One young man
This phrase introduces an unnamed individual, highlighting his youth and anonymity. The Greek word for "young man" is "νεανίσκος" (neaniskos), which often refers to a young adult. This detail may suggest the vulnerability and impulsiveness of youth, as well as the idea that even the young were drawn to Jesus' teachings. Historically, this could symbolize the new generation of believers who would carry forward the message of Christ.

who had been following Jesus
The act of following Jesus is significant, as it implies discipleship and commitment. The Greek word "ἀκολουθέω" (akoloutheō) means to accompany or follow someone as a disciple. This young man's presence at such a critical moment underscores the widespread impact of Jesus' ministry and the diverse group of followers He attracted. It also serves as a reminder of the call to follow Christ, even in times of danger or uncertainty.

was wearing a linen cloth
The linen cloth, or "σινδών" (sindōn) in Greek, is a garment often associated with wealth or burial practices. This detail might suggest that the young man came from a family of means or that he was hastily dressed, possibly indicating the urgency of the situation. Linen was a valuable fabric, and its mention here could symbolize purity or the fleeting nature of earthly possessions in the face of spiritual pursuits.

around his body
This phrase emphasizes the minimal covering of the young man, highlighting vulnerability and exposure. The Greek word "περιβεβλημένος" (peribeblēmenos) means to be clothed or wrapped around. This imagery can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual state of humanity—exposed and in need of the covering of Christ's righteousness. It also foreshadows the stripping away of earthly securities when one chooses to follow Jesus.

They caught hold of him
The act of being seized is significant, as it represents the physical and spiritual trials faced by followers of Christ. The Greek word "κρατέω" (krateō) means to take hold of or seize. This moment captures the tension and danger surrounding Jesus' arrest, reflecting the cost of discipleship. It serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges believers may face and the courage required to stand firm in faith amidst persecution.

1. Young Man
An unnamed young man who was following Jesus during His arrest. His identity is not specified, but he is noted for wearing a linen cloth.

2. Jesus
Central figure in the Gospel, who is being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane at this point in the account.

3. Garden of Gethsemane
The place where Jesus was praying and subsequently arrested. It is located on the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem.

4. Disciples
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are present in the surrounding context, having fled when Jesus was arrested.

5. Arresting Party
The group of soldiers and officials who came to arrest Jesus, leading to the young man's flight.The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus can lead to unexpected challenges and moments of fear. The young man's flight illustrates the human tendency to flee in the face of danger.

Symbolism of the Linen Cloth
The linen cloth may symbolize purity or a new beginning, yet it is left behind, suggesting the vulnerability and cost of following Christ.

Youth and Courage
The presence of a young man highlights the role of youth in the early Christian movement and the courage required to follow Jesus.

Fleeing from Sin
Just as the young man fled from the scene, believers are called to flee from sin and temptation, seeking refuge in Christ.

Identity in Christ
The anonymity of the young man can remind us that our identity is found in Christ, not in our earthly status or possessions.(51) And there followed him a certain young man.--The remarkable incident that follows is narrated by St. Mark only. It had clearly made a deep impression on the minds of some of the disciples (probably enough, on that of Peter), from whom, directly or indirectly, the report came. Who it was that appeared in this strange fashion we are left to conjecture. Some have supposed that it was St. Mark himself, but for this there is obviously no ground but the fact that this Evangelist alone records it. A careful examination of the facts suggests another conclusion as probable. (1) The man was "young," and the self-same term is applied to the ruler who had great possessions (Matthew 19:20). (2) He had apparently been sleeping, or, it may be, watching, not far from Gethsemane, with the linen sheet wrapped round him, and had been roused by the approach of the officers and the crowd. This suggests one who lived somewhere on the Mount of Olives, and so far points to Lazarus or Simon of Bethany, as the only two conspicuous disciples in that neighbourhood. (3) He was one who so loved our Lord that he went on following Him when all the disciples forsook Him and fled, and this also was what might be expected from Lazarus. On the supposition suggested in (1), he was now obeying almost literally the command, "Take up thy cross, and follow Me." (See Notes on Matthew 19:16-22.) (4) He was one whom the officers (the words "the young men" are omitted in the better MSS.) were eager to seize, when they allowed all the disciples to go their way, and this agrees with the command which had been given by the priests, that they should take and kill Lazarus also (John 12:10). (5) As the "linen sheet" or sindon (see Note on Matthew 27:59) was especially used for the burial of the dead, it is conceivable, on this supposition, that what had been the winding-sheet of the dead Lazarus had been kept and used by him in memory of his resurrection. (6) On the hypothesis thus suggested, the suppression of the name stands on the same footing as that of the name of the sister of Lazarus, who poured the precious ointment on our Lord's head at Bethany (Matthew 26:7, Mark 14:3), whom the Evangelists must have known, but whom they mention simply as a "woman." Their lips were sealed as to the family of Bethany until the circumstances, whatever they may have been, that called for silence had passed away. It is obvious that so far as this identity is established it suggests many thoughts of profound interest. What had seemed impossible to men had proved possible with God. He who had gone away sorrowful because he had great possessions, had given freely to the poor (see Notes on Matthew 26:6; Matthew 26:9), and had proved more faithful than the Twelve, and so the last had become the first. . . . Verse 51. - And a certain young man followed with him, having a linen cloth cast about him, over his naked body: and they lay hold on him. St. Mark is the only evangelist who mentions this incident; and there seems good reason for supposing that he here describes what happened to himself. Such is the mode in which St. John refers to himself in his Gospel, and where there can be no doubt that he is speaking of himself. If the conclusion in an earlier part of this commentary be correct, that it was at the house to which John Mark belonged that our Lord celebrated the Passover, and from whence he went out to the Mount of Olives; what more probable than that Mark had been with him on that occasion, and had perhaps a presentiment that something was about to happen to him? What more likely than that the crowd who took Jesus may have passed by this house, and that Mark may have been roused from his bed (it was now a late hour) by the tumult. Having a linen cloth (σινδόνα) cast about his naked body. The sindon was a fine linen cloth, indicating that he belonged to a family in good circumstances. It is an unusual word. In every other place of the New Testament where it is used it refers to the garment or shroud used to cover the bodies of the dead. The sindon is supposed to take its name from Sidon, where the particular kind of linen was manufactured of which the garment was made. It was a kind of light cloak frequently worn in hot weather.

Parallel Commentaries ...


One
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

young man
νεανίσκος (neaniskos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3495: A young man, youth, an attendant. From the same as neanias; a youth.

who had been following
συνηκολούθει (synēkolouthei)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4870: To accompany, follow together with. From sun and akoloutheo; to accompany.

[Jesus]
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

was wearing
περιβεβλημένος (peribeblēmenos)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4016: From peri and ballo; to throw all around, i.e. Invest.

a linen cloth
σινδόνα (sindona)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4616: Fine linen, a linen cloth. Of uncertain origin; byssos, i.e. Bleached linen.

around
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

[his body].
γυμνοῦ (gymnou)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 1131: Rarely: stark-naked; generally: wearing only the under-garment; bare, open, manifest; mere. Of uncertain affinity; nude.

They caught hold
κρατοῦσιν (kratousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2902: From kratos; to use strength, i.e. Seize or retain.

of him,
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Gospels: Mark 14:51 A certain young man followed him having (Mar Mk Mr)