New Testament · Gospel

Mark 14:10

Betrayal Begins

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. Mark 14:10 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Mark 14:10, in plain English

Then Judas Iscariot — one of Jesus' own twelve closest friends — went to the chief priests to hand Jesus over.

Why it's here

The contrast couldn't be starker: one person poured out everything in love; another sold out for money. Both were in the same room with Jesus.

Who's speaking

Mark introduces Judas' betrayal.

Where it sits in the story

This is one of history's greatest betrayals. Not a stranger, not an enemy from outside — but someone who had walked with Jesus, eaten with Him, heard His teaching.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Mark's identification of Judas Iscariot as 'one of the Twelve' emphasizes the intimacy of the betrayal — this is not an outsider but a member of Jesus' innermost circle.

Language and setting

The juxtaposition of the woman's extravagant devotion with Judas' calculated betrayal creates one of Mark's sharpest narrative contrasts.

Voice

Mark narrates Judas' initiative to betray Jesus.

Significance

Immediately after the anointing scene, one of Jesus' own disciples approaches the very leaders plotting His death, providing them the inside help they needed.

In context

Mark 14:8–12

8She has done what she could to anoint My body in advance of My burial.

9And truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

10Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.

11They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money.

12On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”

Read all of Mark 14 — A woman anoints Jesus with costly perfume while Judas negotiates his price. The Last Supper, Gethsemane, and Peter's denial unfold in rapid succession.

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