Mark 15
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Chapter 15
Jesus Before Pilate. 1 (A)As soon as morning came,(B) the chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council.[a] They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 2 Pilate questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”[b] He said to him in reply, “You say so.” 3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 Again Pilate questioned him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of.” 5 Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.
The Sentence of Death.[c] 6 Now on the occasion of the feast he used to release to them one prisoner whom they requested.(C) 7 A man called Barabbas[d] was then in prison along with the rebels who had committed murder in a rebellion. 8 The crowd came forward and began to ask him to do for them as he was accustomed. 9 Pilate answered, “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” 10 For he knew that it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed him over. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. 12 Pilate again said to them in reply, “Then what [do you want] me to do with [the man you call] the king of the Jews?” 13 [e]They shouted again, “Crucify him.” 14 Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder, “Crucify him.” 15 [f]So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them and, after he had Jesus scourged, handed him over to be crucified.
Mockery by the Soldiers. 16 [g](D)The soldiers led him away inside the palace, that is, the praetorium, and assembled the whole cohort. 17 They clothed him in purple and, weaving a crown of thorns, placed it on him. 18 They began to salute him with, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 and kept striking his head with a reed and spitting upon him. They knelt before him in homage. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him out to crucify him.
The Way of the Cross. 21 They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian,[h] who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.(E)
The Crucifixion. 22 (F)They brought him to the place of Golgotha (which is translated Place of the Skull). 23 They gave him wine drugged with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 [i](G)Then they crucified him and divided his garments by casting lots for them to see what each should take. 25 It was nine o’clock in the morning[j] when they crucified him. 26 [k]The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 With him they crucified two revolutionaries, one on his right and one on his left.(H) [28 ][l] 29 [m]Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying,(I) “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself by coming down from the cross.” 31 Likewise the chief priests, with the scribes, mocked him among themselves and said, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also kept abusing him.(J)
The Death of Jesus. 33 At noon darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?”[n] which is translated, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”(K) 35 [o]Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “Look, he is calling Elijah.” 36 One of them ran, soaked a sponge with wine, put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to take him down.” 37 Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 [p]The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 [q](L)When the centurion who stood facing him saw how he breathed his last he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” 40 [r]There were also women looking on from a distance.(M) Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of the younger James and of Joses, and Salome. 41 These women had followed him when he was in Galilee and ministered to him. There were also many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.
The Burial of Jesus. 42 (N)When it was already evening, since it was the day of preparation, the day before the sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea,[s] a distinguished member of the council, who was himself awaiting the kingdom of God, came and courageously went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate was amazed that he was already dead. He summoned the centurion and asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 And when he learned of it from the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 Having bought a linen cloth, he took him down, wrapped him in the linen cloth and laid him in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses watched where he was laid.
Footnotes
- 15:1 Held a council: the verb here, poieō, can mean either “convene a council” or “take counsel.” This reading is preferred to a variant “reached a decision” (cf. Mk 3:6), which Mk 14:64 describes as having happened at the night trial; see note on Mt 27:1–2. Handed him over to Pilate: lacking authority to execute their sentence of condemnation (Mk 14:64), the Sanhedrin had recourse to Pilate to have Jesus tried and put to death (Mk 15:15); cf. Jn 18:31.
- 15:2 The king of the Jews: in the accounts of the evangelists a certain irony surrounds the use of this title as an accusation against Jesus (see note on Mk 15:26). While Pilate uses this term (Mk 15:2, 9, 12), he is aware of the evil motivation of the chief priests who handed Jesus over for trial and condemnation (Mk 15:10; Lk 23:14–16, 20; Mt 27:18, 24; Jn 18:38; 19:4, 6, 12).
- 15:6–15 See note on Mt 27:15–26.
- 15:7 Barabbas: see note on Mt 27:16–17.
- 15:13 Crucify him: see note on Mt 27:22.
- 15:15 See note on Mt 27:26.
- 15:16 Praetorium: see note on Mt 27:27.
- 15:21 They pressed into service…Simon, a Cyrenian: a condemned person was constrained to bear his own instrument of torture, at least the crossbeam. The precise naming of Simon and his sons is probably due to their being known among early Christian believers to whom Mark addressed his gospel. See also notes on Mt 27:32; Lk 23:26–32.
- 15:24 See notes on Mt 27:35 and Jn 19:23–25a.
- 15:25 It was nine o’clock in the morning: literally, “the third hour,” thus between 9 a.m. and 12 noon. Cf. Mk 15:33, 34, 42 for Mark’s chronological sequence, which may reflect liturgical or catechetical considerations rather than the precise historical sequence of events; contrast the different chronologies in the other gospels, especially Jn 19:14.
- 15:26 The inscription…the King of the Jews: the political reason for the death penalty falsely charged by the enemies of Jesus. See further the notes on Mt 27:37 and Jn 19:19.
- 15:28 This verse, “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘And he was counted among the wicked,’” is omitted in the earliest and best manuscripts. It contains a citation from Is 53:12 and was probably introduced from Lk 22:37.
- 15:29 See note on Mt 27:39–40.
- 15:34 An Aramaic rendering of Ps 22:2. See also note on Mt 27:46.
- 15:35 Elijah: a verbal link with Eloi (Mk 15:34). See note on Mk 9:9–13; cf. Mal 3:23–24. See also note on Mt 27:47.
- 15:38 See note on Mt 27:51–53.
