And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

MARK 14:46KJV
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Mark 14:46 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:46 mean?

Mark 14:46 describes the moment when a group physically seizes Jesus, laying their hands on him and arresting him. This marks the beginning of Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, setting in motion the events that lead to his crucifixion.

The verse takes place late at night, after Jesus has been praying with his disciples. A crowd sent by the religious leaders, along with Judas, has arrived to capture him. The language is direct and forceful, showing that Jesus is not just being asked to come along—he is being taken by force, which highlights the seriousness and danger of the situation.

The Greek behind Mark 14:46

  • ἐπέβαλον (epébalon, “laid”): This word often means to throw or place upon, suggesting a sudden or forceful action. Here, it emphasizes that those arresting Jesus acted decisively and with physical control.
  • ἐκράτησαν (ekratēsan, “took”): This verb means to seize, grasp, or hold firmly. It carries the sense of overpowering someone, not simply leading them away. This shows that Jesus was not just escorted but was firmly apprehended.

Why Mark 14:46 matters

  • Mark 14:46 clarifies that Jesus’ arrest was not a peaceful or voluntary event; it was a forceful act by those sent to capture him.
  • The verse connects directly to Jesus’ earlier predictions about his betrayal and suffering, showing those words coming true in real time.
  • This moment sets the stage for the trials and suffering that follow, making it a turning point in the narrative of Jesus’ final hours.

Where else these words appear

“laid” Greek G1911 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 9:16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
  • Luke 5:36 And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.
  • John 7:44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.

“took” Greek G2902 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 9:25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
  • Mark 6:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.
  • Acts 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.