing the theme of the Suffering Servant who cures profound injustice for the sake of humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:65 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Christ's suffering and the depth of human sin. It reveals that Jesus' path to redemption was not merely through a legal condemnation but through a gauntlet of personal humiliation and physical abuse, willingly endured. This suffering, far from being an accidental byproduct of His trial, was an integral part of God's sovereign plan for atonement, demonstrating the immense cost of sin and the boundless love of God. The scene underscores the reality of human depravity, where religious zealotry and fear can lead to the most heinous acts of injustice against the innocent. It also highlights Jesus' perfect obedience and submission to the Father's will, even in the face of unimaginable cruelty, setting the stage for His ultimate sacrifice.

* [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant's Endurance")
* [Matthew 26:67-68](/matthew/26-67-68 "Matthew 26:67-68 - Parallel Account of Jesus' Abuse")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:65 confronts us with the stark reality of Jesus' suffering, inviting us to move beyond a mere intellectual understanding to a profound appreciation of His sacrifice. This verse reminds us that our salvation was purchased not just by His death, but by every indignity, every blow, and every mocking word He willingly endured. It calls us to reflect on the immense love that motivated Him to submit to such degradation for our sake, despite His divine power to stop it. For believers, this passage offers a powerful example of enduring injustice with grace and humility, knowing that Christ Himself suffered unjustly. It also serves as a sobering mirror, revealing the human capacity for cruelty and the urgent need for divine transformation in our own hearts and in the world. As we contemplate this scene, our gratitude for Christ's atoning work should deepen, compelling us to live lives worthy of such a costly redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the specific acts of humiliation in Mark 14:65 deepen your appreciation for Christ's suffering and sacrifice?**
* **In what ways might we, even unintentionally, contribute to the "covering of the face" or "buffeting" of Christ in our own lives or in the lives of others?**
* **What strength can you draw from Jesus' endurance of unjust suffering when you face unfair treatment or persecution for your faith?**
* **How does this passage challenge your understanding of human nature and the pervasive need for spiritual transformation?**

### FAQ
**Why did they cover Jesus' face before striking Him?**

Answer: Covering Jesus' face, often referred to as blindfolding, served multiple cruel purposes. Firstly, it prevented Him from seeing His attackers, thereby intensifying His vulnerability and psychological torment. It also allowed His tormentors to strike Him with impunity, knowing they could not be identified. Symbolically, it could represent the spiritual blindness of His accusers who failed to recognize the Son of God, or it could be a demeaning act, as a condemned criminal's face might be covered. The act of covering His face amplified the humiliation and mockery, especially when coupled with the demand to "Prophesy!" ([Mark 14:65](/mark/14-65 "Mark 14:65 - Jesus' Humiliation and Mockery")).

**What was the significance of the command "Prophesy!"?**

Answer: The command "Prophesy!" was a direct and cruel taunt, loaded with bitter irony. After covering Jesus' face, His tormentors challenged Him to use His divine knowledge to identify who had just struck Him. This was a direct mockery of His claims to be the Messiah, who was expected to be a great prophet, and the Son of God with divine insight. They were daring Him to prove His claims in a demeaning game, ridiculing the very power they denied He possessed. This act highlights the profound spiritual blindness and hardened hearts of those who condemned Him ([Mark 14:62](/mark/14-62 "Mark 14:62 - Jesus' Declaration Before the Sanhedrin")).

**Who were the "servants" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "servants" (Greek, _hypērétēs_) mentioned in [Mark 14:65](/mark/14-65 "Mark 14:65 - Jesus' Humiliation") were likely attendants, guards, or officers associated with the high priest's household or the Sanhedrin. These were not Roman soldiers but Jewish temple guards or household staff. Their participation in the abuse underscores the widespread contempt and the complete breakdown of any semblance of justice or decorum. It shows that the humiliation of Jesus was not limited to the religious leaders themselves but extended to those under their authority, indicating a pervasive atmosphere of hostility and malice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:65, with its stark depiction of Jesus' humiliation and suffering, is a poignant fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and a profound revelation of Christ's identity and mission. This scene vividly portrays the Suffering Servant described by Isaiah, who "gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting" ([Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant's Endurance")). Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, willingly submitted to this degradation, not as a victim of circumstance, but as the sovereign Son of God fulfilling His redemptive purpose. His endurance of spitting, blindfolding, and blows foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He would bear the full weight of humanity's sin and shame ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The mockery of "Prophesy!" ironically confirms His true prophetic and kingly office, as He is indeed the one who knows all things and will return in glory ([Matthew 26:64](/matthew/26-64 "Matthew 26:64 - Jesus' Prophecy of His Return")). Thus, this verse is not merely a historical account of abuse, but a powerful testament to the self-emptying love of Christ, who humbled Himself to the point of death, even death on a cross, so that through His suffering, we might find salvation and eternal life ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")).

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 26:67

Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote [him] with the palms of their hands,

Matthew 26:68

Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

Acts 23:2

And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

John 19:3

And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.

Isaiah 50:6

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Luke 22:63

¶ And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote [him].

Luke 22:64

And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?