And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

MARK 14:65KJV
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Mark 14:65 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:65 mean?

Mark 14:65 describes how some people began to abuse Jesus after his arrest, spitting on him, covering his face, hitting him, and mocking him by telling him to prophesy, while the servants also struck him with their hands. This verse shows the harsh and humiliating treatment Jesus received from those around him during his trial.

The scene takes place after Jesus has been arrested and brought before the Jewish council. The people involved—likely members of the council and their servants—are mocking Jesus’ claim to be a prophet by challenging him to identify who hit him while his face is covered. The verse highlights both physical violence and public shaming as part of Jesus’ suffering before his crucifixion.

The Greek behind Mark 14:65

  • The word "buffet" comes from κολαφίζω (kolaphizō), which means to strike with the fist. This shows the violence was not just slapping but included punching.
  • "Prophesy" is from προφητεύω (prophēteuō), meaning to speak as a prophet. Here, it is used mockingly, as they challenge Jesus to prove his prophetic ability while blindfolded.
  • "Strike" is from βάλλω (ballō), which generally means to throw or strike. In this context, it emphasizes the physical blows delivered by the servants.
  • "Palms of their hands" is from ῥαπίσμασιν (rhapismasin), meaning slaps or blows with the flat of the hand, highlighting the humiliation as well as the violence.

Why Mark 14:65 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Jesus’ suffering began only at the cross; the abuse started earlier, during his trial, and included both physical and emotional torment.
  • Mark 14:65 emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecies about the Messiah being mocked and mistreated, connecting Jesus’ experience to Old Testament expectations.
  • The verse highlights the depth of rejection Jesus faced, not just from authorities but also from their servants, showing widespread hostility and misunderstanding of who he was.

Where else these words appear

“cover” Greek G4028 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 22:64 And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
  • Hebrews 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

“hands” Greek G4475 · used in 3 verses

  • John 18:22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
  • John 19:3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.

“buffet” Greek G2852 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 26:67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
  • 1 Corinthians 4:11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
  • 2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

“spit” Greek G1716 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 26:67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
  • Matthew 27:30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
  • Mark 15:19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.