Mark 14:56
For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.
Original Language Analysis
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
1 of 11
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐψευδομαρτύρουν
bare false witness
G5576
ἐψευδομαρτύρουν
bare false witness
Strong's:
G5576
Word #:
3 of 11
to be an untrue testifier, i.e., offer falsehood in evidence
κατ'
against
G2596
κατ'
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
4 of 11
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
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
καὶ
but
G2532
καὶ
but
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μαρτυρίαι
their witness
G3141
μαρτυρίαι
their witness
Strong's:
G3141
Word #:
9 of 11
evidence given (judicially or genitive case)
οὐκ
G3756
Historical Context
The Sanhedrin required unanimous agreement of at least two witnesses for capital cases. Even minor discrepancies in testimony invalidated it. The failure of false witnesses to synchronize their stories suggests hasty preparation—the arrest happened mere hours earlier (14:43-50). Professional false witnesses existed in the ancient world, but the urgency of this trial apparently prevented proper coaching.
Questions for Reflection
- Why couldn't evil men coordinate their lies against the Truth incarnate?
- How does this passage comfort Christians facing coordinated false accusations today?
- What does the inability of lies to 'agree together' teach about the nature of truth versus falsehood?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For many bare false witness against him (πολλοὶ γὰρ ἐψευδομαρτύρουν κατ' αὐτοῦ, polloi gar epseudomartyroun kat' autou)—The compound verb ψευδομαρτυρέω (pseudomartyreo) means to bear false witness, directly violating the ninth commandment (Exodus 20:16). The imperfect tense suggests repeated, ongoing perjury. But their witness agreed not together (καὶ ἴσαι αἱ μαρτυρίαι οὐκ ἦσαν, kai isai hai martyriai ouk ēsan)—literally, 'their testimonies were not equal/consistent.'
Deuteronomy 19:15 required testimonies to 'agree' (LXX: συνίστημι, synistēmi) for conviction. The Sanhedrin's own law condemned their proceedings. Even lies require coordination to succeed; the confusion of false testimony reveals divine Providence frustrating the council's schemes. Psalm 2:4 proves true: 'He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.'