Mark 14:33

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

And {G2532} he taketh {G3880} with {G3326} him {G1438} Peter {G4074} and {G2532} James {G2385} and {G2532} John {G2491}, and {G2532} began {G756} to be sore amazed {G1568}, and {G2532} to be very heavy {G85};

He took with him Kefa, Ya`akov and Yochanan. Great distress and anguish came over him;

He took with Him Peter, James, and John, and began to be deeply troubled and distressed.

And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly amazed, and sore troubled.

Commentary

Context

Mark 14:33 places us in the solemn atmosphere of the Garden of Gethsemane, immediately after the Last Supper and Jesus' prediction of Peter's denial and the disciples' desertion (Mark 14:27-31). Jesus has just led His disciples to the garden, and at this point, He separates from the larger group, taking only His closest companions—Peter, James, and John—deeper into the secluded area.

This inner circle had also been privileged witnesses to other profoundly significant moments in Jesus' ministry, such as the raising of Jairus' daughter and the Transfiguration. Their presence here underscores the gravity of the impending events and Jesus' desire for intimate companionship during His deepest hour of spiritual agony.

Key Themes

  • The Profound Humanity of Jesus: This verse powerfully reveals that while Jesus was fully divine, He also experienced genuine human emotions, including intense sorrow, dread, and anguish. His distress in Gethsemane highlights His complete identification with humanity and the reality of His suffering.
  • The Weight of Sin and Redemption: Jesus' 'sore amazement' and 'heaviness' were not merely fear of physical pain, but a profound spiritual agony related to the immense burden of becoming sin for humanity (2 Corinthians 5:21) and facing the full wrath of God against sin. It underscores the incredible cost of our salvation.
  • Desire for Companionship and Prayerful Support: By bringing Peter, James, and John, Jesus sought the comfort and prayerful presence of His closest friends during His most vulnerable moment, even though they would ultimately fail to stay awake and watch with Him.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version uses two powerful phrases to describe Jesus' emotional state:

  • "sore amazed": This translates the Greek word ekthambeō (ἐκθαμβέω). It denotes a state of overwhelming astonishment, shock, or dread—a powerful emotional reaction beyond mere surprise. It suggests a profound internal struggle and even a sense of being appalled or horrified by what lay ahead. This word is unique to Mark's Gospel in describing Jesus' Gethsemane experience, emphasizing the intensity of His distress.
  • "very heavy": This comes from the Greek ademoneō (ἀδημονέω), meaning to be distressed, deeply troubled, or profoundly grieved to the point of anguish and mental torment. It signifies an overwhelming anxiety and sorrow that presses down on the spirit. This term is also used in Matthew 26:37 and Luke 22:44 to describe Jesus' agony in Gethsemane, underscoring the severity of His emotional and spiritual suffering before the crucifixion.

Practical Application

Mark 14:33 offers profound comfort and understanding for believers today. It reminds us that Jesus, our High Priest, truly sympathizes with our weaknesses because He Himself experienced the full spectrum of human emotions and suffering, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). This means:

  • It is permissible to experience profound human emotions, including sorrow, fear, and distress, even as we face difficult circumstances. Our Lord understands.
  • It highlights the importance of seeking support from trusted companions and prayer in times of personal crisis.
  • It calls us to be present, empathetic, and prayerful for those we love who are suffering, even when we don't fully comprehend their pain.
  • Ultimately, this verse deepens our appreciation for the immense love and sacrifice of Jesus, who willingly endured such agony for our salvation, demonstrating the depth of His commitment to redeem humanity.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 22:44

    And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

  • Hebrews 5:7

    Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

  • Mark 1:16

    Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

  • Mark 1:19

    And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the [son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

  • Mark 5:37

    And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

  • Psalms 69:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, [A Psalm] of David. Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto [my] soul.

  • Psalms 69:3

    I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.
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