Mark 14 17

Mark 14:17 kjv

And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.

Mark 14:17 nkjv

In the evening He came with the twelve.

Mark 14:17 niv

When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve.

Mark 14:17 esv

And when it was evening, he came with the twelve.

Mark 14:17 nlt

In the evening Jesus arrived with the Twelve.

Mark 14 verses

Mark 14 17 Meaning

This verse concisely marks the transition from the meticulous preparations for the Passover meal (Mark 14:12-16) to the actual beginning of the meal itself, highlighting Jesus' arrival with His chosen disciples. It signals the initiation of a deeply significant event, the Last Supper, which prefigures His sacrifice and establishes the new covenant, placing it within the traditional Jewish celebration of Passover. The emphasis is on the specific time—evening, aligned with the Passover ritual—and the specific group—"the twelve," representing the core apostolic body, despite the imminent betrayal.

Mark 14 17 Context

Mark chapter 14 commences the detailed account of Jesus' final days leading to His crucifixion. Verses 1-11 portray plots by religious leaders to seize Jesus and Judas's agreement to betray Him. Verses 12-16 describe Jesus' specific instructions to two disciples to prepare the Passover meal in Jerusalem. Verse 17 then directly follows these preparations, signaling the beginning of this pivotal meal. This setting aligns with the traditional Jewish observance of Passover, a solemn feast commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 12). Eating the Passover lamb "at twilight" (Exod 12:6, Deut 16:6) after sundown was customary. For Jesus, this was not just a historical reenactment but the decisive moment when He, as the true Lamb of God, would inaugurate a new covenant through His sacrificial death, turning the deliverance from Egypt into deliverance from sin. The presence of "the twelve" is critical, as they are the foundational witnesses to Jesus' ministry and the future pillars of His church.

Mark 14 17 Word analysis

• When it was evening (Ancient Greek: οψίας γενομένης, opsias genomenēs): οψίας (opsias): Genitive singular of οψία (opsia), meaning "late hour," "evening," or "twilight." Significance: This specifies the precise time in relation to Jewish tradition for the Passover meal. Passover meals always commenced after sundown, entering the new day according to the Jewish calendar (sunset begins a new day). This temporal detail emphasizes the strict observance of the Passover tradition before Jesus transforms its meaning. It also sets a somber mood, as evenings often carry a sense of the day's end or approaching mystery, preparing for the gravity of the events to unfold. This aligns with the "hour" Jesus frequently referred to, knowing His appointed time for suffering.
• He (Ancient Greek: Transliteration implied from verb; subject of came): Significance: Refers unequivocally to Jesus. The concise narrative style of Mark often assumes the identity of the main protagonist. Jesus' arrival is a deliberate, purposeful act, not a casual coming. He is moving with intent towards the cross, fulfilling divine prophecy and His mission. His active "coming" underlines His authority and His complete surrender to the Father's will even as betrayal and suffering draw near.
• came (Ancient Greek: ἔρχεται, erchetai): Present tense in Greek ("he comes"), indicating immediacy or narrative vividness. Significance: Denotes the physical movement and presence of Jesus. This verb frequently describes Jesus' active role throughout Mark, indicating His divine initiative and purposeful action. Here, it signifies the culmination of the Passover preparations and the solemn commencement of the Last Supper, a meal that profoundly redefines covenant and redemption.
• with the twelve (Ancient Greek: μετὰ τῶν δώδεκα, meta tōn dōdeka): μετὰ (meta): Preposition meaning "with," indicating companionship. τῶν δώδεκα (tōn dōdeka): "The twelve." Refers to the specifically chosen core group of disciples, also known as the apostles (Mark 3:14). Significance: This phrase highlights the foundational nature of this specific group. "The twelve" symbolize the restoration of Israel, representing the twelve tribes. Their presence underscores the communal and covenantal nature of the events. While one among them (Judas) is about to betray Him, Jesus nevertheless proceeds with the established, chosen company. Their presence also authenticates the events for future witness, as they are direct participants in the Last Supper, which lays the groundwork for the Eucharist/Lord's Supper in the early Church. It points to Jesus' inclusive love and patience, even with the betrayer present among His closest followers.

• "When it was evening, He came": This phrase together marks a deliberate transition and timing. It signifies the end of a preparatory phase and the beginning of a climactic event. The atmosphere transitions from daily activity to sacred observance. Jesus' movement in the "evening" foreshadows the dark events of the passion that are about to unfold in the night. It is His chosen "hour" (John 13:1).
• "He came with the twelve": This collective arrival emphasizes Jesus' leadership and the solidarity, however fragile, of the chosen group. Despite Jesus' knowledge of the coming betrayal, He performs this sacred meal with all "the twelve," highlighting His enduring commitment to them and to the Father's redemptive plan that involves even betrayal for the sake of atonement.

Mark 14 17 Bonus section

The phrase "He came" (ἔρχεται) can also imply a sense of readiness and preparation on Jesus' part. He knew the time had come for His ultimate purpose to be fulfilled, not just to eat a meal but to initiate His passion. The communal aspect "with the twelve" also suggests the idea of shared experience and responsibility, laying the groundwork for the disciples' roles as witnesses to the events that would immediately follow, as well as their future ministry. The narrative simplicity of Mark’s Gospel allows these foundational truths to resonate deeply without excessive elaboration, drawing the reader directly into the solemnity and anticipation of this crucial Passover night. This scene implicitly highlights the transition from old covenant traditions to the dawning reality of the new covenant inaugurated by Christ Himself.

Mark 14 17 Commentary

Mark 14:17 serves as the concise bridge from the logistical arrangements of the Passover to the unfolding of the Last Supper. The simple declarative statement—"When it was evening, He came with the twelve"—carries immense theological weight. The precise timing ("evening") is crucial; it adheres to the Jewish tradition of commencing Passover after sundown, thus sanctifying the ancient ritual. Yet, for Jesus, this particular evening marked a re-orientation of Passover itself. He, the true Lamb of God, was stepping into the shadow of His own sacrificial moment. His active arrival ("He came") asserts His divine initiative and His purposeful surrender to the Father's will. He is not passively drawn to His fate but walks purposefully towards it. The inclusion of "the twelve" is also profoundly significant. This core group, chosen by Jesus as the foundation of His future community (Mark 3:14), represents a renewed Israel. That all twelve are present, despite Judas's hidden treachery, underscores Jesus's knowledge, sovereignty, and profound grace. The solemn gathering on this pivotal evening sets the stage for the revelation of the new covenant through His body and blood, forever altering the meaning of Passover for believers and pointing towards the ultimate redemption in Christ.