Luke 22:41

KJV

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he {G846} was withdrawn {G645} from {G575} them {G846} about {G5616} a stone's {G3037} cast {G1000}, and {G2532} kneeled down {G5087}{G1119}, and prayed {G4336},

Complete Jewish Bible

He went about a stone’s throw away from them, kneeled down and prayed,

Berean Standard Bible

And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, where He knelt down and prayed,

American Standard Version

And he was parted from them about a stone’s cast; and he kneeled down and prayed,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:41 offers a profound and intimate portrayal of Jesus' spiritual agony and unwavering devotion in the Garden of Gethsemane, just hours before His crucifixion. This pivotal verse captures Jesus' deliberate withdrawal from His disciples to seek a solitary space for earnest prayer, revealing the depth of His human struggle, His complete reliance on the Father, and His ultimate posture of submission in the face of unimaginable suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 22:41 is situated within the intensely dramatic narrative of Jesus' final hours before His arrest and crucifixion. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has shared the Last Supper with His disciples, instituting the new covenant through the bread and wine ([Luke 22:14-20](/luke/22-14-20 "Luke 22:14-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). He has also prophesied Peter's denial ([Luke 22:31-34](/luke/22-31-34 "Luke 22:31-34 - Peter's Denial Foretold")) and instructed His disciples to "pray that ye enter not into temptation" ([Luke 22:40](/luke/22-40 "Luke 22:40 - Jesus' Exhortation to Pray")). Jesus then leads them to the Mount of Olives, specifically to Gethsemane. While most disciples are told to sit, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John further, expressing His soul's deep sorrow ([Matthew 26:37-38](/matthew/26-37-38 "Matthew 26:37-38 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane")). Luke 22:41 then describes Jesus withdrawing even from these closest companions, emphasizing His need for absolute solitude for communion with God in His hour of greatest need. This progression underscores the escalating spiritual and emotional pressure Jesus was under, preparing for the ultimate sacrifice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting, Gethsemane, meaning "oil press," was an olive grove located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, a familiar place for Jesus and His disciples ([John 18:1-2](/john/18-1-2 "John 18:1-2 - Jesus Enters Gethsemane")). This location, just outside Jerusalem, provided a measure of seclusion, though it was still accessible. The act of "kneeling down" was a common and deeply significant posture of prayer and supplication in Jewish culture, signifying reverence, humility, and earnestness before God. It was a physical manifestation of total submission and dependence. The timing, immediately following the Passover meal, highlights the profound theological significance of Jesus' impending sacrifice as the true Passover Lamb, a concept deeply rooted in the historical deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Jesus' prayer here is not a mere personal moment but a crucial act in the unfolding divine plan of redemption.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 22:41 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the **humanity of Christ**, showcasing His genuine anguish and reliance on the Father, demonstrating that He truly experienced human weakness and sorrow ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). The deliberate act of withdrawal highlights the theme of **solitude in prayer**, emphasizing the necessity of private, focused communion with God, especially during times of intense distress or decision. Jesus' posture of "kneeling down" underscores the theme of **humility and submission** to the Father's will, even when that will involved profound suffering and the "cup" of God's wrath ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer of Submission")). This prayer also serves as a model for **spiritual preparation for trial and temptation**, demonstrating how believers should seek God's strength and guidance before facing significant challenges, contrasting sharply with the disciples' failure to pray and their subsequent temptation ([Luke 22:45-46](/luke/22-45-46 "Luke 22:45-46 - Disciples Asleep")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **withdrawn (Greek, _apospáō'_):** From G645, meaning "to drag forth, i.e. (literally) unsheathe (a sword), or relatively (with a degree of force implied) retire (personally or factiously)." This word suggests a deliberate, perhaps even difficult, act of pulling Himself away from His disciples. It implies a separation that is not casual but purposeful, indicating Jesus' intense need for unhindered communion with the Father.
* **cast (Greek, _bolḗ'_):** From G1000, meaning "a throw (as a measure of distance)." This refers to the distance Jesus withdrew, "about a stone's cast." It provides a tangible measure of the separation, emphasizing that while He was not far, He was sufficiently distant to ensure a private, uninterrupted space for prayer, highlighting His desire for solitude.
* **kneeled down (Greek, _góny'_):** From G1119, meaning "the 'knee'." This word is used in conjunction with G5087 (_títhēmi_), "to place," literally "placed the knees." This posture signifies deep reverence, humility, and earnest supplication. It is a physical manifestation of profound submission and intense prayer, indicating the gravity of the moment and the earnestness of Jesus' petition to God.
* **prayed (Greek, _proseúchomai'_):** From G4336, meaning "to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship." This term describes the act of prayer itself, emphasizing direct address and communion with God. In this context, it highlights the intimate, personal, and fervent nature of Jesus' conversation with His Father during His hour of greatest need.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast":** This clause describes Jesus' physical separation from His disciples. The phrase "about a stone's cast" provides a specific, though approximate, measure of distance, indicating that Jesus sought a degree of solitude that was close enough to be within earshot, yet far enough to ensure privacy for His intense communion with God. This deliberate act of withdrawal underscores the personal and intimate nature of the prayer He was about to offer, emphasizing His need for an undisturbed space to confront the immense spiritual and emotional burden before Him.
* **"and kneeled down":** This part of the verse details Jesus' posture during prayer. Kneeling was a common and significant posture of humility, reverence, and earnest supplication in ancient Jewish culture. It signifies a profound act of submission to God's will and a deep sense of dependence. This physical posture reflects the spiritual attitude of Jesus' heart—one of complete surrender and earnest appeal to His Father, even in the face of overwhelming anguish.
* **"and prayed,"**: This final clause states the central action of the verse: Jesus engaged in prayer. The simplicity of the statement belies the profound intensity and significance of the act. Given the context of His impending suffering and death, this prayer was not a casual conversation but a fervent, agonizing petition to God. It reveals Jesus' complete reliance on the Father's strength and His commitment to fulfilling the divine will, even as His human nature recoiled from the impending ordeal.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:41 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of Jesus' experience. **Symbolism** is evident in the "stone's cast," which not only denotes a physical distance but also symbolizes Jesus' profound spiritual solitude as He faced the weight of the world's sin alone. The act of "kneeling down" is a powerful **symbol** of humility, submission, and intense supplication, visually representing Jesus' complete surrender to the Father's will despite His human anguish. The entire scene is imbued with **pathos**, evoking deep sympathy for Jesus' human struggle as He confronts the immense suffering ahead. This moment also serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the ultimate sacrifice Jesus is about to make, as His prayer prepares Him for the ordeal that will lead to humanity's redemption. The stark contrast between Jesus' fervent prayer and the disciples' subsequent sleep (mentioned in later verses) also functions as a form of **juxtaposition**, highlighting Jesus' unique spiritual vigilance and determination.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:41 is profoundly significant for understanding the nature of Christ's humanity and His relationship with the Father. It reveals that even the Son of God, in His incarnate state, experienced the full spectrum of human emotion, including profound anguish and the need for divine strength. His prayer in Gethsemane is not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to His perfect humanity and His unwavering commitment to obedience, even unto death. Theologically, it underscores the reality of the Trinity, showcasing the intimate communion between the Son and the Father, and the Son's perfect submission to the Father's will. This moment also highlights the critical role of prayer as a means of spiritual preparation, strength, and alignment with God's purposes, especially when facing overwhelming trials.

