Mark 14:41

KJV

And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take [your] rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he cometh {G2064} the third time {G5154}, and {G2532} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Sleep on {G2518} now {G3063}, and {G2532} take your rest {G373}: it is enough {G566}, the hour {G5610} is come {G2064}; behold {G2400}, the Son {G5207} of man {G444} is betrayed {G3860} into {G1519} the hands {G5495} of sinners {G268}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The third time, he came and said to them, "For now, go on sleeping, take your rest. . . .There, that's enough! The time has come! Look! The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners!

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus returned the third time, He said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? That is enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

American Standard Version

And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough; the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:41 captures Jesus' poignant third return to His sleeping disciples in Gethsemane, where He declares that the moment for their vigilance has passed. His words, "Sleep on now, and take your rest," are an ironic lament, immediately followed by the stark announcement that "the hour is come" and "the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners." This verse marks the irreversible turning point from prayerful agony to the commencement of Jesus' passion, highlighting the disciples' spiritual unpreparedness and the divine, predetermined nature of His betrayal and arrest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 14:41 is situated within the intensely dramatic narrative of Jesus' final hours in the Garden of Gethsemane, following the [Last Supper](/mark/14-22 "Mark 14:22 - The Institution of the Lord's Supper") and His prediction of Peter's denial. Jesus has taken Peter, James, and John deeper into the garden, instructing them to "remain here and keep watch" while He goes a short distance to pray in agonizing distress over His impending suffering and death ([Mark 14:32-34](/mark/14-32-34 "Mark 14:32-34 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane")). He returns twice previously to find them sleeping, rebuking them for their inability to stay awake even "one hour" ([Mark 14:37-40](/mark/14-37-40 "Mark 14:37-40 - Jesus Finds Disciples Asleep Again")). This third and final encounter underscores the disciples' profound spiritual fatigue and the tragic passing of the opportunity for them to share in His vigil, setting the stage for the immediate arrival of Judas and the arresting party.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Garden of Gethsemane, located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, was an olive grove, likely with an olive press (the name Gethsemane means "oil press"). It was a familiar place for Jesus and His disciples, offering a measure of privacy. The setting during the Passover week was significant; Jerusalem was teeming with pilgrims, and the Jewish authorities, particularly the Sanhedrin, were eager to arrest Jesus discreetly to avoid a public disturbance, especially during such a sacred festival. The betrayal "into the hands of sinners" refers to the Jewish religious leaders and the Roman soldiers who would carry out the arrest and subsequent crucifixion. This act was not a random occurrence but the culmination of a long-standing opposition to Jesus from the religious establishment, who viewed Him as a threat to their authority and traditions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **contrast between Jesus' absolute obedience and the disciples' human weakness and spiritual slumber**. Despite Jesus' clear instructions and His own profound agony, the disciples repeatedly succumb to sleep, demonstrating their lack of understanding and preparedness for the gravity of the "hour." Secondly, the declaration "the hour is come" emphasizes **divine sovereignty and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan**. This "hour" is a recurring motif in the Gospels, particularly in John, signifying the divinely appointed time for Jesus' suffering, death, and glorification ([John 12:23](/john/12-23 "John 12:23 - The Hour Has Come")). It underscores that Jesus' betrayal was not an accident but a preordained event, part of God's perfect will. Finally, the theme of **betrayal and surrender** is central, as Jesus, fully aware of His impending arrest, willingly submits Himself to the will of God, even into the hands of those who would condemn Him. This willing surrender is a critical aspect of His atoning work ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sleep on (Greek, _katheúdō'_):** From G2518, meaning "to lie down to rest, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)." In this context, Jesus' command is deeply ironic. He is not genuinely granting permission for rest, but rather expressing a profound lament that the opportunity for vigilant prayer and spiritual support has irrevocably passed. The disciples' repeated failure to stay awake underscores their spiritual dullness and inability to grasp the gravity of the moment, contrasting sharply with Jesus' intense spiritual struggle.
* **It is enough (Greek, _apéchei'_):** From G566, meaning "it is sufficient." This impersonal verb carries significant weight, conveying finality and completion. It indicates that the time for Gethsemane's agonizing prayer and the disciples' chance for spiritual watchfulness is definitively over. The moment for preparation has concluded, and the divinely appointed time for the next phase of the passion—the betrayal and arrest—has arrived. It is a declaration of the irreversible turning point.
* **Is betrayed (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** From G3860, meaning "to surrender, i.e. yield up, intrust, transmit." This word is crucial as it signifies not only Judas's act of betrayal but also Jesus' willing surrender of Himself according to God's sovereign plan. While Judas acts out of malice, Jesus is simultaneously being "handed over" by divine decree for the purpose of salvation. This highlights the dual agency at play: human wickedness fulfilling divine purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them,"**: This clause emphasizes the repeated failure of the disciples to remain vigilant, despite Jesus' clear instruction and His own profound agony. His third return underscores the finality of the opportunity for them to participate in His vigil.
* **"Sleep on now, and take your rest:"**: As analyzed above, this is a statement of profound irony and lament. The time for watchful prayer has passed. It's not a permission to sleep, but a recognition that their opportunity for vigilance has been squandered, and the critical moment for action has arrived, rendering their previous failure irreversible.
* **"it is enough, the hour is come;"**: This is a powerful declaration of divine timing and the culmination of God's plan. "It is enough" signifies the end of the Gethsemane struggle and the beginning of the passion. "The hour is come" refers to the specific, predetermined moment for Jesus' betrayal, suffering, and death—the climax of His earthly ministry and the fulfillment of prophecy.
* **"behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners."**: This immediate follow-up to "the hour is come" reveals the precise event initiating the passion: Jesus, identifying Himself with the [prophetic figure of the Son of Man](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with the Clouds"), is about to be handed over. The phrase "into the hands of sinners" refers to the unrighteous Jewish religious authorities and the Roman soldiers, emphasizing the ignominy and injustice of His impending arrest and trial.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:41 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Irony**, particularly in Jesus' command, "Sleep on now, and take your rest." Given His previous pleas for vigilance and His own intense suffering, these words are clearly not a genuine invitation to slumber but a bitter acknowledgment that the moment for watchfulness has passed, and their spiritual unpreparedness has rendered their presence ineffective. This irony underscores the disciples' failure and the gravity of the impending events. There is also strong **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus explicitly announces His betrayal, setting the immediate stage for the arrival of Judas and the arresting party. The phrase "the hour is come" functions as a form of **Climax**, signaling the decisive turning point in the narrative, moving from the internal struggle of Gethsemane to the external events of the passion. Finally, the title "Son of man" carries deep **Symbolism**, connecting Jesus to the eschatological figure in Daniel 7, who is both suffering and divinely authoritative, highlighting His unique identity and mission even in His moment of vulnerability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:41 is profoundly significant for its theological implications, revealing the intricate interplay of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the nature of Christ's suffering. Jesus' declaration that "the hour is come" underscores the preordained nature of His passion, reminding us that His suffering and death were not accidental but part of God's deliberate plan for salvation. Yet, this divine decree does not negate human culpability, as the "Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners," highlighting the active role of human sin and rebellion in the crucifixion. The disciples' repeated failure to stay awake serves as a poignant reminder of human weakness and the ever-present temptation to spiritual complacency, even in the face of profound spiritual battles. Jesus' willing submission, even into the hands of His enemies, exemplifies ultimate obedience and trust in the Father's will, setting the pattern for all who would follow Him in the path of suffering and self-denial.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")
* [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer of Submission")
* [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Alert and Sober Minded")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:41 serves as a powerful and sobering call to spiritual vigilance for believers today. Just as the disciples were unable to stay awake with Jesus during His hour of greatest need, we too can succumb to spiritual drowsiness, missing crucial moments for prayer, intercession, or faithful action in our own lives. Jesus' lament, "Sleep on now, and take your rest," should pierce our hearts, prompting us to examine our own spiritual preparedness. Are we alert to the spiritual battles around us? Are we willing to "watch and pray" when God calls us to stand firm, even when it is difficult or inconvenient? The "hour" will come for each of us—moments of trial, opportunity, or divine calling—and this verse challenges us to cultivate a disciplined spiritual life, rooted in prayer and submission to God's will, so that we are not found unprepared. It reminds us that true rest is found not in spiritual slumber, but in active, trusting obedience to the Lord, even in the midst of suffering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be spiritually "asleep" when God is calling you to be vigilant?**
* **How does Jesus' willingness to be betrayed "into the hands of sinners" challenge your understanding of suffering and divine purpose?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more watchful and prayerful spirit in your daily life?**
* **How does the concept of "the hour is come" impact your perspective on God's sovereignty and timing in your own circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus tell the disciples to "sleep on now, and take your rest" if He had just asked them to watch?**

