Mark 14:60
And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀναστὰς
stood up
G450
ἀναστὰς
stood up
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
2 of 18
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεὺς
the high priest
G749
ἀρχιερεὺς
the high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
4 of 18
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
10 of 18
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Οὐκ
Answerest
G3756
Οὐκ
Answerest
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
12 of 18
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἀποκρίνῃ
thou
G611
ἀποκρίνῃ
thou
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
13 of 18
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
οὐδέν
nothing
G3762
οὐδέν
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
14 of 18
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
15 of 18
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Historical Context
Jewish legal tradition generally protected the accused from self-incrimination. Caiaphas's direct questioning violated the principle that judges should rely on witnesses, not interrogate defendants. However, the office of high priest carried enormous authority—he alone entered the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur and pronounced God's name. His standing and direct questioning were meant to intimidate Jesus into responding.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did Jesus remain silent before false accusations but later speak when asked about His identity?
- How does Jesus's silence fulfill Isaiah's prophecy of the suffering servant?
- What does Caiaphas's frustration reveal about the power of righteous silence in the face of injustice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the high priest stood up in the midst (ἀναστὰς ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς εἰς μέσον, anastas ho archiereus eis meson)—Caiaphas rises to center stage, his standing conveying authority and frustration. The phrase εἰς μέσον (eis meson, 'into the middle') suggests he moved from his seat to confront Jesus directly, breaking normal judicial protocol. Answerest thou nothing? (οὐκ ἀποκρίνῃ οὐδέν; ouk apokrinē ouden?)—The double negative (οὐκ...οὐδέν, ouk...ouden) intensifies the question: 'You're not answering anything at all?'
What is it which these witness against thee? (τί οὗτοί σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν; ti houtoi sou katamartyrousin?)—The compound verb καταμαρτυρέω (katamartyreo) means to testify against. Caiaphas's exasperation shows—the testimonies have failed, so he attempts to goad Jesus into self-incrimination. Jesus's silence fulfills Isaiah 53:7: 'he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.'