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.
When Jesus {G2424} had spoken {G2036} these words {G5023}, he went forth {G1831} with {G4862} his {G846} disciples {G3101} over {G4008} the brook {G5493} Cedron {G2748}, where {G3699} was {G2258} a garden {G2779}, into {G1519} the which {G3739} he {G846} entered {G1525}, and {G2532} his {G846} disciples {G3101}.
After Yeshua had said all this, he went out with his talmidim across the stream that flows in winter through the Vadi Kidron, to a spot where there was a grove of trees; and he and his talmidim went into it.
After Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where they entered a garden.
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where was a garden, into which he entered, himself and his disciples.
Cross-References
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Mark 14:32 (7 votes)
¶ And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. -
2 Samuel 15:23 (7 votes)
And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness. -
Matthew 26:36 (7 votes)
¶ Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. -
Luke 22:39 (5 votes)
¶ And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. -
Luke 22:40 (5 votes)
And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. -
John 18:26 (5 votes)
One of the servants of the high priest, being [his] kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? -
2 Chronicles 30:14 (3 votes)
And they arose and took away the altars that [were] in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense took they away, and cast [them] into the brook Kidron.
Commentary
John 18:1 marks a pivotal transition in the Gospel of John, moving from Jesus' final teachings and prayer to the immediate prelude of His Passion narrative. It describes Jesus and His disciples crossing the Kidron Valley to a garden, commonly understood as Gethsemane, where His betrayal and arrest would soon occur. This verse sets the solemn stage for the dramatic events leading to the crucifixion.
Context
The phrase "When Jesus had spoken these words" directly references the profound and intimate teachings and prayer found in John chapters 14-17. This includes the Upper Room Discourse, where Jesus prepared His disciples for His departure, promised the Holy Spirit, and gave them new commandments. The journey across the Kidron immediately follows the intensely spiritual and intimate moments of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, where He prayed for Himself, His disciples, and all future believers. This transition emphasizes Jesus' deliberate and willing submission to God's redemptive plan.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The "brook Cedron" (or Kidron Valley) was a significant geographical feature located east of Jerusalem, separating the city from the Mount of Olives. This valley was often associated with purification rituals and served as a traditional route for exiting the city towards the Mount of Olives. Historically, King David also crossed this valley when fleeing from Absalom (2 Samuel 15:23), providing a subtle historical parallel of a king in distress. The "garden" mentioned, though not explicitly named Gethsemane in John's account, is widely understood to be the Garden of Gethsemane (meaning "oil press"), likely an olive grove. It was a place Jesus frequently visited, making it known to Judas Iscariot, which would tragically facilitate His betrayal.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek phrase for "he went forth" is exēlthen, which suggests a deliberate and purposeful departure rather than a casual stroll or hurried escape. It conveys a sense of decisive movement towards the next stage of God's plan. The "brook Cedron" (Greek: tou cheimarrou tou Kedrōn) literally refers to a "winter stream" or wadi that would swell with water during the rainy season, adding a touch of natural realism to the narrative's setting.
Practical Application
John 18:1 encourages believers to face difficult circumstances with courage and purpose, just as Jesus did. Knowing His fate, He still moved forward, demonstrating profound obedience to the Father's will, even unto death. It reminds us that even after moments of profound spiritual communion (like the prayer in John 17), we may be called to enter challenging "gardens" of our own. This verse underscores the importance of spiritual preparation for trials, echoing Jesus' earlier instructions to His disciples to watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation, especially when facing hardship or significant life transitions.
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