Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. New Living Translation Many false witnesses spoke against him, but they contradicted each other. English Standard Version For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. Berean Standard Bible For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. Berean Literal Bible For many were bearing false testimony against Him, but their testimonies were not alike. King James Bible For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. New King James Version For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree. New American Standard Bible For many people were giving false testimony against Him, and so their testimonies were not consistent. NASB 1995 For many were giving false testimony against Him, but their testimony was not consistent. NASB 1977 For many were giving false testimony against Him, and yet their testimony was not consistent. Legacy Standard Bible For many were giving false testimony against Him, but their testimony was not consistent. Amplified Bible For many [people] were giving false testimony against Him, but their testimonies were not consistent. Christian Standard Bible For many were giving false testimony against him, and the testimonies did not agree. Holman Christian Standard Bible For many were giving false testimony against Him, but the testimonies did not agree. American Standard Version For many bare false witness against him, and their witness agreed not together. Contemporary English Version Many people did tell lies against Jesus, but they did not agree on what they said. English Revised Version For many bare false witness against him, and their witness agreed not together. GOD'S WORD® Translation Many gave false testimony against him, but their statements did not agree. Good News Translation Many witnesses told lies against Jesus, but their stories did not agree. International Standard Version Although many people gave false testimony against him, their testimony didn't agree. NET Bible Many gave false testimony against him, but their testimony did not agree. New Heart English Bible For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree with each other. Webster's Bible Translation For many bore false testimony against him, but their testimony agreed not together. Weymouth New Testament for though many gave false testimony against Him, their statements did not tally. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. World English Bible For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony didn’t agree with each other. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor many were bearing false testimony against Him, and their testimonies were not alike. Berean Literal Bible For many were bearing false testimony against Him, but their testimonies were not alike. Young's Literal Translation for many were bearing false testimony against him, and their testimonies were not alike. Smith's Literal Translation For many testified falsely against him, and the testimonies were not alike. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor many bore false witness against him, and their evidences were not agreeing. Catholic Public Domain Version For many spoke false testimony against him, but their testimony did not agree. New American Bible Many gave false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. New Revised Standard Version For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor even though many testified against him, their testimonies were not worthy. Aramaic Bible in Plain English For many were testifying against him, but their testimony was not worthy. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor many testified falsely against him, and their testimony did not agree. Godbey New Testament For many were testifying falsely against Him, and their testimonies were not equal. Haweis New Testament For many bore false witness against him, and their attestations did not correspond. Mace New Testament there were indeed several, who depos'd what was false against him: besides, what they deposed was insufficient. Weymouth New Testament for though many gave false testimony against Him, their statements did not tally. Worrell New Testament For many were bearing false testimony against Him, and their testimonies were not agreed. Worsley New Testament for many bare false witness against Him, and the evidences did not agree. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin…55Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. 56For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. 57Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him:… Cross References Matthew 26:59-60 Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward John 18:29-30 So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?” / “If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.” Acts 6:13 where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. Deuteronomy 19:16-19 If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, / both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. / The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, ... Psalm 27:12 Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. Psalm 35:11 Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about. 1 Kings 21:10-13 But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” / So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them. / They proclaimed a fast and gave Naboth a seat of honor among the people. ... Jeremiah 26:8-9 and as soon as he had finished telling all the people everything the LORD had commanded him to say, the priests and prophets and all the people seized him, shouting, “You must surely die! / How dare you prophesy in the name of the LORD that this house will become like Shiloh and this city will be desolate and deserted!” And all the people assembled against Jeremiah in the house of the LORD. Matthew 5:11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Luke 23:2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.” John 2:19-21 Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” / “This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?” / But Jesus was speaking about the temple of His body. Acts 24:5-6 We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, / and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. Zechariah 11:12-13 Then I told them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” So they weighed out my wages, thirty pieces of silver. / And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent price at which they valued me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD. Matthew 27:12-14 And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. / Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?” / But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement. Treasury of Scripture For many bore false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. Jump to Previous Agree Agreed Agreement Alike Bare Bearing Bore Consistent Falsely Statements Testified Testimonies Testimony Together WitnessJump to Next Agree Agreed Agreement Alike Bare Bearing Bore Consistent Falsely Statements Testified Testimonies Testimony Together WitnessMark 14 1. A conspiracy against Jesus.3. Expensive perfume is poured on his head by a woman. 10. Judas sells his Master for money. 12. Jesus himself foretells how he will be betrayed by one of his disciples; 22. after the passover prepared, and eaten, institutes his last supper; 26. declares beforehand the flight of all his disciples, and Peter's denial. 