Mark 14:28
But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
μετὰ
after
G3326
μετὰ
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐγερθῆναί
am risen
G1453
ἐγερθῆναί
am risen
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
4 of 10
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
προάξω
I will go before
G4254
προάξω
I will go before
Strong's:
G4254
Word #:
6 of 10
to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 10
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Mark 16:7But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.Matthew 28:16Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.Matthew 28:10Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.Matthew 28:7And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.Matthew 26:32But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.Matthew 16:21From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.John 21:1After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
Historical Context
Galilee held special significance as the location of most of Jesus' ministry and the home region of all disciples except Judas. First-century Judaism expected messianic activity centered in Jerusalem; Jesus subverts this expectation by promising to meet His followers in the marginalized north, demonstrating the kingdom's radical inclusivity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' promise of resurrection reunion before the cross demonstrate His divine foreknowledge?
- What does the choice of Galilee rather than Jerusalem teach about where Jesus meets His people?
- How should Jesus' certainty about resurrection despite impending death shape your confidence in God's promises?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. Even while predicting desertion, Jesus promises resurrection and reunion. The phrase I will go before you (προάξω ὑμᾶς, proaxō hymas) echoes shepherd imagery—the Good Shepherd goes before His sheep (John 10:4). Galilee, despised by Judean religious elite, becomes the location for resurrection appearances, continuing Jesus' pattern of humbling the proud.
This promise serves dual purposes: it provides hope amid coming darkness, and it establishes a test for resurrection faith. The verb ἐγείρω (egeirō, "I am risen") appears in divine passive voice, indicating God's action. Jesus speaks of resurrection as certain future reality, not wishful hope. Mark 16:7 fulfills this promise when the angel specifically mentions "and Peter," showing grace for the denier.