And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:

MARK 14:51KJV
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Mark 14:51 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:51 mean?

Mark 14:51 describes a young man who was following Jesus after his arrest, wearing only a linen cloth over his otherwise naked body, and how some young men tried to seize him. The verse highlights the confusion and fear among Jesus’ followers during his arrest, showing that even those nearby were caught off guard and fled in haste.

This moment takes place just after Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. The "young man" is not named, and his presence is unique to Mark’s account. The detail about the linen cloth and his near-nakedness suggests he left in a hurry, possibly awakened from sleep, and the attempt to seize him shows the chaos as Jesus’ followers scattered.

The Greek behind Mark 14:51

  • νεανίσκος (neaniskos, "young man"): This word refers to a young man, likely in his teens or twenties. Mark’s use of this term, instead of a specific name, keeps the focus on the event rather than the individual.
  • σινδών (sindōn, "linen cloth"): This word means a fine linen garment or sheet. The mention of a "linen cloth" instead of regular clothing suggests the young man was not prepared for public appearance, emphasizing the suddenness of the situation.
  • γυμνός (gumnos, "naked"): This word means naked or without clothing. The verse notes the young man was only covered by the linen cloth, highlighting his vulnerability and the urgency of the moment.
  • κρατέω (krateō, "laid hold on him"): This verb means to seize or grasp firmly. The attempt to grab the young man shows the intensity of the search for Jesus’ followers.

Why Mark 14:51 matters

  • Mark 14:51 gives a vivid, personal detail that sets Mark’s account apart and adds a sense of eyewitness authenticity to the narrative.
  • The verse shows how quickly Jesus’ followers abandoned him, underlining the fear and confusion that took hold after his arrest.
  • This detail connects to the theme of desertion in Mark 14, emphasizing that even those who tried to stay close to Jesus were overwhelmed and fled when danger came.

Where else these words appear

“cloth” Greek G4616 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 27:59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
  • Mark 14:52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
  • Mark 15:46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

“man” Greek G3495 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • Acts 5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

“naked” Greek G1131 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
  • Mark 14:52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
  • Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

“cast” Greek G4016 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 6:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
  • Luke 19:43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
  • Revelation 7:13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?