Luke 22:39

KJV

¶ And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he came out {G1831}, and went {G4198}, as {G2596} he was wont {G1485}, to {G1519} the mount {G3735} of Olives {G1636}; and {G1161} his {G846} disciples {G3101} also {G2532} followed {G190} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On leaving, Yeshua went as usual to the Mount of Olives; and the talmidim followed him.

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him.

American Standard Version

And he came out, and went, as his custom was, unto the mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:39 marks a crucial transition in Jesus' final hours, depicting His customary departure from the Upper Room after the Last Supper to the familiar solitude of the Mount of Olives, accompanied by His disciples. This verse establishes the immediate setting for the profound spiritual agony and ultimate submission to the Father's will that Jesus would soon experience in the Garden of Gethsemane, highlighting His deliberate preparation for the cross through prayer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a direct narrative bridge following the intensely significant events of [the Last Supper](/luke/22-14-38 "Luke 22:14-38 - The Last Supper and Jesus' Final Teachings"). In the preceding verses, Jesus instituted the New Covenant through the bread and wine, foretold Peter's denial, and gave His disciples final instructions and warnings about the trials they would face. Having shared this intimate and solemn meal, Jesus now moves from the confines of the Upper Room to a more open, yet secluded, location. Luke 22:39 sets the stage for the unparalleled spiritual struggle in Gethsemane, His betrayal by Judas, and His subsequent arrest, which immediately follow in [Luke 22:40-53](/luke/22-40-53 "Luke 22:40-53 - Jesus' Agony, Betrayal, and Arrest"). It underscores the deliberate and purposeful steps Jesus took toward His appointed suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the Passover festival, a time of immense spiritual and national significance. The Upper Room was likely within the city walls. The Mount of Olives, located directly east of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley, was a well-known and frequented place for Jesus. It offered a quiet retreat from the bustling city, a place He often used for prayer, teaching, and rest, as indicated by the phrase "as he was wont" (cf. [Luke 21:37](/luke/21-37 "Luke 21:37 - Jesus' Daily Teaching on the Mount of Olives")). The journey would have involved descending from the city, crossing the Kidron Valley, and ascending the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives to reach the Garden of Gethsemane, a place of olive trees at its base. This geographical movement from the city's intensity to a place of natural solitude underscores the transition from communal meal to personal spiritual battle.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 22:39 contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader Passion narrative. Firstly, it highlights Jesus' profound commitment to **spiritual discipline and prayer**, particularly in the face of impending crisis. His habitual retreat to the Mount of Olives demonstrates a consistent reliance on the Father, providing a model for all believers. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **preparation for suffering and divine will**. Jesus deliberately goes to this place to prepare Himself for the ultimate sacrifice, understanding the cup He is about to drink. This journey is not accidental but a purposeful step toward fulfilling His mission. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **discipleship and its challenges**. The disciples "followed him," indicating their presence and initial commitment, yet their subsequent actions in Gethsemane (falling asleep, fleeing) reveal their limited understanding and spiritual unpreparedness for the intensity of the moment, contrasting sharply with Jesus' resolve. This sets up the testing of their faith, foreshadowed by Jesus' earlier warnings to Peter in [Luke 22:31-34](/luke/22-31-34 "Luke 22:31-34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wont (Greek, _éthos_):** This word (G1485) signifies a usage prescribed by habit or law, a custom or manner. Its inclusion here ("as he was wont") emphasizes that Jesus' journey to the Mount of Olives for prayer was not an isolated incident but a deeply ingrained, consistent spiritual practice. It speaks to His regular discipline of seeking solitude and communion with God, especially before significant events or trials. This habitual practice underscores His reliance on the Father and His commitment to prayer as a foundational aspect of His earthly ministry.
* **Olives (Greek, _elaía_):** This word (G1636) refers to the olive tree or its fruit. In conjunction with "mount" (G3735, _óros_), it identifies the specific geographical location, the Mount of Olives. This mountain held both practical significance as a quiet retreat and prophetic significance in Jewish tradition (e.g., [Zechariah 14:4](/zechariah/14-4 "Zechariah 14:4 - The Lord Stands on the Mount of Olives")). Its presence here grounds the narrative in a real, identifiable place, setting the stage for the events of Gethsemane, which means "oil press," a garden of olive trees.
* **followed (Greek, _akolouthéō_):** This verb (G190) means "to be in the same way with," or "to accompany," specifically as a disciple. It indicates that the disciples were physically present with Jesus, continuing their role as His followers. While it suggests their loyalty and proximity, the subsequent narrative reveals their spiritual distance and inability to fully grasp the gravity of the moment, highlighting the distinction between physical presence and spiritual comprehension in discipleship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And he came out,"**: This phrase indicates a departure from a previous location, understood to be the Upper Room within Jerusalem where the Last Supper had just concluded. The act of "coming out" signifies a deliberate transition from the intimate setting of the meal to the public, yet secluded, space where the next phase of the Passion would unfold.
* **"and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives;"**: This clause details Jesus' destination and His established pattern of behavior. The "mount of Olives" was Jesus' familiar retreat for prayer and solitude, located just outside Jerusalem. The crucial phrase "as he was wont" (Greek: _kata to ethos_) highlights that this was a customary practice for Him, underscoring His consistent spiritual discipline and reliance on communion with the Father, especially in moments of great significance or impending trial.
* **"and his disciples also followed him."**: This final clause confirms the presence of Jesus' disciples, who continued to accompany Him. Their following indicates their role as His immediate companions and witnesses to His ministry, even as they remained largely unaware of the profound spiritual battle Jesus was about to face. Their presence sets the scene for their subsequent failure to remain vigilant and their eventual scattering.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:39 employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as this journey to the Mount of Olives directly precedes Jesus' agony in Gethsemane, His betrayal, and arrest. The serene act of going to a familiar place of prayer subtly hints at the profound spiritual struggle and suffering that is about to commence. The phrase "as he was wont" functions as a form of **Characterization**, revealing Jesus' deep-seated spiritual discipline and His consistent reliance on prayer, even in the face of unimaginable trials. This highlights His humanity and His perfect example. There is also a subtle **Contrast** implied between Jesus' intentional and prayerful preparation and the disciples' relative unawareness and eventual spiritual slumber, setting up the dramatic tension of the Gethsemane narrative. Finally, the **Symbolism** of the Mount of Olives itself, a place associated with prayer, prophecy, and ultimately, the site of His ascension, adds layers of meaning to this pivotal moment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:39 is profoundly significant for understanding Jesus' character and the nature of His mission. It reveals a Jesus who, despite His divine nature, consistently relied on prayer and communion with the Father as His source of strength and guidance, especially when facing His greatest trial. This habitual practice underscores the theological truth that even the Son of God submitted Himself to the Father's will and sought divine sustenance. The journey to the Mount of Olives is not merely a geographical movement but a spiritual pilgrimage towards ultimate obedience and sacrifice. It highlights the intimate connection between spiritual discipline and the ability to endure suffering, providing a timeless model for believers to cultivate a consistent prayer life as preparation for life's inevitable challenges, trusting in God's sovereign plan even when it leads through immense pain.

