Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.

MARK 14:64KJV
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Mark 14:64 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:64 mean?

Mark 14:64 describes how the Jewish council, after hearing what they considered blasphemy from Jesus, unanimously judged him deserving of death. The verse shows the council’s immediate and collective decision to condemn Jesus based on his words.

In this scene, the high priest is speaking to the other religious leaders after Jesus has spoken during his trial. The council members are asked for their judgment, and they all agree that Jesus is guilty of blasphemy, which, under their law, was a crime punishable by death. This moment is a turning point, as it leads directly to Jesus being handed over to the Roman authorities.

The Greek behind Mark 14:64

  • βλασφημία (blasphemia): This word means "blasphemy"—speaking irreverently about God. Here, the council uses it to describe Jesus’ claim about his identity, which they see as a grave offense.
  • κατέκρινεν (katekrinen): This verb means "condemned" or "judged guilty." The Greek here emphasizes a formal, legal decision, not just a personal opinion.
  • ἔνοχος (enochos): This word is translated "guilty." It often carries the sense of being liable to punishment, highlighting that the council saw Jesus as deserving the death penalty.
  • θάνατος (thanatos): This is the Greek word for "death." Its use here makes clear that the council’s verdict was not just symbolic but called for the ultimate penalty.

Why Mark 14:64 matters

  • Mark 14:64 clarifies that the charge leading to Jesus’ death was not a vague accusation but a specific claim of blasphemy, showing the seriousness with which the council viewed his words.
  • The verse highlights the unity and resolve of the religious leaders against Jesus, which sets the stage for the events that follow in the narrative.
  • Understanding the legal and religious context behind the council’s decision helps explain why Jesus was quickly handed over for execution and why the charge of blasphemy was so significant in first-century Judaism.

Where else these words appear

“guilty” Greek G1777 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
  • Matthew 26:66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

“blasphemy” Greek G988 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
  • Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
  • Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

“condemned” Greek G2632 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
  • Luke 11:31 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
  • Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

“think” Greek G5316 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Matthew 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;