Answer: Jesus' words in [Mark 14:41](/mark/14-41 "Mark 14:41 - The Third Return to Sleeping Disciples") are not a genuine permission but a statement of deep irony and lament. He had repeatedly urged them to "watch and pray" ([Mark 14:38](/mark/14-38 "Mark 14:38 - Watch and Pray")) but found them sleeping for the third time. By this point, the critical moment for their vigilance had passed. The "hour" of His betrayal was imminent, and their opportunity to support Him through prayer in that specific way was over. His words convey the tragic reality of their spiritual unpreparedness and the irreversible turning point in Gethsemane.

**What is the significance of "the hour is come"?**

Answer: The phrase "the hour is come" ([Mark 14:41](/mark/14-41 "Mark 14:41 - The Hour Has Come")) signifies the divinely appointed and predetermined moment for Jesus' suffering, betrayal, and death. Throughout the Gospels, particularly in John, Jesus refers to "His hour" as the culmination of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His ultimate glorification through the cross ([John 12:23-27](/john/12-23-27 "John 12:23-27 - The Hour Has Come for the Son of Man")). It underscores God's sovereign plan for redemption, indicating that Jesus' passion was not a random event but a preordained necessity for the salvation of humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:41, though a moment of profound human failure and divine anguish, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Son of man" who is "betrayed into the hands of sinners" is none other than the promised Messiah, whose suffering was foretold by the prophets ([Isaiah 53:5-7](/isaiah/53-5-7 "Isaiah 53:5-7 - The Suffering Servant")). This betrayal, far from being a defeat, was the necessary catalyst for God's redemptive plan. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), willingly surrendered Himself to the forces of evil, not as a victim, but as a sovereign sacrifice. His "hour" in Gethsemane, culminating in His betrayal, was the moment He fully embraced the Father's will to become sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His willing submission to the hands of sinners, Jesus disarmed the powers of sin and death, securing eternal salvation and demonstrating the boundless love of God ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Thus, this dark moment in Gethsemane paradoxically illuminates the glorious triumph of Christ's cross.

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 9:31

For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

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.

John 17:1

¶ These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

Ezekiel 20:39

As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD; Go ye, serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter [also], if ye will not hearken unto me: but pollute ye my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols.

Mark 14:18

And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.

John 12:27

¶ Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

John 12:23

And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.