And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?

MARK 14:12KJV
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Mark 14:12 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:12 mean?

Mark 14:12 describes how, on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread—when the Passover lamb was traditionally killed—Jesus’ disciples asked him where he wanted them to prepare the Passover meal for him. The verse shows the disciples taking initiative to make arrangements for this important Jewish festival.

In this scene, the disciples are speaking directly to Jesus as the group prepares to observe Passover in Jerusalem. The timing is significant: the “first day of unleavened bread” refers to the start of a major Jewish festival, and “when they killed the passover” points to the day when lambs were sacrificed for the meal. The question from the disciples sets the stage for the Last Supper, which will soon follow in the narrative.

The Greek behind Mark 14:12

  • ἡμέρα (hēmera, “day”): This word highlights the specific timing, marking the start of the festival and showing the disciples’ awareness of Jewish customs.
  • πάσχα (pascha, “passover”): This term refers both to the lamb that was sacrificed and the meal itself, underscoring the religious importance of what Jesus and his disciples are about to do.
  • ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō, “prepare”): The Greek word here means to make ready or arrange, showing the disciples’ practical role in getting things set up for the Passover celebration.

Why Mark 14:12 matters

  • Mark 14:12 clarifies the timeline of events leading up to Jesus’ final meal with his disciples, connecting the story to a major Jewish festival.
  • The verse shows the disciples’ respect for tradition and their care in making sure everything is ready for Jesus to celebrate Passover.
  • This moment introduces the preparations for the Last Supper, which becomes a central event in the story of Jesus’ final hours.

Where else these words appear

“bread” Greek G106 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 26:17 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
  • Luke 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
  • Acts 20:6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

“killed” Greek G2380 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 22:4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
  • Luke 22:7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
  • Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

“passover” Greek G3957 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 26:2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
  • Luke 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
  • John 11:55 And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

“prepare” Greek G2090 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Luke 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
  • John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.