* [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Often Withdraws to Pray")
* [Matthew 26:36-46](/matthew/26-36-46 "Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")
* [Zechariah 14:4](/zechariah/14-4 "Zechariah 14:4 - The Lord's Feet on the Mount of Olives")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:39 offers a powerful and enduring lesson for every follower of Christ. Jesus, facing the most daunting challenge of His earthly existence, did not rush into it unprepared. Instead, He retreated to His customary place of prayer, seeking communion with His Father. This teaches us the indispensable value of spiritual discipline and the cultivation of consistent habits of prayer and seeking God's presence. In our own lives, when we anticipate or encounter trials, temptations, or significant decisions, our first inclination should be to withdraw and seek divine strength and guidance. Just as Jesus had His "wonted" place, we too need to establish dedicated times and spaces for intimate communion with God, allowing Him to prepare our hearts, clarify our minds, and align our wills with His. This verse challenges us to ask: What are our spiritual habits? Do we prioritize time with God, especially when life becomes difficult?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Mount of Olives" or place of regular spiritual retreat do you have in your life, and how consistently do you utilize it?**
* **How does Jesus' habitual practice of prayer, even in the face of immense suffering, challenge your own prayer life and spiritual disciplines?**
* **In what ways can you intentionally prepare yourself spiritually for anticipated challenges or trials, following Jesus' example?**
* **How does your "following" of Jesus extend beyond physical presence to a deeper spiritual understanding and commitment, especially when facing difficult truths?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus specifically go to the Mount of Olives?**

