but he pulled free of the linen clothThis phrase refers to a young man who was present during Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. The linen cloth suggests a garment worn by someone of modest means, possibly indicating a hurried or unexpected departure from home. Linen was a common fabric in the region, often used for clothing and burial shrouds. The act of pulling free implies a desperate attempt to escape capture, highlighting the fear and chaos surrounding Jesus' arrest. This moment underscores the fulfillment of prophecy, as Jesus predicted His followers would scatter (
Mark 14:27).
and ran away naked
Running away naked signifies the young man's urgency and fear, emphasizing the vulnerability and shame associated with nakedness in Jewish culture. This detail may symbolize the abandonment of Jesus by His followers, as they fled in fear, leaving behind their dignity and loyalty. The nakedness can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual exposure and the stripping away of earthly securities. This event connects to the broader theme of human frailty and the need for divine grace, as seen throughout Scripture.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Young ManThis unnamed young man is a minor character in the account of Jesus' arrest. His presence and actions are symbolic and have been the subject of much interpretation.
2.
Garden of GethsemaneThe location where Jesus was arrested. It is a place of prayer and betrayal, setting the stage for the events leading to the crucifixion.
3.
Arrest of JesusThis event marks the beginning of Jesus' Passion. It is a pivotal moment in the Gospel account, leading to His trial and crucifixion.
Teaching Points
Symbol of VulnerabilityThe young man's nakedness symbolizes human vulnerability and the cost of discipleship. Just as he fled, leaving behind his garment, believers are called to leave behind their old selves and follow Christ, even when it leads to vulnerability.
Cost of Following JesusThis passage reminds us that following Jesus may require us to abandon our earthly securities and comforts. The young man's flight is a metaphor for the sacrifices required in true discipleship.
Spiritual ReadinessThe young man's unpreparedness serves as a cautionary tale for believers to be spiritually ready and clothed in righteousness, as described in
Ephesians 6 with the Armor of God.
Shame and RedemptionThe theme of shame, as seen in the young man's nakedness, is a reminder of the shame of sin. However, through Christ, we are offered redemption and a new garment of righteousness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 14:52?
2.Why did the young man flee naked in Mark 14:52?
3.How does fear affect our faith, as seen in Mark 14:52?
4.What does Mark 14:52 teach about the cost of following Jesus?
5.How can we prepare to stand firm in our faith under pressure?
6.Compare Mark 14:52 with Peter's denial; what lessons can we learn?
7.Why did the young man flee naked in Mark 14:52?
8.What is the significance of the young man's nakedness in Mark 14:52?
9.How does Mark 14:52 contribute to the narrative of Jesus' arrest?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 14?
11.What events occurred during Jesus' final hours?
12.Why did Mark flee naked in Mark 14:51-52?
13.Mark 14:51-52 - Why does only Mark mention the young man fleeing naked, and what historical or symbolic significance could this event have?
14.Is nudity allowed in heaven?What Does Mark 14:52 Mean
but heMark notes, “But he,” right after saying, “Then everyone deserted Him and fled” (Mark 14:50).
• The “he” singles out one unnamed follower who lingered when all the others had already scattered—an eyewitness detail that adds credibility (cf.John 18:15–16, where another disciple stays close).
• Though anonymous, this young man is presented as a real individual, underscoring that every disciple must personally decide how far to follow when pressure mounts (compare Peter’s struggle inMark 14:54, 66–71).
pulled freeThe phrase highlights sudden, decisive action.
• The captors tried to seize him as they had seized Jesus (Mark 14:46). The young man reacts instinctively, breaking their grip.
• This mirrors the flight of Joseph from Potiphar’s wife when he “left his garment in her hand and ran outside” (Genesis 39:12), showing a righteous impulse to escape overwhelming temptation or danger.
of the linen clothOnly a single linen garment covered him.
• Linen was lightweight, suitable for hot nights, implying he had rushed out in haste—maybe woken by the commotion in Gethsemane (cf.Mark 14:32–41).
• His simple attire contrasts with the soldiers’ armor (John 18:3) and Jesus’ peaceful demeanor, reminding readers that human resources are flimsy when spiritual conflict erupts.
and ran awayFlight dominates the garden scene.
• His sprint echoes the fulfilled prophecy, “Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered” (Zechariah 13:7;Mark 14:27).
• Running, rather than staying to fight, fits Jesus’ earlier warnings about persecution (Matthew 10:23) and underscores that human courage evaporates without reliance on the Spirit (cf.Acts 4:31 for the later change).
nakedHe leaves everything behind to save his life.
• Nakedness in Scripture often signals shame or vulnerability (Isaiah 20:3–4;Revelation 3:17). The image drives home how thoroughly the disciples were emptied of self-confidence that night.
• Yet the humiliation prepares the way for later restoration; Peter’s denial (Mark 14:72) and this young man’s exposure both point to the need for Christ’s resurrection power to clothe believers (Luke 24:49;Galatians 3:27).
summaryMark 14:52 captures a real young man who hesitated, was grabbed, wrenched free of his linen robe, and fled unclothed—vivid proof that even the most earnest followers abandoned Jesus when the hour of darkness came. The snapshot reinforces the literal fulfillment of prophecy, exposes human frailty, and sets the stage for the transforming grace that would soon clothe all who trust the risen Lord.
Verse 52. -
But he left the linen cloth,and fled naked. This somewhat ignominious flight is characteristic of what we know of St. Mark. It shows how great was the panic in reference to Christ, and how great was the hatred of the Jews against him, that they endeavored to seize a young man who was merely following with him. It shows also how readily our Lord's enemies would have seized his own disciples if they had not taken refuge in flight.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.he pulled freeκαταλιπὼν(katalipōn)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2641:From kata and leipo; to leave down, i.e. Behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining.of theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.linen clothσινδόνα(sindona)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4616:Fine linen, a linen cloth. Of uncertain origin; byssos, i.e. Bleached linen.and ran awayἔφυγεν(ephygen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5343:To flee, escape, shun. Apparently a primary verb; to run away; by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish.naked.γυμνὸς(gymnos)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1131:Rarely: stark-naked; generally: wearing only the under-garment; bare, open, manifest; mere. Of uncertain affinity; nude.
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NT Gospels: Mark 14:52 But he left the linen cloth (Mar Mk Mr)