Mark 14:19
And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
Mark 14:19 · King James Version
Meaning
During this moment in the Bible, Jesus was sharing with his disciples that one of them would betray him. This revelation caused great distress among the disciples, leading them to question if they were the ones who would betray him. Each disciple, one by one, asked Jesus, "Is it I?" This reaction highlights the deep love and loyalty the disciples had for Jesus, as well as their awareness of their own potential flaws and weaknesses. It also serves as a reminder of the human tendency to doubt oneself and seek reassurance from others, even in moments of uncertainty. This verse captures a profound sense of introspection and vulnerability among the disciples, revealing their fear of disappointing their beloved teacher, Jesus. Overall, this moment is a powerful example of the emotional complexity and depth of the relationships between Jesus and his disciples.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see the disciples reacting with sorrow and confusion when Jesus foretells his betrayal. The phrase "Is it I?" demonstrates a profound sense of introspection and self-doubt among the disciples as they grapple with the possibility that one of them could betray Jesus. This moment reflects the human tendency to question ourselves and our own weaknesses, even in the face of uncertainty. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of self-examination and humility in the disciples' response. It also highlights Jesus' deep understanding of human nature and his compassion towards those who may falter in their faith. The word study of 'sorrowful' reveals the disciples' deep emotional distress, while the phrase 'one by one' underscores the individual nature of their questioning, showing how each disciple grapples with their own fears and doubts. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the complexity of human emotions and the need for introspection in our relationship with God.
Mark 14:19 in other translations
American Standard Version
They began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I?
World English Bible
They began to be sorrowful, and to ask him one by one, “Surely not I?” And another said, “Surely not I?”
Douay-Rheims
But they began to be sorrowful and to say to him, one by one: Is it I?
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then they began to be sorowful and to say to him one by one, Is it I? And another, Is it I?