Mark 14:49
I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
Original Language Analysis
καθ'
G2596
καθ'
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
1 of 18
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἡμέραν
daily
G2250
ἡμέραν
daily
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
2 of 18
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
πρὸς
with
G4314
πρὸς
with
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 18
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερῷ
the temple
G2411
ἱερῷ
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
8 of 18
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκρατήσατέ
ye took
G2902
ἐκρατήσατέ
ye took
Strong's:
G2902
Word #:
12 of 18
to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
πληρωθῶσιν
be fulfilled
G4137
πληρωθῶσιν
be fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
16 of 18
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
Cross References
John 18:20Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.John 8:2And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.Mark 12:35And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?Matthew 26:56But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.Matthew 26:54But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?Matthew 1:22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,Luke 22:37For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
Historical Context
The temple was Jerusalem's public teaching venue, where rabbis gathered disciples. Jesus taught there regularly, especially during feast weeks when crowds swelled. That religious authorities avoided arresting Him there demonstrates fear of popular support (14:2). Night arrest avoided public witness and possible riot. First-century readers familiar with Scriptures would recognize multiple prophecies converging in this moment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' appeal to public teaching versus nighttime arrest expose the difference between truth and falsehood in methods?
- What does Jesus' interpretive framework ("scriptures must be fulfilled") teach about how to understand suffering providentially rather than accidentally?
- Which specific Old Testament prophecies was Jesus likely thinking of when He said "the scriptures must be fulfilled"?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not—Jesus contrasts public ministry with midnight arrest. The imperfect tense ἤμην (ēmēn, "I was") indicates continuous, repeated presence—day after day openly teaching. Their choice of darkness over daylight exposes evil's nature: "Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19).
But the scriptures must be fulfilled (ἀλλ' ἵνα πληρωθῶσιν αἱ γραφαί, all' hina plērōthōsin hai graphai)—Jesus interprets events through Scripture's lens. The divine necessity δεῖ (dei, "must") indicates not human plotting but divine decree. Scriptures like Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, and Zechariah 13:7 required Messiah's suffering. Jesus' awareness of fulfilling Scripture sustained Him through suffering, showing how biblical understanding provides courage in trials.