The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

MARK 14:21KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 14:21 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:21 mean?

Mark 14:21 records Jesus saying that he, the "Son of man," will go to his fate just as the Scriptures predicted, but he warns that it will be terrible for the person who betrays him—so much so that it would have been better for that betrayer never to have been born. This verse highlights both the fulfillment of prophecy and the seriousness of the betrayer's actions.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples during the Last Supper, shortly before his arrest. He refers to himself as the "Son of man," a title he often uses, and points to the betrayal that is about to happen. Jesus' words stress that, while his suffering is part of God's plan, the responsibility and consequences for the betrayer are still very real and severe.

The Greek behind Mark 14:21

  • "Son" (υἱός, huios) and "man" (ἄνθρωπος, anthrōpos): Together, "Son of man" is a phrase Jesus uses for himself, drawing from Old Testament imagery and emphasizing both his humanity and his special role.
  • "Woe" (οὐαί, ouai): This word is an expression of deep sorrow or warning, not just a prediction but a lament over the betrayer's fate.
  • "Betrayed" (παραδίδωμι, paradidōmi): This verb means to hand over or deliver up, underscoring the active role of the betrayer in what is about to happen.

Why Mark 14:21 matters

  • Mark 14:21 clears up the idea that Jesus' death was just a random event; it shows that his betrayal and suffering were foreseen in Scripture, yet human choices still carry weight.
  • The verse emphasizes personal responsibility even within God's larger plan, warning that being the one to betray Jesus is a tragic and serious act.
  • Mark 14:21 sets the emotional tone for the events that follow, showing the gravity of the betrayal and the sorrow Jesus feels about it.

Where else these words appear

“woe” Greek G3759 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 11:21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
  • Matthew 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
  • Luke 17:1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

“had” Greek G1080 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
  • Acts 7:29 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.

“goeth” Greek G5217 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • Mark 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
  • John 11:8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

“good” Greek G2570 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 3:9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • 1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;