Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly [is] ready, but the flesh [is] weak.
Watch ye {G1127} and {G2532} pray {G4336}, lest {G3363} ye enter {G1525} into {G1519} temptation {G3986}. The spirit {G4151} truly {G3303} is ready {G4289}, but {G1161} the flesh {G4561} is weak {G772}.
Stay awake, and pray that you will not be put to the test -- the spirit indeed is eager, but human nature is weak."
Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
-
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak. -
Matthew 24:42
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. -
Romans 7:18
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not. -
Romans 7:25
I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. -
Luke 21:36
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. -
Luke 22:40
And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. -
Revelation 3:2
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Mark 14:38 captures a poignant moment in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus issues a vital warning to His disciples just hours before His crucifixion. This verse is a profound insight into the human condition and the spiritual disciplines necessary for navigating life's trials.
Context
This verse is spoken by Jesus to His inner circle (Peter, James, and John) in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus had gone there to pray in intense agony, facing the imminent suffering of the cross. He had asked His disciples to "watch" with Him, but repeatedly found them sleeping due to weariness and sorrow. This particular admonition from Jesus is a tender yet firm call to spiritual alertness amidst their physical and emotional exhaustion. Parallel accounts can be found in Matthew 26:41 and Luke 22:46.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV uses clear and impactful terms:
Practical Application
Mark 14:38 offers timeless wisdom for believers today: