Mark 14:57
And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,
Original Language Analysis
καί
And
G2532
καί
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀναστάντες
there arose
G450
ἀναστάντες
there arose
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
3 of 7
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
ἐψευδομαρτύρουν
and bare false witness
G5576
ἐψευδομαρτύρουν
and bare false witness
Strong's:
G5576
Word #:
4 of 7
to be an untrue testifier, i.e., offer falsehood in evidence
κατ'
against
G2596
κατ'
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
5 of 7
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Historical Context
Roman legal procedure (which influenced Herodian courts) distinguished between testimonia (sworn testimony) and narratio (narrative account). False witnesses risked the penalty they sought for the accused (Deuteronomy 19:19). However, this safeguard required conviction of perjury, which the corrupt Sanhedrin wouldn't pursue. The 'certain ones' who arose may have been the planted witnesses mentioned in Luke 22:2 as part of the conspiracy.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Mark continue emphasizing 'false witness' even when describing more convincing testimony?
- What spiritual principle is at work when even 'better' lies still fail against divine truth?
- How does the rising of 'certain ones' parallel the rising of false teachers in the church (Acts 20:30)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him (καί τινες ἀναστάντες ἐψευδομαρτύρουν κατ' αὐτοῦ, kai tines anastantes epseudomartyroun kat' autou)—The participle ἀναστάντες (anastantes, 'having stood up') suggests a dramatic moment in the trial. After the initial wave of failed testimonies (v. 56), new witnesses arise. The continued use of ψευδομαρτυρέω (pseudomartyreo) shows Mark's editorial comment: these too were liars, though their testimony would prove more coherent than the previous attempts.
The verb form is imperfect, indicating they were testifying falsely over a period of time. This wasn't a single statement but sustained perjury. Yet even this 'improved' false witness would fail to secure conviction (v. 59), requiring the high priest himself to finally extract the confession he sought (v. 61-62).