New Testament · Gospel

Mark 14:63

Betrayal Begins

At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “Why do we need any more witnesses? Mark 14:63 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Mark 14:63, in plain English

The high priest rips his robes in outrage and says they don't need any more witnesses after hearing Jesus' own words.

Why it's here

Tearing robes was the dramatic way of saying 'I've heard blasphemy!' Ironically, the high priest was actually forbidden by the Law from tearing his priestly garments.

Who's speaking

The high priest reacts with theatrical horror to Jesus' claim.

Where it sits in the story

The irony is thick. The man who is supposed to represent God before the people condemns the actual Son of God while breaking the very Law he's supposed to uphold.

A Closer Look

The scholar's commentary

The high priest tears his garments, the ritual response to blasphemia (blasphemy), and declares no further witnesses are needed, treating Jesus' self-testimony as sufficient for condemnation.

Language and setting

Tearing garments was prescribed in Leviticus 21:10 as forbidden for the high priest, though later tradition made exceptions for hearing blasphemy. This act signals the formal charge.

Voice

The high priest dramatically reacts to Jesus' declaration.

Significance

The high priest tears his priestly robes in ritualized outrage. Ironically, he is the one violating sacred law while condemning the truly innocent One.

In context

Mark 14:61–65

61But Jesus remained silent and made no reply.

62“I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

63At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “Why do we need any more witnesses?

64You have heard the blasphemy. What is your verdict?”

65Then some of them began to spit on Him. They blindfolded Him, struck Him with their fists, and said to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps in His face.

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.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

In the App

What's in the app that isn't here.

Seven translations

NIV, NLT, NKJV, KJV and the Berean — plus the Catholic NLT-CE and Douay-Rheims, with the full deuterocanon in the reading order.

Every verse, as you read

Tap any of the 31,102 for what it means, and any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, without leaving the chapter.

Selah

Start recording at church and put your phone away. You get the transcript, the key moments, and every verse referenced.

Prayer Maker

Say what's sitting on your heart and hear it back as a real prayer, in a warm voice. Keep the ones that land.

Every Word

The whole Bible in a year — five chapters a day, five days a week, weekends off. Built to be finished.

Today's Light

A verse each morning with its meaning, how it lands today, something to sit with, and a prayer to close it.

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad