Mark 14:42

KJV

Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Rise up {G1453}, let us go {G71}; lo {G2400}, he that betrayeth {G3860} me {G3165} is at hand {G1448}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Get up! Let's go! Here comes my betrayer!"

Berean Standard Bible

Rise, let us go. See, My betrayer is approaching!”

American Standard Version

Arise, let us be going: behold, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:42 captures the climactic moment in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus, having fully submitted to the Father's will through agonizing prayer, rouses His sleeping disciples with a resolute command. This declaration signifies the immediate end of His spiritual struggle and the imminent physical confrontation, as He announces the arrival of His betrayer, Judas, signaling the irreversible commencement of the Passion narrative and His journey to the cross.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' profound agony and prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane ([Mark 14:32-41](/mark/14-32-41 "Mark 14:32-41 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Three times Jesus finds His disciples, Peter, James, and John, asleep despite His earnest plea for them to "watch and pray" with Him. His final words in the preceding verse, "It is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners" ([Mark 14:41](/mark/14-41 "Mark 14:41 - The Hour Has Come")), directly set the stage for the command to "Rise up, let us go." This transition marks a shift from intense spiritual wrestling to resolute action, as Jesus, having fully embraced the Father's will, now moves to meet His destiny. The narrative flow accelerates rapidly from this point, leading directly into the arrest, trial, and crucifixion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Garden of Gethsemane, an olive grove on the Mount of Olives, a place Jesus frequently visited for prayer and solitude ([John 18:2](/john/18-2 "John 18:2 - Jesus Often Met There")). Gethsemane, meaning "oil press," evokes imagery of crushing and suffering, a fitting backdrop for Jesus' spiritual anguish. The events unfold during the Passover week, a time when Jerusalem was teeming with pilgrims, and the religious authorities were particularly vigilant against any perceived threats to their order. Betrayal by a trusted associate, especially for money, was considered a profound act of treachery, fulfilling ancient prophecies regarding the Messiah's suffering ([Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Friend")). The phrase "is at hand" indicates not merely proximity but an active, immediate threat, typical of the sudden, decisive actions often taken by authorities during this volatile period.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:42 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' Sovereignty and Resolve**. Despite the overwhelming suffering and imminent betrayal, Jesus is not a helpless victim but moves with deliberate purpose, fully aware and in control of His destiny, fulfilling the divine plan. Secondly, it highlights the **Imminence of the Passion**, marking the point of no return as the forces of betrayal and arrest converge. The "hour" Jesus spoke of earlier ([Mark 14:35](/mark/14-35 "Mark 14:35 - The Hour of Suffering")) has arrived. Thirdly, the verse starkly contrasts **Jesus' Spiritual Readiness with the Disciples' Weakness**. While Jesus emerged from His prayer resolute and prepared to face His ordeal, His closest followers succumbed to physical and spiritual slumber, failing to grasp the gravity of the moment or provide the support He requested, echoing the theme of their misunderstanding and failure throughout the Gospel, particularly in their inability to "watch and pray" as instructed in [Mark 14:38](/mark/14-38 "Mark 14:38 - Watch and Pray").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rise up (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This word, often translated as "awake" or "raise up," signifies a command to rouse from sleep or inactivity. Here, it is an imperative, a direct command from Jesus to His disciples, not only to physically awaken but also to mentally and spiritually prepare for the imminent events. It implies a transition from a state of rest or unawareness to active engagement.
* **go (Greek, _ágō'_):** Meaning "to lead" or "to go," this verb indicates purposeful movement. In this context, it is not a panicked flight but a deliberate, controlled advance to meet the approaching betrayer. Jesus is leading His disciples, even into the heart of His suffering, demonstrating His authority and willingness to confront His destiny head-on.
* **betrayeth (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This term means "to surrender," "yield up," or "intrust." While it can be neutral (e.g., delivering a message), in this context, it carries the heavy connotation of handing over someone to an enemy, implying treachery and a deliberate act of delivering Jesus into the hands of those who seek His life. It highlights Judas's role as the instrument of this delivery.
* **is at hand (Greek, _engízō'_):** Derived from the word for "near," this verb means "to approach" or "to be nigh." It emphasizes the immediate proximity and imminence of Judas's arrival with the arresting party. The betrayer is not merely coming, but is already very close, making the moment urgent and unavoidable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Rise up, let us go":** This is a powerful, declarative command from Jesus. "Rise up" (egeírō) is an imperative, demanding immediate action from His sleeping disciples, both physically and spiritually. "Let us go" (ágomen) is a hortatory subjunctive, indicating a shared, purposeful movement. It is not a call to flee, but to meet the unfolding events with resolve. This phrase signals Jesus' transition from agonizing prayer to resolute action, having fully accepted the Father's will.
* **"lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.":** The interjection "lo" (idoú) draws immediate attention to the critical information that follows. Jesus, with divine foresight and calm authority, announces the imminent arrival of Judas, "he that betrayeth me." The phrase "is at hand" (engízō) emphasizes the extreme proximity and urgency of the situation; the betrayer is not merely approaching, but is already very near, making the confrontation unavoidable and immediate. This statement underscores Jesus' full awareness and control over the unfolding events, even as He is being delivered into the hands of His enemies.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:42 is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological weight. **Irony** is prominent, as Jesus, having just urged His disciples to "watch and pray" with Him, finds them asleep at the very moment His betrayer arrives. Their physical slumber stands in stark contrast to Jesus' spiritual vigilance and readiness. **Foreshadowing** is central, as Jesus' declaration directly anticipates the imminent arrest and the subsequent events of His Passion. The phrase "he that betrayeth me is at hand" builds intense **Suspense**, creating a palpable sense of impending doom and accelerating the narrative's pace towards its climax. Furthermore, the scene employs **Dramatic Irony**, where the audience is aware of Judas's impending arrival and the tragic outcome, while the disciples remain largely oblivious until the very last moment. Jesus' calm, authoritative tone amidst the crisis also highlights His **Composure** and divine sovereignty, even as He faces the ultimate act of human treachery.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:42 serves as a profound theological hinge, demonstrating Jesus' willing submission to the divine plan for redemption, even as it highlights the stark reality of human sin and betrayal. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, where even the most heinous act of treachery—Judas's betrayal—is woven into God's overarching purpose for salvation. Jesus' resolute "Rise up, let us go" is not a panicked reaction but a deliberate step towards His atoning sacrifice, revealing His active participation in His own Passion. This moment encapsulates the paradox of Christ's power in weakness, His authority in submission, and His love in the face of ultimate rejection. It connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan unfolding through suffering, a plan that culminates in the cross and resurrection.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Friend")
* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Like a Lamb Led to Slaughter")
* [John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Willingly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:42 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, calling us to a deeper understanding of spiritual vigilance and courageous obedience. Jesus' transition from agonizing prayer to resolute action demonstrates that true submission to God's will often precedes the strength to face daunting challenges. When we are called to confront our own "betrayers" – whether they be external adversaries, internal struggles, or the consequences of our own failures – we are invited to do so not with panic, but with a settled resolve rooted in the assurance of God's sovereign plan. The disciples' repeated failure to stay awake serves as a timeless warning against spiritual complacency, urging us to cultivate a habit of prayer and watchfulness, especially when the spiritual stakes are high. This verse challenges us to consider how we respond when the "hour" of trial approaches, encouraging us to rise up in faith, trusting that even in the darkest moments, God is at work, fulfilling His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' transition from prayer to resolute action in Gethsemane inform your approach to facing difficult or painful circumstances in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your spiritual life might you be "asleep" when you should be watching and praying? What steps can you take to cultivate greater vigilance?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's sovereignty, even in moments of betrayal or suffering, strengthen your faith and resolve?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus say "Rise up, let us go" if He is about to be arrested?**

