And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,

MARK 14:57KJV
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Mark 14:57 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:57 mean?

Mark 14:57 describes how certain people came forward during Jesus’ trial and gave false testimony against him. This verse highlights that their accusations were not truthful but were instead fabricated to harm Jesus.

At this point in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus is on trial before the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin) after being arrested. The verse sets the scene for the false witnesses who step forward, trying to provide evidence that would justify condemning Jesus. The focus is on the dishonesty of these witnesses and the injustice of the situation.

The Greek behind Mark 14:57

  • The word for "false witness" is ψευδομαρτυρέω (pseudomartyreō), which means to testify falsely or give untrue evidence. This word makes it clear that the accusations were not just mistaken but intentionally deceptive.
  • The word for "arose" is ἀνίστημι (anistēmi), which often means to stand up or come forward. Here, it shows that these people actively presented themselves to accuse Jesus, not just passively agreeing with others.

Why Mark 14:57 matters

  • Mark 14:57 clarifies that the charges against Jesus were not based on honest testimony but on deliberate lies, emphasizing the injustice of his trial.
  • This verse connects to the larger narrative of Jesus’ passion, showing how opposition to him involved not only betrayal but also active deceit.
  • Understanding that the witnesses were false helps the reader see the contrast between Jesus’ innocence and the corrupt actions of those seeking his death.

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.

“arose” Greek G450 · used in 111 verses

  • Matthew 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
  • Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
  • Acts 8:27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,