New International Version“Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?
New Living TranslationJesus asked them, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me?
English Standard VersionAnd Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me?
Berean Standard BibleJesus asked the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw?
Berean Literal BibleAnd Jesus answering said to them, "Are you come out with swords and clubs as against a robber, to capture Me?
King James BibleAnd Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
New King James VersionThen Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me?
New American Standard BibleAnd Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a man inciting a revolt?
NASB 1995And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber?
NASB 1977And Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as against a robber?
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber?
Amplified BibleJesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber?
Christian Standard BibleJesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture me?
Holman Christian Standard BibleBut Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as though I were a criminal, to capture Me?
American Standard VersionAnd Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a robber, with swords and staves to seize me?
Contemporary English VersionJesus said to the mob, "Why do you come with swords and clubs to arrest me like a criminal?
English Revised VersionAnd Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a robber, with swords and staves to seize me?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationJesus asked them, "Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as if I were a criminal?
Good News TranslationThen Jesus spoke up and said to them, "Did you have to come with swords and clubs to capture me, as though I were an outlaw?
International Standard VersionJesus asked them, "Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as if I were a bandit?
NET BibleJesus said to them, "Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me like you would an outlaw?
New Heart English BibleJesus answered them, "Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me?
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Jesus answered and said to them, Have ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staffs to take me?
Weymouth New Testament"Have you come out," said Jesus, "with swords and cudgels to arrest me, as if you had to fight with a robber? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleJesus asked the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw?
World English BibleJesus answered them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jesus answering said to them, “As against a robber you came out, with swords and sticks, to take Me!
Berean Literal BibleAnd Jesus answering said to them, "Are you come out with swords and clubs as against a robber, to capture Me?
Young's Literal Translation And Jesus answering said to them, 'As against a robber ye came out, with swords and sticks, to take me!
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jesus having answered, said to them, As against a robber come ye out, with swords and sticks to take me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Jesus answering, said to them: Are you come out as to a robber, with swords and staves to apprehend me?
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd in response, Jesus said to them: “Have you set out to apprehend me, just as if to a robber, with swords and clubs?
New American BibleJesus said to them in reply, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs, to seize me?
New Revised Standard VersionThen Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Jesus answered and said to them, Have you come out against me as against a bandit, with swords and staves to arrest me?
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut Yeshua answered and said to them, “Have you gone out as against a band of robbers with swords and with clubs to seize me?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd Jesus answering, said to them: Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs, to take me?
Godbey New TestamentJesus responding said to them, You have come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take me:
Haweis New Testament
And Jesus addressing them said, Are ye come out as against a robber, with swords and staves, to apprehend me?
Mace New Testament
but Jesus addressing himself to them, said, why do you come with swords and clubs against me, as if you were to apprehend some robber?
Weymouth New Testament
"Have you come out," said Jesus, "with swords and cudgels to arrest me, as if you had to fight with a robber?
Worrell New Testament
And Jesus answering, said to them,"Did ye come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs, to seize Me?
Worsley New Testament
And Jesus said unto them,Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and clubs to take me?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Betrayal of Jesus… 47And one of the bystanders drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48Jesusaskedthe crowd,“Have you come outwithswordsandclubsto arrestMeasyou wouldan outlaw?49Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me. But this has happened that the Scriptures would be fulfilled.”…
Cross References Matthew 26:55At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me.
Luke 22:52Then Jesus said to the chief priests, temple officers, and elders who had come for Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against an outlaw?
John 18:20“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered. “I always taught in the synagogues and at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.
John 7:19Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps it. Why are you trying to kill Me?”
John 7:30So they tried to seize Him, but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.
John 8:59At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area.
John 10:39At this, they tried again to seize Him, but He escaped their grasp.
Acts 4:26-27The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ / In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed.
Acts 5:26At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles—but not by force, for fear the people would stone them.
Acts 6:12So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin,
Acts 7:52Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers—
Acts 23:12-15When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ...
Psalm 2:1-2Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:
Psalm 22:16For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.
Psalm 35:15But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee; they gathered together against me. Assailants I did not know slandered me without ceasing.
