And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.

MARK 14:15KJV
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What does Mark 14:15 mean?

Mark 14:15 describes how Jesus tells his disciples that a man will show them a large upstairs room that is already furnished and ready, and that this is the place where they should prepare for the Passover meal. The verse highlights that the arrangements for this important meal have already been made and that the disciples simply need to follow the instructions given.

In the setting of Mark 14:15, Jesus is speaking to two of his disciples as they prepare for the Passover in Jerusalem. He gives them specific directions to find a room, showing his foreknowledge and control over the situation. This verse is part of the lead-up to the Last Supper, emphasizing both the readiness of the place and the careful planning involved in this significant event.

The Greek behind Mark 14:15

  • The word "large" (μεγάλος, megalos) points out that the room is spacious, suitable for Jesus and all his disciples to gather comfortably.
  • "Furnished" (ἐστρωμένον, estromenon) means the room is set up, likely with couches or mats for reclining at the meal, showing it is fully prepared for use.
  • "Prepared" (ἕτοιμος, hetoimos) carries the sense of something made ready in advance, underlining that nothing is left to chance and everything is in order for the Passover.

Why Mark 14:15 matters

  • Mark 14:15 clears up any idea that the Last Supper was a casual or last-minute gathering; the room was already arranged and ready, pointing to intentional planning.
  • The verse emphasizes Jesus’ authority and knowledge, as he directs his disciples with confidence about what they will find.
  • This detail connects to the larger narrative, showing that the events leading to Jesus’ final meal with his disciples unfold according to a purposeful plan, not random circumstances.

Where else these words appear

“room” Greek G508 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 22:12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

“furnished” Greek G4766 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 21:8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
  • Mark 11:8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
  • Luke 22:12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

“prepared” Greek G2092 · used in 17 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 14:17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.

“shew” Greek G1166 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • John 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
  • James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.