For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.

MARK 14:56KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 14:56 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:56 mean?

Mark 14:56 describes how many people gave false testimony against Jesus during his trial, but their statements did not agree with each other. The verse highlights that the accusations brought against Jesus were inconsistent and unreliable.

At this point in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus is on trial before the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin). Various witnesses are called to testify against him, but their stories do not match up, making it clear that the case against Jesus is weak and based on dishonesty. This detail sets the stage for the injustice of the trial and shows the difficulty the authorities had in finding a legitimate reason to condemn Jesus.

The Greek behind Mark 14:56

  • μαρτυρέω (martureō, "witness"): This word is used for giving testimony, especially in a legal setting. Here, it is paired with the idea of "false" testimony, stressing the dishonesty of the witnesses.
  • συμφωνέω (sumphōneō, "agreed"): The Greek word here carries the sense of voices or statements matching up. The verse points out that the witnesses’ stories did not "agree," underlining the lack of credible evidence.
  • πολλοί (polloi, "many"): The use of "many" emphasizes that it was not just a few, but a large number of people who were willing to give false testimony, making the situation even more striking.

Why Mark 14:56 matters

  • Mark 14:56 clarifies that the trial of Jesus was deeply flawed, with unreliable and conflicting testimony used against him.
  • The verse emphasizes the injustice Jesus faced, showing that even his accusers could not present a consistent case.
  • This detail connects to the broader narrative, highlighting Jesus’ innocence and the wrongful nature of his condemnation.

Where else these words appear

“witness” Greek G5576 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
  • Mark 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
  • Luke 18:20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

“not” Greek G2470 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 20:12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
  • Luke 6:34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
  • Acts 11:17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

“witness” Greek G3141 · used in 33 verses

  • Mark 14:55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
  • John 5:34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
  • 1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.