But even their testimonyThis phrase refers to the false witnesses who were brought against Jesus during His trial before the Sanhedrin. In Jewish law, the testimony of two or more witnesses was required to establish a fact (
Deuteronomy 19:15). The Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, sought to find evidence against Jesus to justify His execution. However, the witnesses could not provide consistent testimony, highlighting the lack of legitimate evidence against Him. This reflects the fulfillment of
Psalm 27:12, where David speaks of false witnesses rising against him, a type of Christ's own experience.
was inconsistent.
The inconsistency of the testimony underscores the unjust nature of the trial. The false witnesses could not agree on their accusations, which should have invalidated their testimony according to Jewish law. This inconsistency is significant because it demonstrates the innocence of Jesus and the lengths to which the religious leaders went to condemn Him. The failure to produce consistent testimony fulfills the prophecy ofIsaiah 53:7, where the suffering servant is oppressed and afflicted, yet remains silent before His accusers. This moment also prefigures the ultimate truth of Christ's resurrection, which would stand in stark contrast to the falsehoods presented at His trial.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is on trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council.
2.
SanhedrinThe Jewish ruling council responsible for religious and legal matters. They are conducting the trial against Jesus.
3.
False WitnessesIndividuals who were brought forward to testify against Jesus, but their testimonies did not agree.
4.
High PriestThe leader of the Sanhedrin, who is overseeing the trial and seeking evidence to condemn Jesus.
5.
JerusalemThe city where these events are taking place, specifically in the vicinity of the temple where the Sanhedrin would meet.
Teaching Points
The Importance of TruthAs followers of Christ, we are called to uphold truth in all circumstances. The inconsistency of the false witnesses serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of lies.
God's Sovereignty in TrialsDespite the false accusations, God's plan for salvation through Jesus' sacrifice was not thwarted. We can trust in God's sovereignty even when facing unjust situations.
Integrity in WitnessingAs Christians, our testimony about Christ should be consistent and truthful, reflecting His character in our words and actions.
The Cost of DiscipleshipJesus' trial and the false accusations remind us that following Him may lead to persecution and misunderstanding, but we are called to remain faithful.
The Fulfillment of ProphecyThe events of Jesus' trial fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's suffering, reinforcing the reliability of Scripture.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 14:59?
2.How does Mark 14:59 illustrate the importance of truth in our testimony?
3.What can we learn about false witnesses from Mark 14:59?
4.How does Mark 14:59 connect to Exodus 20:16 on bearing false witness?
5.How can we ensure our words align with truth in daily conversations?
6.What steps can we take to avoid spreading misinformation in our communities?
7.Why did the testimonies against Jesus in Mark 14:59 not agree?
8.How does Mark 14:59 challenge the reliability of eyewitness accounts?
9.What does Mark 14:59 reveal about the nature of false testimony?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 14?
11.What is the Gift of Healing?
12.Why do the accounts of the same miracle differ between Matthew 14 and the other Gospels, possibly indicating inconsistencies?
13.Did Jesus' prediction about Peter's denial fail since the cock crowed once before the three denials were complete?
14.Why does Mark's Gospel, the earliest, lack a resurrection appearance in its original ending?What Does Mark 14:59 Mean
ButMark 14:59 begins with “But,” signalling a sharp contrast with what has just been described. The Sanhedrin had already entertained several false witnesses against Jesus (Mark 14:55–58), yet the verse draws attention to a turning point: something is about to be exposed. Scripture often uses “but” to highlight God’s overruling of human schemes, as seen inGenesis 50:20 when Joseph says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” In the same way, the plans of the religious leaders were about to unravel.
evenThe word “even” intensifies the statement, underscoring the depth of failure in the witness reports. Though the leaders had assembled many accusers (Matthew 26:60), “even” those witnesses—handpicked for a guilty verdict—could not present a coherent case.Acts 6:13 shows a similar tactic later used against Stephen, reminding readers that God exposes dishonesty despite human efforts.
their testimonyTestimony held legal weight in Jewish courts, and Mosaic Law required “two or three witnesses” to agree (Deuteronomy 19:15). The Sanhedrin sought this unanimity, yet “their testimony” stood on shaky ground.Exodus 20:16 forbids bearing false witness, a command now flagrantly violated. The scene spotlights how human testimony fails when driven by malice rather than truth.
was inconsistentThe core issue: none of the statements lined up.Mark 14:59 declares, “But even their testimony was inconsistent.” Contradictions broke the legal case apart, echoingPsalm 27:12 where David pleads, “Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.” Jesus faces the same reality, yet the inconsistency of the accusers validates His innocence. Still, the leaders press on, illustratingIsaiah 53:7: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth,” showing the silent endurance of the true Lamb of God.
summaryMark 14:59 reveals that despite determined efforts, the Sanhedrin could not secure the agreement required by God’s Law, exposing the hollowness of their case. The contrast (“But”), the emphasis (“even”), the legal framework (“their testimony”), and the final verdict (“was inconsistent”) combine to show God’s sovereign protection of truth and the fulfilment of prophecy, even as Jesus willingly walks the path to the cross.
(59)
Neither so did their witnessagree together.--This, again, is peculiar to St. Mark. We are not told in what respects their evidence failed to agree; possibly in details of time and place, possibly in the absence or presence of the words reported in the previous verse.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
But evenκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theirαὐτῶν(autōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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.testimonyμαρτυρία(martyria)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3141:Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given.wasἦν(ēn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.inconsistent.ἴση(isē)Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2470:Equal, equivalent, identical. Probably from eido; similar.
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NT Gospels: Mark 14:59 Even so their testimony did not agree (Mar Mk Mr) 
