Mark 14:55

Verse

Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any.

American Standard Version (1901)

Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found it not.

Bible in Basic English

Now the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin were looking for witness against Jesus so that they might put him to death; and they were unable to get any.

Free Bible Version

Inside the chief priests and the whole governing council were trying to find some evidence to have Jesus put to death, but they couldn't find anything.

Geneva Bible 1599

And the hie Priests, and all the Councill sought for witnesse against Iesus, to put him to death, but found none.

King James (Authorized) Version

And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.

One Unity Resource Bible

Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witnesses against Yeshua [Salvation] to put him to death, and found none.

Plain English Version

All the Jewish leaders there tried to get somebody to say, “We saw Jesus do bad things,” so that they could kill him, but nobody told a strong story against him.

Translation for Translators

The chief priests and all the rest of the Jewish council had already tried to find people who would tell lies about Jesus in order that they could convince the Roman authorities to execute him. But they did not succeed,

Unlocked Literal Bible

Now the chief priests and the entire Jewish council were seeking testimony against Jesus so they might put him to death. But they did not find any.

Noah Webster Bible

And the chief priests, and all the council sought for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.

World English Bible

Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witnesses against Jesus to put him to death, and found none.

Young's Literal Translation

And the chief priests and all the sanhedrim were seeking against Jesus testimony — to put him to death, and they were not finding,

Context

Jesus before the Sanhedrin

⁵⁴Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he sat with the officers and warmed himself by the fire. 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.

Sermons

Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin Mark 14:55-65

R.A. Torrey

Summary

Mark 14:55 describes the scene where the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus to put Him to death, but they could not find any. Despite their efforts to falsely accuse Him, Jesus remained blameless and without sin. This verse highlights the innocence and righteousness of Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy of being the spotless Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. It also serves as a reminder of the unjust persecution Jesus faced before His crucifixion, demonstrating His willingness to endure suffering for the salvation of humanity.

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death--Matthew (Mat 26:59) says they "sought false witness." They knew they could find nothing valid; but having their Prisoner to bring before Pilate, they behooved to make a case. and found none--none that would suit their purpose, or make a decent ground of charge before Pilate.