### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Γεθσημανῆ (Gethsēmanē, `{{G1068}}`) is a transliteration of an Aramaic (Chaldee) compound word, reflecting its Hebrew roots. Its base definition, "oil-press," precisely conveys its etymological origin. The word is formed from two components: גַּת (gat, `{{H1660}}`), meaning "a press" or "trough" (often for wine or olives), and שֶׁמֶן (shemen, `{{H8081}}`), meaning "oil" or "fat." Thus, Gethsemane literally signifies an "oil-press" or "oil-vat." This designation suggests a place where olives were crushed to extract their oil, a common agricultural activity in the region. Semantically, while its literal meaning refers to a piece of equipment or a process, Gethsemane functions as a proper noun, identifying a specific garden or grove located near Jerusalem.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Gethsemane is mentioned explicitly in the New Testament Gospels as the location where Jesus and His disciples went after the Last Supper, immediately prior to His arrest.
* In [[Matthew 26:36]], it is stated: "Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, 'Sit here while I go over there and pray.'"
* Similarly, [[Mark 14:32]] records: "They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, 'Sit here while I pray.'"
* While [[Luke 22:39]] mentions Jesus going to the Mount of Olives, as was His custom, it does not use the name Gethsemane explicitly, though the location is understood to be the same general area.
* [[John 18:1]] refers to "a garden" across the Kidron Valley, which is universally identified as Gethsemane, stating: "When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered."
The contextual analysis of these passages reveals Gethsemane as the setting for Jesus' profound spiritual agony, fervent prayer, and ultimate submission to the Father's will. It is here that He prays for the "cup" to be removed, yet concludes with "not my will, but yours be done" ([[Matthew 26:39]], [[Mark 14:36]], [[Luke 22:42]]). It is also the site of Judas Iscariot's betrayal and Jesus' subsequent arrest. The events in Gethsemane mark the beginning of Jesus' Passion, a period of intense suffering leading to His crucifixion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymology of Gethsemane naturally links it to several significant concepts:
* **Oil and Olives:** The "oil-press" directly relates to olives and olive oil. Olives were a staple crop, and olive oil was used for light, cooking, anointing, and medicinal purposes. The Mount of Olives, `{{G2241}}`, where Gethsemane was located, underscores this connection.
* **Crushing/Pressing:** The act of pressing olives to extract oil serves as a powerful metaphor for the intense suffering and "crushing" experience Jesus endured in the garden. This resonates with prophetic passages concerning the suffering servant, such as Isaiah 53.
* **Agony:** The Greek word ἀγωνία (agōnia, `{{G74}}`), meaning "agony" or "struggle," perfectly describes Jesus' state in Gethsemane, even to the point of sweating drops of blood ([[Luke 22:44]]).
* **Prayer and Submission:** The fervent prayer (προσευχή, proseuchē, `{{G4335}}`) of Jesus in Gethsemane highlights His complete reliance on the Father and His ultimate submission to divine will, even unto death.
* **Betrayal:** Gethsemane is inextricably linked with the betrayal (προδίδωμι, prodidōmi, `{{G4273}}`) of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, marking a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative.
* **The Cup:** Jesus' repeated prayer to "let this cup pass from me" (ποτήριον, potērion, `{{G4221}}`) symbolizes the full measure of divine wrath and suffering He was about to endure for humanity's sin.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Gethsemane, the "oil-press," is profound and multi-layered.
1. **The Place of Ultimate Submission:** Gethsemane is the crucible where Jesus' human will fully aligned with the divine will. His agonizing prayer, "not my will, but yours be done," demonstrates perfect obedience and trust in the Father, even when faced with unimaginable suffering. This act of submission is foundational to Christian theology, presenting Jesus as the obedient Son who reverses Adam's disobedience.
2. **The Beginning of Atonement:** While the physical act of atonement culminated on the cross, the spiritual and emotional battle began in Gethsemane. Here, Jesus wrestled with the weight of human sin and the impending wrath of God. The "crushing" of the olives to produce oil serves as a vivid metaphor for Jesus being "crushed" by the burden of sin to produce the "oil" of salvation and new life for humanity. His agony in the garden was an integral part of His atoning work, demonstrating the depth of His suffering for humanity's redemption.
3. **Solidarity in Suffering:** Jesus' experience in Gethsemane highlights His full humanity and His solidarity with human suffering. He faced fear, sorrow, and temptation, yet overcame them through prayer and faith. This makes Him a compassionate High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses ([[Hebrews 4:15]]).
4. **A Place of Vigilance and Failure:** The disciples' inability to stay awake and pray with Jesus underscores human weakness and the need for spiritual vigilance. In contrast, Jesus' unwavering resolve highlights the strength derived from communion with God.
### Summary
Gethsemane (Γεθσημανῆ, `{{G1068}}`), meaning "oil-press," is a garden near Jerusalem, famously documented in the Gospels as the site of Jesus' profound agony, fervent prayer, and ultimate betrayal before His crucifixion. Its name symbolically foreshadows the "crushing" suffering Jesus endured there, a pivotal moment where His human will perfectly submitted to the divine. This critical location marks the spiritual commencement of His atoning work, where He wrestled with the "cup" of God's wrath, demonstrating unparalleled obedience and offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for humanity's redemption. Gethsemane stands as a solemn testament to Jesus' full humanity, His divine resolve, and the profound cost of salvation.
TRV