Mark 14:11
And when they heard [it], they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
And {G1161} when they heard {G191} it, they were glad {G5463}, and {G2532} promised {G1861} to give {G1325} him {G846} money {G694}. And {G2532} he sought {G2212} how {G4459} he might conveniently {G2122} betray {G3860} him {G846}.
They were pleased to hear this and promised to give him money. And he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Yeshua.
They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money. So Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus.
And they, when they heard it, were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently deliver him unto them.
Cross-References
-
1 Timothy 6:10 (3 votes)
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. -
Matthew 26:15 (2 votes)
And said [unto them], What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. -
Proverbs 28:21 (2 votes)
¶ To have respect of persons [is] not good: for for a piece of bread [that] man will transgress. -
Proverbs 28:22 (2 votes)
¶ He that hasteth to be rich [hath] an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. -
Proverbs 1:10 (2 votes)
¶ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. -
Proverbs 1:16 (2 votes)
For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. -
Luke 22:5 (2 votes)
And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
Commentary
Mark 14:11 describes the immediate reaction of the chief priests and scribes to Judas Iscariot's offer to betray Jesus, and Judas's subsequent scheming. This verse is a pivotal moment, setting the stage for the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus.
Context
This verse follows directly after Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the chief priests to offer his services in handing over Jesus. The religious leaders, who had been seeking an opportunity to arrest Jesus "by craft" and not by force (Mark 14:1-2), were delighted by this unexpected development. The Passover feast was approaching, a time when Jerusalem would be crowded, making a public arrest risky due to Jesus's popularity among the people.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "conveniently" is eukairōs (εὐκαίρως), which means "opportunely" or "at a favorable time." It suggests that Judas was not just looking for an easy way, but a strategically advantageous moment to betray Jesus without attracting attention or causing a riot among Jesus's followers. This implies a careful, premeditated plan rather than a spur-of-the-moment decision, further highlighting the depth of his treachery.
Strategic Cross-References
The accounts of Judas's betrayal are also found in the other Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 26:14-16, which specifies the payment of thirty pieces of silver, and Luke 22:3-6, which mentions Satan entering Judas. This act was also a fulfillment of ancient prophecies, such as Psalm 41:9, which Jesus Himself referenced in John 13:18.
Practical Application
This verse serves as a sober reminder of the destructive power of greed and the reality of betrayal, even from those seemingly close. It prompts self-examination: Are our motivations pure, or are we susceptible to the allure of material gain at the expense of integrity or loyalty? It also illustrates how evil can operate through calculated means, seeking opportune moments. However, even in the face of such dark human actions, God's sovereign plan of redemption for humanity was unfolding, ultimately leading to the cross and resurrection, which were necessary for salvation.
Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.