And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

MARK 14:16KJV
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Mark 14:16 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:16 mean?

Mark 14:16 describes how Jesus’ disciples went into the city, found everything just as Jesus had told them, and prepared the Passover meal. This verse shows the disciples following Jesus’ instructions exactly and finding his words to be trustworthy.

In this scene, Jesus has sent two of his disciples ahead to get things ready for the Passover, a major Jewish festival. The verse highlights that what Jesus predicted happened just as he said, emphasizing his knowledge and authority. The disciples’ actions set the stage for the Last Supper, an important moment in the story of Jesus’ final days.

The Greek behind Mark 14:16

  • μαθηταί (mathētai, "disciples"): This word refers to Jesus’ close followers, showing that those carrying out his instructions are not just any people, but those committed to learning from him.
  • ἑτοίμασαν (hetoimasan, "made ready"): The Greek here carries the sense of careful preparation, not just a quick setup. It suggests the disciples took deliberate steps to make sure everything was arranged for the Passover meal.
  • πάσχα (pascha, "Passover"): This word refers to the important Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites’ escape from Egypt. Its use here anchors the story in a specific religious and historical context.

Why Mark 14:16 matters

  • Mark 14:16 shows that Jesus’ instructions are reliable and come true, reinforcing his authority for the reader.
  • The verse connects the actions of the disciples to the larger narrative of the Passover and the Last Supper, helping readers see how these events fit together.
  • It clears up any question about whether the preparations were ordinary or divinely guided, showing that Jesus’ foreknowledge is central to the story.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“ready” 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.