Mark 14:46
And they laid their hands on him, and took him.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπέβαλον
they laid
G1911
ἐπέβαλον
they laid
Strong's:
G1911
Word #:
3 of 11
to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); specially (with g1438 implied) to reflect; impersonal
ἐπ'
on
G1909
ἐπ'
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρας
hands
G5495
χεῖρας
hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
7 of 11
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Roman law allowed both Jewish and Roman authorities to make arrests. The mixed crowd (John 18:3 mentions Roman soldiers and Jewish officers) suggests coordination between Pilate and the Sanhedrin. Ancient arrest procedures involved physical restraint, often harsh. That Jesus submitted without resistance would have surprised first-century readers familiar with revolutionary messianic movements that violently resisted Rome.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the ease of Jesus' arrest (after crowds fell backward in John 18:6) prove the voluntary nature of His sacrifice?
- What does this verse teach about human responsibility for sinful actions that nevertheless fulfill God's sovereign plan?
- In what ways do people still try to "seize" and control Jesus rather than submitting to His lordship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And they laid their hands on him, and took him. The stark brevity captures the moment's horror—hands that should worship now arrest. The verb κρατέω (krateō, "took") means to seize with force, to overpower. Yet John 18:6 records that when Jesus identified Himself, the crowd fell backward, demonstrating that this arrest succeeded only because Christ permitted it. Isaiah 53:7's prophecy finds fulfillment: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth."
This verse marks the transfer of power—or rather, the illusion thereof. Human hands grasp the Son of God, thinking they control events, unaware they fulfill divine decree (Acts 2:23). The passive construction "was taken" in God's sovereign plan becomes active human guilt. Every hand that touched Jesus in arrest bore responsibility, yet every act served redemption's purpose. Mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility converge in this moment.