Mark 14:32-42 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

Gethsemane. On the other side of the brook Kidron, in a garden called Gethsemane (= oil-press) Jesus took the three most intimate disciples aside to help Him bear the burden of surrender. It has been suggested that they were not physically close enough to Jesus to hear the words of His prayer. Then, later, they must have been spiritually close enough to interpret the scene aright. Mk. uses a forcible phrase in Mark 14:33. Jesus began to be full of terror and distress (Weymouth). The second verb implies perplexity. Ré ville holds that the last part of Mark 14:38 was obviously spoken by Jesus of Himself, and did not merely refer to the sleeping condition of the disciples. The words describe the torments He was enduring. Perhaps the boldest interpretation of Gethsemane is given in Hebrews 5:7-10. Php_2:8 may also refer to it. The disciple who was ready to die with Jesus is unable to watch with Him one hour. The closest companions of Jesus cannot share His inner travail. Neither on the mount of transfiguration nor in the garden do they know what to answer (cf. Mark 14:40 with Mark 9:6; Rendei Harris, Memoranda Sacra, p. 92).

Mark 14:37. The name Simon has not been used since Mark 3:16. Is this significant?

Mark 14:41. it is enough: HNT and Wellhausen say, Enough of sleep. De Zwaan has discovered that the word is often used in papyri on receipt-forms. It may then refer to Judas. He has received (the bribe). He has succumbed to the temptation. This is attractive (Exp. 1905, p. 459f., Moulton and Milligan, Vocabulary, pp. 57f.).

Mark 14:32-42

32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples,Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

34 And saith unto them,My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

36 And he said,Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter,Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.

40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.

41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them,Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.