Mark 14:21

The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

The Son {G5207} of man {G444} indeed {G3303} goeth {G5217}, as {G2531} it is written {G1125} of {G4012} him {G846}: but {G1161} woe {G3759} to that {G1565} man {G444} by {G1223} whom {G3739} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} is betrayed {G3860}! good {G2570} were it {G2258} for that {G1565} man {G444} if {G1487} he {G846} had {G1080} never {G3756} been born {G1080}.

For the Son of Man will die, just as the Tanakh says he will; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him had he never been born!"

The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

For the Son of man goeth, even as it is written of him: but woe unto that man through whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had not been born.

Commentary

Mark 14:21 captures Jesus' solemn declaration during the Last Supper, revealing both the divine necessity of His suffering and the dire judgment awaiting His betrayer. It's a moment pregnant with prophetic fulfillment and profound warning.

Context

This verse is spoken by Jesus during the Passover meal with His disciples, shortly before His arrest. Having just announced that one of them would betray Him, a statement that caused great distress among the disciples (Mark 14:19), Jesus then directly addresses the inevitability of His passion and the specific culpability of His betrayer. This discourse is also found in the parallel accounts of Matthew 26:24 and Luke 22:22, highlighting its significance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Prophecy Fulfillment: The phrase "The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him" underscores that Jesus' suffering and death were not accidental or a failure, but part of God's predetermined plan and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's atoning sacrifice. This points to passages like Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22, which foretold His suffering and death.
  • The Gravity of Betrayal: Jesus pronounces a severe "woe" upon the one who would betray Him. This is not merely a statement of regret but a solemn declaration of judgment and condemnation. The act of betraying the Son of God, especially by one of His inner circle, is presented as a sin of unparalleled wickedness.
  • Eternal Consequences of Rejecting Christ: The stark statement, "good were it for that man if he had never been born," emphasizes the catastrophic and eternal consequences awaiting Judas Iscariot. It signifies a fate so terrible that non-existence would be preferable, indicating a state of eternal separation from God and severe suffering. This phrase highlights the profound value of life itself, but also the ultimate ruin brought about by grave sin and rejection of the divine.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Son of man": This is Jesus' most frequent self-designation, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine, messianic authority, often linking to the prophetic figure in Daniel 7:13. It conveys His role as the chosen one who would suffer and eventually return in glory.
  • "Woe" (Greek: ouai): This interjection expresses profound sorrow, grief, and often a prophetic denunciation or curse. It signifies impending judgment and severe misfortune.

Practical Application

Mark 14:21 serves as a powerful reminder of several truths:

  • God's Sovereignty: Even in the darkest moments of human treachery, God's divine plan remains on course. Jesus' crucifixion, though brought about by human sin, was part of God's redemptive purpose for humanity.
  • The Seriousness of Sin: The verse powerfully illustrates the severe consequences of sin, particularly betrayal and rejection of divine truth. It calls us to consider the weight of our own choices and actions before God.
  • Personal Accountability: While God's plan was fixed, Judas's choice to betray Jesus was his own, and he was held accountable for it. This emphasizes the reality of human free will and personal responsibility before God, even within a divinely ordained framework. We are called to examine our hearts and ensure our allegiance is truly to Christ, not betraying Him through our actions or lack of faith, but rather taking up our cross and following Him daily.
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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.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 53:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

  • Isaiah 53:12 (5 votes)

    Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

  • John 19:36 (3 votes)

    For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

  • John 19:37 (3 votes)

    And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

  • Matthew 18:6 (3 votes)

    But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

  • Matthew 18:7 (3 votes)

    Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

  • John 19:28 (3 votes)

    After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.