Treasury of Scripture And Jesus answered and said to them, Are you come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me? Are. 1 Samuel 24:14,15 After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea… 1 Samuel 26:18 And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evilis in mine hand? Matthew 26:55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. Jump to Previous ArrestCaptureClubsCudgelsFightJesusLeadingRebellionRobberSeizeStaffsStavesSticksSwordsThiefJump to Next ArrestCaptureClubsCudgelsFightJesusLeadingRebellionRobberSeizeStaffsStavesSticksSwordsThiefMark 14 1.A conspiracy against Jesus.3.Expensive perfume is poured on his head by a woman.10.Judas sells his Master for money.12.Jesus himself foretells how he will be betrayed by one of his disciples;22.after the passover prepared, and eaten, institutes his last supper;26.declares beforehand the flight of all his disciples, and Peter's denial.43.Judas betrays him with a kiss.46.Jesus is apprehended in the garden;53.falsely accused and impiously condemned of the council;65.shamefully abused by them;66.and thrice denied by Peter.Jesus asked the crowdIn this moment, Jesus directly addresses the group that has come to arrest Him. This crowd likely includes Roman soldiers, temple guards, and possibly some of the chief priests and elders. The fact that Jesus speaks to them highlights His calm and authoritative presence even in the face of betrayal and arrest. This interaction fulfills His role as the Good Shepherd, who willingly lays down His life for His sheep ( John 10:11). Have you come out with swords and clubs
The mention of "swords and clubs" indicates the crowd's expectation of resistance or violence. This reflects the misunderstanding of Jesus' mission, as He consistently taught peace and non-violence (Matthew 5:9). The use of such weapons underscores the tension and fear surrounding Jesus' influence and the threat perceived by the religious leaders. It also contrasts with Jesus' earlier teachings about turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). to arrest Me
The act of arresting Jesus marks the beginning of the fulfillment of His prediction about His suffering and death (Mark 8:31). This arrest is a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, leading to His crucifixion and resurrection. It also fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being rejected and suffering (Isaiah 53:3-7). as you would an outlaw?
By comparing Himself to an outlaw, Jesus highlights the irony and injustice of the situation. He had been teaching openly in the temple courts, yet they come to arrest Him under the cover of night, as if He were a dangerous criminal. This reflects the fulfillment of the prophecy inIsaiah 53:12, where the Messiah is "numbered with the transgressors." Jesus' rhetorical question exposes the hypocrisy and fear of the religious leaders, who are acting out of self-preservation rather than justice. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is being arrested. He is the Messiah, the Son of God, who has been teaching, healing, and performing miracles throughout His ministry. 2. The Arresting PartyThis group consists of chief priests, scribes, and elders, along with soldiers and possibly temple guards. They come armed to arrest Jesus, treating Him as a criminal. 3. Garden of GethsemaneThe location where Jesus is arrested. It is a place of prayer and reflection for Jesus, situated on the Mount of Olives. 4. The DisciplesAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, they are present during the arrest. Their reactions and subsequent actions are significant in the surrounding account. 5. The Context of BetrayalThis event follows Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus, which sets the stage for the arrest. Teaching Points The Misunderstanding of Jesus' MissionThe arresting party comes with weapons, misunderstanding Jesus' mission as one of peace and spiritual salvation rather than political rebellion. The Fulfillment of ProphecyJesus' arrest is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating God's sovereign plan and the reliability of Scripture. Responding to InjusticeJesus' calm demeanor in the face of wrongful arrest teaches us about responding to injustice with peace and trust in God's plan. The Nature of True PowerThe contrast between the armed arresting party and Jesus' peaceful surrender highlights the nature of true power in God's kingdom. The Role of Fear and MisunderstandingThe actions of the arresting party are driven by fear and misunderstanding, reminding us to seek understanding and truth in our actions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Mark 14:48?
2.How does Mark 14:48 challenge us to respond to unjust situations today?
3.What does Jesus' question in Mark 14:48 reveal about His understanding of His mission?
4.How does Mark 14:48 connect with Jesus' teachings on non-violence in Matthew 5:39?
5.In what ways can we apply Jesus' calmness in Mark 14:48 to our lives?
6.How does Mark 14:48 illustrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?
7.Why did Jesus question being arrested like a criminal in Mark 14:48?
8.How does Mark 14:48 reflect on the nature of Jesus' mission?
9.What does Mark 14:48 reveal about the perception of Jesus by authorities?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 14?
11.What does secretive action between hands signify?
12.Considering the multiple Gospel narratives, why does Matthew 26:47-56 differ in certain arrest details compared to other accounts, raising questions about historical consistency?
13.John 18:10 - Why does this Gospel describe Peter cutting off the servant's ear yet omit any mention of Jesus healing him, which appears in another Gospel account (Luke 22:51)?
