Mark 14:32

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they came {G2064} to {G1519} a place {G5564} which {G3739} was named {G3686} Gethsemane {G1068}: and {G2532} he saith {G3004} to his {G846} disciples {G3101}, Sit ye {G2523} here {G5602}, while {G2193} I shall pray {G4336}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They went to a place called Gat Sh'manim; and Yeshua said to his talmidim, "Sit here while I pray."

Berean Standard Bible

Then they came to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus told His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”

American Standard Version

And they come unto a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith unto his disciples, Sit ye here, while I pray.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:32 marks the solemn commencement of Jesus' final, agonizing hours before His arrest and crucifixion. Having shared the Last Supper and foretold Peter's denial, Jesus leads His disciples to the garden of Gethsemane, a familiar place of retreat on the Mount of Olives. Here, He instructs His disciples to wait while He withdraws to pray, setting the stage for His profound spiritual struggle and ultimate submission to the Father's will. This verse establishes the critical setting for the unfolding drama of His passion, highlighting His humanity, His reliance on divine communion, and the impending burden of humanity's sin that He would bear.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 14:32 immediately follows the institution of the Last Supper ([Mark 14:22-25](/mark/14-22-25 "Mark 14:22-25 - The Institution of the Lord's Supper")) and Jesus' poignant prophecy regarding the disciples' scattering and Peter's threefold denial ([Mark 14:26-31](/mark/14-26-31 "Mark 14:26-31 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")). The narrative transition from the upper room to Gethsemane signifies a shift from communal fellowship and prophetic declaration to intense personal struggle and preparation for suffering. This verse initiates the Gethsemane narrative, which is crucial for understanding Jesus' human experience of anguish and His unwavering commitment to His divine mission, leading directly into His betrayal and arrest.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Gethsemane, meaning "oil press," was a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives, just across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem. It was a well-known location, likely an olive grove with a press, which Jesus and His disciples frequented ([John 18:1-2](/john/18-1-2 "John 18:1-2 - Jesus Enters Gethsemane")). This proximity to Jerusalem allowed for a relatively quick journey after the Passover meal. Gardens often served as places of quiet retreat and prayer in ancient Jewish culture, providing a secluded space away from the bustling city. The setting underscores the private, intimate nature of Jesus' impending spiritual battle, yet its public accessibility also explains how Judas knew where to find Him. The act of prayer in such a setting was a common Jewish practice for seeking divine guidance and strength.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:32 introduces several pivotal themes. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' profound humanity** as He seeks a secluded place for prayer in anticipation of immense suffering, demonstrating His need for divine strength. This contrasts sharply with His divine power, emphasizing His full identification with humanity. Secondly, it underscores the **centrality of prayer** in confronting life's ultimate trials, even for the Son of God. Jesus' instruction to "Sit ye here, while I shall pray" sets the stage for His fervent intercession in [Mark 14:35-36](/mark/14-35-36 "Mark 14:35-36 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane"). Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **discipleship and human weakness**. While the disciples are brought to Gethsemane, their subsequent inability to remain vigilant and pray with Jesus ([Mark 14:37-41](/mark/14-37-41 "Mark 14:37-41 - The Disciples Fall Asleep")) serves as a stark contrast to Jesus' resolute obedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gethsemane (Chaldee, _Gethsēmanē'_):** Derived from Aramaic words meaning "oil press," this name carries profound symbolic weight. It signifies a place of intense pressure, crushing sorrow, and spiritual agony. Just as olives are pressed to extract their oil, Jesus was about to be "pressed" by the immense burden of humanity's sin and the unwavering will of the Father, ultimately yielding the precious "oil" of salvation through His suffering. The very name of the location foreshadows the profound anguish Jesus would experience.
* **came (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This verb denotes a deliberate movement, a purposeful arrival. It is not a casual stroll but a determined progression to a specific, preordained location. The use of *érchomai* here emphasizes that Jesus' journey to Gethsemane was an intentional step toward His passion, a conscious act of submission to the divine plan, rather than a mere happenstance. It highlights His active participation in the unfolding events of salvation history.
* **pray (Greek, _proseúchomai'_):** This word specifically refers to prayer directed towards God, implying supplication and worship. It signifies a deep, earnest communication with the divine. In the context of Gethsemane, Jesus' intention to "pray" indicates His desperate need for communion with the Father in the face of overwhelming distress and the impending cross. It underscores His complete reliance on God for strength and guidance, even as He grapples with the immense weight of His mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane:"** This opening clause sets the scene for the profound events that follow. The journey from the upper room to Gethsemane marks a significant transition, moving Jesus and His disciples from the Passover celebration to the threshold of His passion. The naming of Gethsemane immediately evokes its symbolic meaning as a place of crushing pressure and suffering, foreshadowing Jesus' imminent agony and spiritual struggle.
* **"and he saith to his disciples,"** This brief clause highlights Jesus' direct address to His followers. It establishes His authority and leadership even in this moment of vulnerability, as He gives them a specific instruction. The separation of this phrase emphasizes the deliberate nature of His command and the distinction between His role and theirs in the coming ordeal.
* **"Sit ye here, while I shall pray."** This final clause reveals Jesus' immediate purpose for coming to Gethsemane. He instructs the main body of His disciples to remain in a specific spot, indicating a desire for a measure of solitude, yet still within earshot. The phrase "while I shall pray" underscores His intention to engage in fervent, personal communion with God, preparing Himself for the ultimate sacrifice. It also subtly hints at the intensity and duration of the prayer He intends to offer.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:32 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as the very name "Gethsemane," meaning "oil press," powerfully anticipates the crushing spiritual and physical agony Jesus is about to endure. The location itself becomes a symbol of the intense pressure of suffering. There is also a subtle use of **Contrast**; while Jesus seeks solitude for prayer, He brings His disciples with Him, setting up the later contrast between His vigilance and their inability to stay awake. The narrative's rapid movement from the Last Supper to Gethsemane creates a sense of **Urgency**, signaling the immediate approach of the climax of Jesus' earthly ministry. Furthermore, the simple, direct language used by Mark creates a sense of **Immediacy**, drawing the reader directly into the unfolding drama of this pivotal moment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:32 initiates the profound theological theme of Jesus' voluntary submission to the Father's will, even unto death. It underscores the reality of Christ's full humanity, demonstrating His need for prayer and divine strength in the face of unimaginable suffering, while simultaneously revealing His unwavering commitment to His redemptive mission. This moment in Gethsemane is a powerful testament to the cost of salvation, where the Son of God, in His human weakness, grapples with the weight of sin and the Father's wrath, ultimately choosing obedience. It highlights that even for Jesus, prayer was the essential means of aligning His will with God's, providing a profound model for all believers facing trials.

