Mark 14:17
And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὀψίας
the evening
G3798
ὀψίας
the evening
Strong's:
G3798
Word #:
2 of 7
late; feminine (as noun) afternoon (early eve) or nightfall (later eve)
γενομένης
in
G1096
γενομένης
in
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 7
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἔρχεται
he cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
he cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
4 of 7
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Historical Context
Passover meals began after sunset, marking the new day (Nisan 15) by Jewish reckoning. The meal followed prescribed liturgy: four cups of wine, recounting the exodus story, eating lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. During this Passover, Jesus transformed the ancient ritual, investing bread and wine with new meaning—His body and blood. The meal lasted several hours, including Jesus washing disciples' feet (John 13), predicting betrayal, and teaching extensively (John 14-16). After the meal, they sang the Hallel (Psalms 115-118) and departed to the Mount of Olives.
Questions for Reflection
- What significance does Jesus's deliberate gathering of "the twelve" have for understanding His mission to restore Israel?
- How does Jesus's knowledge of the impending betrayal yet sharing intimate fellowship with Judas demonstrate His love and grace?
- How should the Lord's Supper's institution at Passover shape your understanding of communion as the New Covenant meal?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
In the evening he cometh with the twelve (ὀψίας γενομένης ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν δώδεκα, opsias genomenēs erchetai meta tōn dōdeka)—"evening" (ὀψίας) refers to Thursday evening after sunset, beginning Nisan 15 by Jewish reckoning (days start at sunset). Jesus arrived with the full complement of twelve disciples—including Judas Iscariot, whose presence adds tragic irony. This would be their final gathering as "the twelve" before Judas's betrayal and suicide.
Mark's simple statement conceals profound significance: Jesus's last Passover, institution of the Lord's Supper, revelation of the betrayer, prophetic warnings about desertion and denial. The number "twelve" symbolizes Israel's twelve tribes—Jesus reconstitutes Israel around Himself. Yet within hours, the twelve would scatter (v. 50), and Judas would betray. The evening's intimacy contrasts with the night's horror—from upper room fellowship to Gethsemane agony to courtroom trials. Jesus entered this evening knowing full well what lay ahead.