Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Mark 14:48

Next

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and [with] staves to take me?

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Are ye come out {G1831}, as {G5613} against {G1909} a thief {G3027}, with {G3326} swords {G3162} and {G2532} with staves {G3586} to take {G4815} me {G3165}?

Yeshua addressed them: "So you came out to take me with swords and clubs, the way you would the leader of a rebellion?

Jesus asked the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw?

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a robber, with swords and staves to seize me?

Commentary

Context of Mark 14:48

This verse captures Jesus' poignant question to the armed crowd that came to arrest Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. Following the Last Supper and His fervent prayer where He submitted to His Father's will, Jesus is met by a mob led by Judas Iscariot. The scene unfolds under the cover of night, contrasting sharply with Jesus' open and public ministry during the day. The presence of "swords and staves" indicates a perceived need for force, as if apprehending a dangerous criminal, which Jesus immediately challenges.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Innocence and Dignity: Jesus' rhetorical question highlights the absurdity and injustice of His arrest. He had taught openly in the temple courts and synagogues, never hiding. His question underscores His blamelessness and the dignity with which He faces His accusers, despite the violent manner of their approach.
  • Injustice and Betrayal: The verse powerfully conveys the theme of injustice, as the Son of God is treated like a common, violent criminal. It is a direct consequence of the betrayal by one of His own disciples, orchestrated by the religious authorities who feared His influence.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, Jesus' arrest in this manner is part of God's sovereign plan, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah. His peaceful submission, despite the armed confrontation, points to His willingness to endure for the sake of humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text uses the phrase "as against a thief." The Greek word here for "thief" is lestes (λῃστής), which carries a stronger connotation than a petty thief. It often refers to a bandit, robber, or even a revolutionary insurgent – someone who uses violence. By coming with "swords" (machairai, μάχαιραι) and "staves" (xyla, ξύλα, meaning clubs or wooden staffs), the arresting party implied Jesus was a dangerous, armed threat, a claim fundamentally at odds with His peaceful teachings and actions. Jesus' question challenges this mischaracterization, exposing the true nature of their intent and the unjust pretext for His arrest.

Practical Application

Mark 14:48 prompts us to reflect on how we perceive and treat others, especially those who may be misunderstood or unjustly accused. Jesus, though innocent, faced immense injustice and false accusations. His calm and dignified response in the face of such hostility serves as a powerful example of grace under pressure. This verse reminds us that:

  • We should not be quick to judge or condemn based on appearance or popular opinion.
  • Even in moments of profound injustice, we can maintain our integrity and trust in God's overarching plan, as Jesus did.
  • The world often operates with methods of force and deception, but followers of Christ are called to embody the spirit of peace and truth, even when facing opposition, remembering that we are to overcome evil with good.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Luke 22:52 (3 votes)

    Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

  • Luke 22:53 (3 votes)

    When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

  • 1 Samuel 26:18 (3 votes)

    And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil [is] in mine hand?

  • 1 Samuel 24:14 (2 votes)

    After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.

  • 1 Samuel 24:15 (2 votes)

    The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.

  • Matthew 26:55 (1 votes)

    In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.