14.What were the causes of the apostles' deaths?What Does Mark 14:48 Mean Jesus asked the crowd“Jesus asked the crowd” (Mark 14:48) highlights that He speaks directly to those encircling Him in Gethsemane—Temple guards, chief priests, elders, and scribes. • By addressing them personally, He exposes their motives, much like He did inMark 3:4 when He challenged the Pharisees about healing on the Sabbath. • His calm question contrasts the crowd’s tension; He remains the same Jesus who just prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). • The moment fulfills His earlier warning inMark 10:33–34 that betrayal and arrest were coming.
Have you come out with swords and clubsThese weapons reveal fear and hostility toward a Teacher who never promoted violence. •Luke 22:52 records Jesus adding, “Am I leading a rebellion?” underscoring the mismatch between their armament and His peaceful ministry (cf.Isaiah 42:2–3). • The clubs likely belonged to Temple police; swords suggest Roman cooperation (John 18:3). Their alliance shows how religious and civil powers unite against Christ—echoingPsalm 2:1–2. • Moments earlier Peter wielded a sword (John 18:10), yet Jesus immediately stopped him (Matthew 26:52), reinforcing His kingdom’s non-violent nature.
to arrest MeJesus acknowledges their purpose but also His willing submission. • InJohn 10:18 He said, “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord,” proving this arrest happens by His consent, not their control. •Mark 14:41 records Him telling the disciples, “The hour has come,” demonstrating foreknowledge and sovereignty. • The irony: they seize the very One who has authority over twelve legions of angels (Matthew 26:53) yet chooses restraint so Scripture is fulfilled (Mark 14:49).
as you would an outlaw?The crowd treats Jesus like a violent criminal, but Scripture repeatedly affirms His innocence. • Pilate later declares, “I find no basis for a charge” (John 18:38), parallelingIsaiah 53:9—“He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.” •Acts 3:14 calls Him “the Holy and Righteous One,” exposing the injustice of branding Him an outlaw. • Their approach fulfills the prophetic pattern that Messiah would be “counted with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12; cf.Luke 22:37).
summaryMark 14:48 captures Jesus calmly confronting an armed crowd, exposing their fear and misunderstanding. He shows that His arrest is neither forced nor justified, but part of God’s redemptive plan foretold in Scripture. Their weapons and tactics reveal human hostility; His words reveal divine authority, innocence, and willing submission to the Father’s purpose. (48) As against a thief.--Better, as against a robber, the word implying the bolder form of theft. Verse 48. - We learn from St. Matthew ( Matthew 26:52) that our Lord rebuked his disciples for their resistance; after which he proceeded to rebuke those who were bent upon apprehending him. Are ye come out, as against a robber ( ὡς ἐπὶ λῃστὴν), with swords and staves toseize me? The order of events in the betrayal appears to have been this: First, the kiss of the traitor Judas, by which he indicated to those who were with him which was Jesus. Then follows that remarkable incident mentioned only by St. John ( John 18:4-6), "Jesus... went forth, and saith unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, was standing with them. When therefore he said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground." The presence of Christ in his serene majesty overpowered them. There was something in his looks and manner, as he repeated these words," I am he," words often used before by him, that caused them to retreat backwards, and to prostrate themselves. It was no external force that produced this result. The Divine majesty flashed from his countenance and overawed them, at least for the moment. At all events, it was an emphatic evidence, both to his own disciples and to this crowd, that it was by his own will that he yielded himself up to them. Perhaps this incident fired the courage of St. Peter; and so, as they approached to take our Lord, he drew his sword and struck off the ear of Malchus. Then our Lord healed him. And then he turned to the multitude and said, "Are ye come out as against a robber, with swords and staves, to seize me?"
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek JesusἸησοῦς(Iēsous)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.askedεἶπεν(eipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.[the crowd],αὐτοῖς(autois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.“Have you come outἐξήλθατε(exēlthate)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1831:To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.withμετὰ(meta)Preposition
Strong's 3326:(a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.swordsμαχαιρῶν(machairōn)Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 3162:A sword. Probably feminine of a presumed derivative of mache; a knife, i.e. Dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.clubsξύλων(xylōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3586:From another form of the base of xestes; timber; by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance.to arrestσυλλαβεῖν(syllabein)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4815:From sun and lambano; to clasp, i.e. Seize; specially, to conceive; by implication, to aid.Meμε(me)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.asὩς(Hōs)Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.[you would]ἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.an outlaw?λῃστὴν(lēstēn)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3027:A robber, brigand, bandit. From leizomai; a brigand.
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NT Gospels: Mark 14:48 Jesus answered them Have you come out (Mar Mk Mr) |