- 15:39 The closing portion of Mark’s gospel returns to the theme of its beginning in the Gentile centurion’s climactic declaration of belief that Jesus was the Son of God. It indicates the fulfillment of the good news announced in the prologue (Mk 1:1) and may be regarded as the firstfruit of the passion and death of Jesus.
- 15:40–41 See note on Mt 27:55–56.
- 15:43 Joseph of Arimathea: see note on Mt 27:57–61.
Mark 15
King James Version
15 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.
2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto them, Thou sayest it.
3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
6 Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.
11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
12 And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?
13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.
14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.
15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,
18 And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.
21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.
22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.
23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.
24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.
26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, The King Of The Jews.
27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.
28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross.
31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.
32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
35 And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.
36 And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.
37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.
38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.
42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.
Mark 15
Legacy Standard Bible
Jesus Before Pilate
15 (A)And early in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole (B)Sanhedrin, immediately held council; and binding Jesus, led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate. 2 (C)And Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He answered him and *said, “You yourself say it.” 3 And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things. 4 Then Pilate was questioning Him again, saying, “You answer nothing? See how many accusations they bring against You!” 5 But Jesus (D)made no further answer; so Pilate marveled.
6 (E)Now at the feast he used to release for them any one prisoner whom they requested. 7 And the man named Barabbas had been imprisoned with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the insurrection. 8 And the crowd went up and began asking him to do as he had been accustomed to do for them. 9 And Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he was aware that the chief priests had delivered Him over because of envy. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd (F)to ask him to release Barabbas for them instead. 12 And answering again, Pilate was saying to them, “Then what shall I do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they shouted again, “Crucify Him!” 14 But Pilate was saying to them, “Why? What evil did He do?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify Him!” 15 And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus (G)scourged, he delivered Him over to be crucified.
Jesus Is Mocked
16 (H)So the soldiers took Him away into (I)the [a]palace (that is, the [b]Praetorium), and they *called together the whole Roman [c](J)cohort. 17 And they *dressed Him up in purple, and after twisting a crown of thorns, they *put it on Him; 18 and they began to greet Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they kept beating His head with a [d]reed, and spitting on Him; and kneeling, they were bowing down before Him. 20 And after they had mocked Him, they took the purple robe off Him and put His own garments on Him. And they *led Him out to crucify Him.
21 (K)And they *pressed into service a passer-by coming from the countryside, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and (L)Rufus), to [e]carry His cross.
The Crucifixion
22 (M)Then they *brought Him to the place (N)Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. 23 And they tried to give Him (O)wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it. 24 And they *crucified Him, and *(P)divided up His garments among themselves, casting [f]lots for them to decide who should take what. 25 Now it was the [g](Q)third hour, and they crucified Him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against Him [h]read, “(R)THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
27 And they *crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left. 28 [i][And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with transgressors.”] 29 And those passing by were blaspheming Him, (S)shaking their heads, and saying, “Ha! You who are going to (T)destroy the [j]sanctuary and rebuild it in three days, 30 save Yourself by coming down from the cross!” 31 In the same way, mocking Him to one another, the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were saying, “(U)He saved others; [k]He cannot save Himself. 32 Let this [l]Christ, (V)the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” (W)Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him.
33 (X)And when the [m](Y)sixth hour came, darkness [n]fell over the whole land until the [o](Z)ninth hour. 34 And at the (AA)ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “(AB)Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 35 And when some of the bystanders heard it, they began saying, “Look, He is calling for Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink, saying, “[p]Let us see whether Elijah will come to take Him down.” 37 (AC)And Jesus, uttering a loud cry, breathed His last. 38 (AD)And the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 (AE)And when the centurion, who was standing [q]right in front of Him, saw [r]the way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”
40 (AF)And there were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James (AG)the [s]Less and Joses, and (AH)Salome, 41 who, when He was in Galilee, were following Him and [t](AI)serving Him; and there were many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.
Jesus Is Buried
42 (AJ)And when evening had already come, because it was [u](AK)Preparation day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea came, a (AL)prominent [v]Council member, who himself was (AM)waiting for the kingdom of God; and he (AN)gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 And Pilate wondered if He had died by this time, and summoning the centurion, he questioned him as to whether He already died. 45 And ascertaining this from (AO)the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. 46 And when Joseph had bought a linen cloth and took Him down, he wrapped Him in the linen cloth and laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out in the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 (AP)And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were looking on to see where He had been laid.
Footnotes
- Mark 15:16 Or court
- Mark 15:16 Governor’s official residence
- Mark 15:16 Normally 600 men (the number varied); or battalion
- Mark 15:19 Or staff (made of a reed)
- Mark 15:21 Or bear, cf. Matt 27:32
- Mark 15:24 Lit a lot upon
- Mark 15:25 9 a.m.
- Mark 15:26 Lit had been inscribed
- Mark 15:28 Early mss omit this v
- Mark 15:29 The inner part of the temple
- Mark 15:31 Or can He not save Himself?
- Mark 15:32 Messiah
- Mark 15:33 Noon
- Mark 15:33 Or occurred
- Mark 15:33 3 p.m.
- Mark 15:36 Or Hold off, let us see; lit Permit that we see
- Mark 15:39 Or opposite Him
- Mark 15:39 Lit that He thus
- Mark 15:40 Lit little (either in stature or age)
- Mark 15:41 Or waiting on
- Mark 15:42 Preparation for the Sabbath
- Mark 15:43 The Sanhedrin
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