* [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer of Submission")
* [Luke 22:44](/luke/22-44 "Luke 22:44 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")
* [Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:41 provides a timeless and powerful model for every believer. In a world filled with distractions and pressures, Jesus' deliberate withdrawal to a solitary place for prayer emphasizes the non-negotiable importance of setting aside dedicated time for intimate communion with God. This is particularly crucial when facing significant challenges, difficult decisions, or periods of intense spiritual struggle. Like Jesus, we are called to humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our dependence and submitting our will to His, even when His path for us involves suffering or discomfort. His example teaches us that true strength is found not in self-reliance, but in earnest, humble prayer that seeks God's strength and guidance in our most vulnerable moments. It reminds us that prayer is our vital lifeline to divine power, peace, and the clarity needed to walk in obedience to God's perfect, though sometimes painful, plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I intentionally withdraw from distractions to seek God in solitary prayer, especially when facing difficult decisions or trials?**
* **What does Jesus' posture of "kneeling down" teach me about the attitude of humility and submission I should cultivate in my own prayer life?**
* **In what areas of my life am I struggling to submit my will to God's, and how can Jesus' example in Gethsemane encourage me to surrender more fully?**
* **How does Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane empower me to face my own fears and anxieties, knowing that even He sought strength from the Father?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus withdraw from His disciples to pray?**

Answer: Jesus' withdrawal, even from His closest disciples, underscores His need for absolute solitude and an undistracted environment for this intensely personal and agonizing prayer. While He initially took Peter, James, and John further into Gethsemane, He then separated Himself even from them. This was not a sign of distrust but a profound demonstration of His unique burden and His need for direct, unhindered communion with the Father as He confronted the immense weight of humanity's sin and the impending suffering of the cross. It highlights the deeply intimate nature of His relationship with God and the singular nature of His mission.

**What is the significance of Jesus "kneeling down" to pray?**

Answer: The act of "kneeling down" is a deeply significant posture of prayer in ancient cultures, particularly in the Jewish tradition. It signifies reverence, humility, and earnest supplication. By kneeling, Jesus physically expressed His complete submission to the Father's will, His profound dependence on God, and the intense earnestness of His prayer. It demonstrates that even the Son of God, in His humanity, humbled Himself before the Father, setting an example for all believers to approach God with reverence and a spirit of surrender, especially when facing overwhelming circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:41, depicting Jesus' agonizing prayer in Gethsemane, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in His perfect obedience and sacrificial atonement. This moment reveals Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, who, though divine, fully embraced His humanity, experiencing temptation and suffering, yet remaining without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). His withdrawal and earnest prayer were not a sign of weakness, but a testament to His resolute determination to fulfill the Father's will, even when it led to the cross. This Gethsemane struggle foreshadows His ultimate victory over sin and death, as He willingly became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His submission in prayer, crying out "not my will, but yours be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer of Submission")), perfectly embodies the obedient Son who came to do the will of Him who sent Him, offering Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:7-10](/hebrews/10-7-10 "Hebrews 10:7-10 - Christ's Obedience and Sacrifice")). Thus, His Gethsemane prayer is not merely a human struggle, but a divine act of preparation for the redemptive work that would reconcile humanity to God through His shed blood ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

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

Matthew 26:39

And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou [wilt].

Mark 14:35

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

Luke 18:11

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.