Luke 22:39

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

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}.

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

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

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

Luke 22:39 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' final hours, detailing His movement from the Upper Room after the Last Supper to His familiar place of prayer, the Mount of Olives, accompanied by His disciples. This verse sets the stage for the profound spiritual struggle and ultimate submission that would soon unfold in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Context of Luke 22:39

This verse immediately follows the profound events of the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the New Covenant through the bread and wine, foretold Peter's denial, and warned His disciples of impending trials. Having shared His final meal and teachings with His apostles, Jesus 'came out' of the city, likely from the area where the Passover meal was celebrated. His destination, the Mount of Olives, located just east of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley, was a customary place for Him to retreat for prayer and solitude. The phrase "as he was wont" emphasizes this habitual practice, indicating it was a known routine for Jesus to seek this quiet, elevated spot.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Habitual Prayer and Spiritual Discipline: The phrase "as he was wont" (Greek: kata to ethos) highlights Jesus' consistent spiritual discipline and His reliance on prayer, especially before facing immense trials. It underscores the importance of a regular, dedicated time for communion with God.
  • Preparation for Suffering: This journey to the Mount of Olives is the direct prelude to Jesus' agonizing prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:40-44), His betrayal by Judas, and His subsequent arrest. It signifies Jesus' intentional preparation for the ultimate sacrifice.
  • Disciples' Proximity and Ignorance: The disciples followed Him, yet they largely remained unaware of the depth of the spiritual battle Jesus was about to endure. Their presence highlights their initial commitment, even as their understanding and faithfulness would soon be tested.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's phrase "as he was wont" is a translation of the Greek kata to ethos (κατὰ τὸ ἔθος), which literally means "according to custom" or "as was his habit." This simple phrase carries significant weight, revealing Jesus' established pattern of seeking out quiet places, particularly the Mount of Olives, for prayer and reflection. It suggests a deep-rooted spiritual practice that was essential to His earthly ministry and His communion with the Father.

Related Scriptures

This verse connects to several other passages that illuminate Jesus' prayer life and the events leading to His crucifixion:

  • Jesus' practice of withdrawing to pray is seen throughout the Gospels, for example, in Luke 5:16, where He often withdrew to the wilderness to pray.
  • The Mount of Olives itself holds prophetic significance, notably in Zechariah 14:4, where it is prophesied as the place where the Lord's feet will stand in the day of His return.
  • The events immediately following this verse, starting with Luke 22:40, describe Jesus' intense prayer and His submission to God's will, leading to His imminent betrayal and arrest.

Practical Application

Luke 22:39 offers a powerful example for believers today. Jesus, even in the face of unimaginable suffering, maintained His spiritual discipline of prayer and sought solace and strength from God. This teaches us the vital importance of consistent prayer, especially when we anticipate or face trials. It reminds us to cultivate a habit of seeking God's presence and will, allowing Him to prepare and strengthen us for life's challenges. Like Jesus, we are called to prioritize our relationship with God, finding our 'mount of Olives' where we can commune with Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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