Mark 14:2
But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.
Original Language Analysis
ἔλεγον
they said
G3004
ἔλεγον
they said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Μὴ
Not
G3361
Μὴ
Not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
3 of 11
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Proverbs 21:30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.Proverbs 19:21There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.Mark 11:32But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.Mark 11:18And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.Matthew 26:5But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.John 7:40Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.John 12:19The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.Luke 20:6But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.Lamentations 3:27It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
Historical Context
Mark wrote during the AD 60s, likely in Rome, when persecution made secrecy a survival tactic. His first readers would recognize the irony: religious authorities plotting murder while claiming piety. Passover commemorated Israel's deliverance from Egypt, yet Israel's leaders now plotted to kill their true Deliverer during that very feast.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you prioritized reputation or political expediency over doing what is right?
- How does Jesus's death occurring <em>during</em> Passover (despite human plans) demonstrate God's sovereignty over history?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But they said, Not on the feast day (μὴ ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ, mē en tē heortē)—The chief priests and scribes feared a riot if they arrested Jesus during Passover, when Jerusalem swelled with pilgrims and messianic expectation ran high. Their caution reveals both political calculation and unconscious acknowledgment of Jesus's popular support. Yet God's sovereign plan overruled their timing: Christ would die as the Passover Lamb, not after it.
Lest there be an uproar of the people (θόρυβος τοῦ λαοῦ, thorybos tou laou)—The religious leaders prioritized crowd control over justice. They conspired in darkness (v. 1), hoping to execute Jesus secretly, but providence brought Judas's betrayal (v. 10-11), enabling arrest away from crowds. Their fear proved justified: after the crucifixion, God did shake Jerusalem—the temple veil tore, the earth quaked (Matthew 27:51), and within 40 years Rome destroyed the city.