What does Mark 14:21 mean?

"The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born." - Mark 14:21

"The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born." - Mark 14:21

The Bible verse Mark 14:21 in the King James Version (KJV) states: "The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born."

This verse comes from the well-known narrative of the betrayal of Jesus by one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot. In this verse, Jesus predicts his own betrayal and laments the fate of the one who will betray him. This verse is a solemn reminder of the consequences of betraying trust and the gravity of making choices that harm others.

The themes present in this verse are betrayal, consequences of actions, and the fulfilling of prophecy. The theme of betrayal is central to this verse, as it focuses on the impending act of betrayal by Judas, one of Jesus' closest disciples. The verse highlights the weight of the betrayal and the dire consequences it will have for the perpetrator. It also emphasizes the heavy burden of the fulfillment of prophecy, as Jesus acknowledges that his betrayal is part of the scriptural prophecy that must come to pass.

The context of this verse is important for understanding its deeper meaning. In the preceding verses, Jesus shares a solemn and intimate moment with his disciples during the Last Supper. He reveals that one of them will betray him, causing distress and disbelief among the disciples. This sets the stage for the weighty pronouncement in Mark 14:21, as Jesus reflects on the betrayal that will soon unfold.

Symbolism is also present in this verse, particularly in the phrase "woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed." The word "woe" is used to express deep sorrow and distress, signaling the profound impact of the betrayal. This symbolism serves to underscore the gravity of the betrayal and the immense suffering it will bring. Additionally, the reference to the "Son of man" as the one who is betrayed carries symbolic weight, as it alludes to Jesus' divine identity and the significance of his role in fulfilling God's plan.

In a broader theological context, this verse speaks to the concept of free will and the consequences of our choices. It reminds us that our actions have far-reaching implications, and betraying trust or causing harm to others can lead to profound suffering and regret. It also highlights the tension between divine providence and human agency, as the betrayal of Jesus is both a fulfillment of prophecy and a deliberate act of betrayal by an individual.

Overall, Mark 14:21 in the King James Version (KJV) offers a stark and sobering reflection on the weight of betrayal and the far-reaching consequences of our actions. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for integrity, trustworthiness, and the careful consideration of the impact of our choices on others. In the larger narrative of Jesus' betrayal and crucifixion, this verse plays a pivotal role in setting the stage for the climactic events that will unfold, ultimately leading to the redemptive message of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection.

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Mark 14:21 Artwork

"The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born." - Mark 14:21

"The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born." - Mark 14:21

Mark 14:51

Mark 14:51

Mark 4:14 - "¶ The sower soweth the word."

Mark 4:14 - "¶ The sower soweth the word."

Mark 14:17 - "And in the evening he cometh with the twelve."

Mark 14:17 - "And in the evening he cometh with the twelve."

Mark 14:50 - "And they all forsook him, and fled."

Mark 14:50 - "And they all forsook him, and fled."

Mark 8:21 - "And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?"

Mark 8:21 - "And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?"

Mark 14:46 - "¶ And they laid their hands on him, and took him."

Mark 14:46 - "¶ And they laid their hands on him, and took him."

Job 21:5 - "Mark me, and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth."

Job 21:5 - "Mark me, and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth."

Mark 1:21 - "And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught."

Mark 1:21 - "And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught."

Mark 14:59 - "But neither so did their witness agree together."

Mark 14:59 - "But neither so did their witness agree together."

Mark 14:2 - "But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people."

Mark 14:2 - "But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people."

Mark 2:21-22 - "Mark 2:21-22

No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins."

Mark 2:21-22 - "Mark 2:21-22 No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins."

"¶ The sower soweth the word." - Mark 4:14

"¶ The sower soweth the word." - Mark 4:14

Mark 14:39 - "And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words."

Mark 14:39 - "And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words."

Mark 14:57 - "And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,"

Mark 14:57 - "And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,"

Mark 7:21 - "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,"

Mark 7:21 - "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,"

Mark 12:21 - "And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise."

Mark 12:21 - "And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise."

Exodus 14: 21

Exodus 14: 21

Mark 14:26 - "¶ And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives."

Mark 14:26 - "¶ And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives."

Mark 14:66 - "¶ And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:"

Mark 14:66 - "¶ And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:"

Mark 14:52 - "And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked."

Mark 14:52 - "And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked."

Mark 14:56 - "For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together."

Mark 14:56 - "For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together."

Genesis 21:14

Genesis 21:14

Exodus 14: 21

Exodus 14: 21

Mark 13:21 - "And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:"

Mark 13:21 - "And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:"

Mark 14:14 - "And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?"

Mark 14:14 - "And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?"

Mark 14:28 - "But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee."

Mark 14:28 - "But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee."

"And in the evening he cometh with the twelve." - Mark 14:17

"And in the evening he cometh with the twelve." - Mark 14:17

Philippians 3:14 - "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 3:14 - "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Mark 14:29 - "But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I."

Mark 14:29 - "But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I."