Answer: Jesus went to the Mount of Olives for several reasons, all rooted in His established patterns and the immediate context. Firstly, it was His customary place for prayer and solitude, as indicated by the phrase "as he was wont" (cf. [Luke 21:37](/luke/21-37 "Luke 21:37 - Jesus' Daily Teaching on the Mount of Olives")). He often retreated there to escape the crowds, teach His disciples, and spend time in communion with God. Secondly, its location just outside Jerusalem provided a secluded yet accessible spot for the profound spiritual struggle He was about to endure in Gethsemane. Finally, the Mount of Olives held prophetic significance in Jewish tradition, making it a fitting location for the unfolding of messianic events.

**What is the significance of the phrase "as he was wont"?**

Answer: The phrase "as he was wont" (Greek: _kata to ethos_) is highly significant because it reveals Jesus' consistent and deeply ingrained spiritual discipline. It means "according to His custom" or "as was His habit." This wasn't a spontaneous decision but a regular practice of seeking God's presence, particularly before crucial moments. It underscores that Jesus, though divine, lived a life of dependence on the Father, modeling for us the vital importance of cultivating consistent spiritual habits, especially prayer, as a foundation for navigating life's challenges and fulfilling God's will.

**What does the disciples following Jesus signify in this context?**

Answer: The disciples "following him" signifies their continued proximity and commitment to Jesus, at least physically. They were still His companions, sharing in His final moments before His arrest. However, the subsequent narrative in Gethsemane reveals a stark contrast between their physical presence and their spiritual preparedness. While they followed, they did not fully grasp the gravity of the impending spiritual battle, ultimately failing to stay awake and pray with Him. Their presence here sets the stage for their impending failure and highlights the difference between merely accompanying Jesus and truly understanding and participating in His mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:39, though a seemingly simple transitional verse, is deeply Christ-centered in its implications, setting the stage for the ultimate act of redemption. Jesus' deliberate journey to the Mount of Olives, a place of prayer and solitude, underscores His perfect humanity and His unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even unto death. This act of "going out" and seeking a place of prayer is a profound demonstration of His reliance on God, a reliance that would culminate in His agonizing submission in Gethsemane, where He prayed, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). This pre-crucifixion prayer life and His subsequent obedient suffering are central to His identity as the Christ. He is the one who, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His tears and fervent prayers in the garden, foreshadowed by this journey, are explicitly linked in [Hebrews 5:7-8](/hebrews/5-7-8 "Hebrews 5:7-8 - Christ's Prayers and Obedience") to His learning obedience through suffering. Thus, this verse points to Jesus as the faithful Son, the obedient Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), who, through His perfect life of prayer and ultimate sacrifice, secures salvation for all who follow Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 21:37

And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called [the mount] of Olives.

John 18:1

¶ When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

John 18:2

And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

Matthew 21:1

¶ And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

Mark 14:32

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

Mark 14:34

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

Matthew 26:36

¶ Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.