And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.

MARK 14:17KJV
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Mark 14:17 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:17 mean?

Mark 14:17 describes Jesus arriving in the evening with his twelve closest followers, the disciples. This verse sets the scene for the events that will unfold during the Last Supper, a significant moment in the story of Jesus.

In this part of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus is gathering with the twelve disciples for the Passover meal. The timing—“in the evening”—signals that the day’s preparations are complete and something important is about to happen. The verse quietly emphasizes the unity of Jesus and the twelve at this key moment, just before the events leading to his arrest and crucifixion.

The Greek behind Mark 14:17

  • “evening” (ὀψία, opsia): This word refers to the late part of the day, after sunset. In Jewish tradition, evening marks the start of a new day, which is important for understanding the timing of the Passover meal.
  • “with” (μετά, meta): This preposition means “together with” or “in company with.” It highlights that Jesus is not alone but is intentionally gathering with all twelve disciples.
  • “twelve” (δώδεκα, dōdeka): This number specifically points to the full group of Jesus’s chosen disciples, underlining their presence as a complete group at this pivotal moment.

Why Mark 14:17 matters

  • Mark 14:17 shows that Jesus and all twelve disciples are together at the start of the Last Supper, which is important because one of them will soon betray him.
  • The mention of “evening” helps clarify the Jewish understanding of when a day begins and how the Passover meal fits into this timeline.
  • This verse connects the reader to the unfolding drama, marking a transition from preparation to the intimate and tense gathering that leads to Jesus’s arrest.

Where else these words appear

“evening” Greek G3798 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
  • Matthew 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
  • Mark 6:47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

“twelve” Greek G1427 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
  • Mark 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
  • John 6:13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.