43. Judas betrays him with a kiss. 46. Jesus is apprehended in the garden; 53. falsely accused and impiously condemned of the council; 65. shamefully abused by them; 66. and thrice denied by Peter. For many bore false witness against Jesus This phrase highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah being falsely accused, such as in Psalm 27:12 and Isaiah 53:7. The act of bearing false witness is explicitly condemned in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:16), emphasizing the gravity of the sin committed by these witnesses. The Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, was responsible for maintaining justice, yet here they are complicit in injustice. This reflects the broader theme of Jesus' rejection by the religious leaders of His time, as seen throughout the Gospels. but their testimony was inconsistent Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is on trial before the Sanhedrin, facing false accusations. 2. Sanhedrin The Jewish council responsible for religious and legal matters, conducting the trial against Jesus. 3. False Witnesses Individuals who provided false testimony against Jesus, attempting to convict Him unjustly. 4. Jerusalem The city where these events took place, specifically in the high priest's courtyard. 5. High Priest The leader of the Sanhedrin, presiding over the trial of Jesus. Teaching Points The Sin of False WitnessBearing false witness is a direct violation of God's commandments and leads to injustice. Christians are called to uphold truth and integrity in all circumstances. The Injustice of the World Jesus' trial exemplifies the world's injustice. Believers should expect and be prepared for similar treatment, standing firm in their faith. Consistency in Testimony The inconsistency of the false witnesses' testimony highlights the importance of truthfulness and reliability in our words and actions. Christ's Example of Endurance Jesus' response to false accusations serves as a model for enduring suffering and injustice with grace and patience. Trust in God's Sovereignty Despite the false accusations, God's plan for salvation through Jesus' sacrifice was fulfilled. Believers can trust in God's ultimate control over all situations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Mark 14:56?2. How does Mark 14:56 illustrate the danger of false testimony in our lives? 3. What can we learn about integrity from the false witnesses in Mark 14:56? 4. How does Exodus 20:16 relate to the events in Mark 14:56? 5. In what ways can we guard against bearing false witness today? 6. How can we ensure our testimonies align with truth, unlike in Mark 14:56? 7. Why did many testify falsely against Jesus in Mark 14:56? 8. How does Mark 14:56 challenge the reliability of eyewitness testimony? 9. What does Mark 14:56 reveal about human nature and truth? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 14? 11. Jesus' resurrection is based on the testimony of His followers--why should we believe them over other religious claims? 12. What does the Bible say about lacking faith? 13. In the Gospel of John, what did Jesus say about bearing his own witness in John 5:31 and John 8:14? 14. What does the Bible say about unbelief? What Does Mark 14:56 Mean Setting the SceneMark places us in the middle of a hurried, night-time trial before the Sanhedrin. Just one verse earlier we read, “The chief priests and the whole Council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any” (Mark 14:55). Their minds are made up; now they need evidence that will stick. This backdrop helps us see why v. 56 emphasizes both the number of witnesses and the flaw in their testimony. Parallel accounts underline the same tension—Matthew 26:59-60 notes, “They found none, though many false witnesses came forward.” Many Bore False Witness • “Many” tells us the leaders were not content with a token accusation. They recruited numerous people willing to twist the truth, violating Exodus 20:16 and Proverbs 19:5. • Their willingness to lie about Jesus underscores His blamelessness. No legitimate charge could be produced, just as Psalm 27:12 anticipates: “Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me.” • This rush of perjury fulfills messianic expectation—Isaiah 53:9 speaks of the Suffering Servant: “He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth,” yet He would be “assigned a grave with the wicked.” Their Testimony Was Inconsistent • Mosaic Law required at least two agreeing witnesses for a capital verdict (Deuteronomy 19:15). God built this safeguard to protect the innocent and to restrain tyranny. • By highlighting their disagreement, Mark shows that even in their corruption the Sanhedrin could not secure a lawful conviction. Luke 23:2 and John 18:29-30 confirm Pilate later recognized the same problem. • The clash of stories also exposes Satan’s kingdom as divided (John 8:44). Lies never harmonize for long. Jesus’ Innocence and Divine Purpose • The failure of the witnesses accents Jesus’ perfect righteousness—He is “the Holy One of God” (Mark 1:24). • At the same time, the scene advances God’s redemptive plan. Though the charges collapse, Jesus will still be condemned, fulfilling Acts 2:23: “He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge.” • The clash between human injustice and divine sovereignty invites us to trust that God can overrule evil intentions for ultimate good (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). Take-Home Reflections • Truth matters. God’s people must reject gossip and half-truths, guarding lips in a culture quick to accuse (Ephesians 4:25; James 1:26). • Integrity withstands scrutiny. If Christ lives in us, we pursue consistency so our words and actions align (Colossians 3:9-10). • Expect opposition. Following a Savior unjustly maligned means we may face slander too, yet Jesus shows us how to entrust ourselves to the Father who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23). summary Mark 14:56 exposes a courtroom filled with liars who cannot agree, spotlighting Jesus’ spotless character and the illegitimacy of His condemnation. The verse reminds us that truth remains coherent while falsehood fractures, and it reassures us that God’s purposes stand firm even when human systems fail. (56) Their witness agreed not together.--St. Mark gives what St. Matthew only implies as the cause of the failure.Verse 56. - For many bare false witness against him, and their witness agreed not together. Whatever things these witnesses brought forward were either false, or self-contradictory, or beside the purpose.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Forγὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. many πολλοὶ (polloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 4183: Much, many; often. bore false witness ἐψευδομαρτύρουν (epseudomartyroun) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 5576: To testify falsely, bear false witness. From pseudomartur; to be an untrue testifier, i.e. Offer falsehood in evidence. against κατ’ (kat’) Preposition Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). [Jesus], αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. but καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. their αἱ (hai) Article - Nominative Feminine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. testimony μαρτυρίαι (martyriai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural Strong's 3141: Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given. was ἦσαν (ēsan) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. inconsistent. ἴσαι (isai) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural Strong's 2470: Equal, equivalent, identical. Probably from eido; similar. Links Mark 14:56 NIVMark 14:56 NLT Mark 14:56 ESV Mark 14:56 NASB Mark 14:56 KJV Mark 14:56 BibleApps.com Mark 14:56 Biblia Paralela Mark 14:56 Chinese Bible Mark 14:56 French Bible Mark 14:56 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Mark 14:56 For many gave false testimony against him (Mar Mk Mr) |
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