* [Matthew 26:36](/matthew/26-36 "Matthew 26:36 - Jesus Comes to Gethsemane")
* [Luke 22:39-40](/luke/22-39-40 "Luke 22:39-40 - Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives")
* [Hebrews 5:7-8](/hebrews/5-7-8 "Hebrews 5:7-8 - Christ's Prayers and Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:32 serves as a profound reminder of the absolute necessity of prayer, especially when we face our own "Gethsemane" moments—times of intense pressure, fear, or overwhelming challenges. Jesus, our perfect example, modeled complete reliance on the Father, even when confronting the ultimate burden of sin and the cross. For contemporary believers, this verse emphasizes the critical importance of prioritizing earnest prayer as our primary response to distress. It calls us to seek solitude with God, to pour out our hearts to Him, and to align our will with His, even when His path leads through hardship or pain. Just as Jesus found strength and resolve through communion with His Father, we too can find grace to endure, clarity to discern, and peace to submit, trusting that God's ultimate purpose is always for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Gethsemane" moments are you currently facing in your life, and how might Jesus' example in this verse guide your response?**
* **How does Jesus' instruction to "Sit ye here, while I shall pray" challenge or affirm your own practice of seeking solitude with God in prayer?**
* **In what ways does this verse highlight the balance between Jesus' divine nature and His full humanity, and what comfort or challenge does that bring to your faith?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus go to Gethsemane specifically, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Jesus went to Gethsemane, an olive grove at the foot of the Mount of Olives, because it was a familiar place of retreat and prayer for Him and His disciples ([John 18:1-2](/john/18-1-2 "John 18:1-2 - Jesus Often Went to This Place")). Its name, "oil press," is highly significant, metaphorically foreshadowing the intense spiritual and emotional "pressing" or agony Jesus was about to endure as He contemplated bearing the sins of humanity and facing God's wrath. It was a place of profound struggle and ultimate submission to the Father's will, making it the perfect setting for the pivotal moment before His arrest and crucifixion.

**What does Jesus mean by "Sit ye here, while I shall pray"?**

Answer: By instructing His disciples to "Sit ye here, while I shall pray," Jesus was indicating His need for a period of intense, solitary communion with God. He desired a measure of privacy for this profound spiritual struggle, even though He brought His closest disciples (Peter, James, and John, as revealed in [Mark 14:33](/mark/14-33 "Mark 14:33 - Jesus Takes Peter, James, and John with Him")) further into the garden with Him. This command highlights His deep distress and His reliance on prayer as the means to prepare for the immense suffering and sacrifice that lay ahead. It also serves as a poignant contrast to the disciples' inability to stay awake and support Him in His hour of need ([Mark 14:37-41](/mark/14-37-41 "Mark 14:37-41 - The Disciples Fall Asleep Again")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:32, though a scene of profound human anguish, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' perfect obedience and His role as the suffering servant who willingly embraced the Father's will for the sake of humanity's redemption. In Gethsemane, the "oil press," Jesus was "pressed" by the full weight of sin, foreshadowing His crushing on the cross. His prayer, "while I shall pray," anticipates the ultimate intercession He would make for His people, not only in that garden but also as our High Priest who "always lives to intercede for them" ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our High Priest")). This moment reveals the Lamb of God, who, though divine, fully embraced His humanity and its limitations, demonstrating that true strength lies in submission to God's plan, even when it leads to suffering. His agony in Gethsemane, culminating in His resolute "not what I will, but what you will" ([Mark 14:36](/mark/14-36 "Mark 14:36 - Jesus' Prayer of Submission")), directly paves the way for His atoning sacrifice on Calvary, a sacrifice that reconciles us to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, Gethsemane is not merely a prelude to the cross but an integral part of Christ's redemptive work, showcasing His perfect obedience that secures our salvation.

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

Mark 14:39

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

Psalms 18:5

The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.

Psalms 18:6

In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, [even] into his ears.

Mark 14:36

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.

Psalms 109:4

For my love they are my adversaries: but I [give myself unto] prayer.

Luke 22:39

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

Luke 22:46

And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.