Luke Chapter 22 · Verse 39
And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπορεύθη
and went
G4198
ἐπορεύθη
and went
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
3 of 18
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
κατὰ
as
G2596
κατὰ
as
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
4 of 18
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἠκολούθησαν
followed
G190
ἠκολούθησαν
followed
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
The Mount of Olives rises east of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley, approximately 2,600 feet elevation. Covered with olive groves, it provided a quiet refuge from the city's crowds. Wealthy residents maintained private gardens there; Gethsemane likely belonged to a sympathizer who gave Jesus access. During Passover, Jerusalem's population swelled from 50,000 to over 200,000, making lodging scarce—staying on the Mount of Olives was common for pilgrims. Jesus' custom of praying there (Luke 21:37) made His location predictable, enabling Judas to betray Him efficiently.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' 'custom' of prayer in Gethsemane reveal about the foundation He had built before His greatest trial?
- How does Christ's deliberate choice to be findable by Judas demonstrate His voluntary sacrifice?
- Where is your 'Mount of Olives'—your habitual place of prayer—and how consistently do you retreat there?
Analysis & Commentary
As he was wont, to the mount of Olives (κατὰ τὸ ἔθος εἰς τὸ Ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν, kata to ethos eis to Oros tōn Elaiōn)—Luke emphasizes Jesus' habit (ἔθος, ethos) of praying at the Mount of Olives, mentioned throughout His final week (19:37, 21:37). This wasn't a random location but His customary retreat for communion with the Father. John identifies this as the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18:1-2), a place Judas knew precisely because Jesus frequented it.
Christ's predictability reveals His submission—He didn't flee or hide, though He knew Judas would bring the arresting party to this exact spot. While others sought safety, Jesus sought prayer. The Mount of Olives was thick with olive trees used for oil pressing (the name 'Gethsemane' means 'oil press'), providing apt imagery for the crushing spiritual anguish Jesus would endure there. His disciples followed him (ἠκολούθησαν, ēkolouthēsan), but their following would soon be tested to the breaking point.