Answer: This statement is not an attempt to flee but a demonstration of Jesus' divine sovereignty and control over the unfolding events. Having fully submitted to His Father's will in prayer, Jesus now actively steps into His destiny. His command to "Rise up, let us go" signifies His willingness to meet His betrayer and the arresting party head-on, rather than being passively captured. It underscores that He is not a victim caught by surprise, but the Son of God deliberately laying down His life, as He Himself stated in [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - No One Takes My Life From Me"). He is leading the way, even to His own crucifixion, fulfilling prophecy and God's redemptive plan.

**What is the significance of Judas being "at hand"?**

Answer: The phrase "at hand" (Greek: _engízō_) emphasizes the immediate proximity and imminence of Judas's arrival. It signifies that the critical moment of betrayal and arrest is not merely approaching, but has arrived. This urgency heightens the drama and underscores the swift, unavoidable progression of events leading to Jesus' Passion. It serves as a stark reminder that the "hour" Jesus had spoken of, the time for His ultimate sacrifice, has fully come, and there is no turning back ([Mark 14:41](/mark/14-41 "Mark 14:41 - The Hour Has Come")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:42, though a moment of profound human betrayal and impending suffering, is deeply Christ-centered in its fulfillment. Jesus' resolute command, "Rise up, let us go," is the active, sovereign step of the Son of God towards His redemptive purpose. He is not dragged unwillingly to the cross, but purposefully walks towards it, embodying the ultimate act of self-sacrifice for humanity's sin. This moment foreshadows His triumph over sin and death, as the one "betrayed into the hands of sinners" is precisely the one who will conquer sin and death through His atoning work on the cross. His willingness to face betrayal fulfills ancient prophecies of the suffering servant ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Led Like a Lamb to Slaughter")), and His control in this moment speaks to His divine nature, even in His humanity. The "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) is now ready to be "delivered up" ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Did Not Spare His Own Son")) for the salvation of the world, ultimately rising in victory over the very powers that sought to defeat Him ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")).

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 26:46

Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

John 18:1

¶ When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

John 18:2

And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.