Luke Chapter 22 · Verse 41
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῶν
he
G846
αὐτῶν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 13
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
ἀπεσπάσθη
was withdrawn
G645
ἀπεσπάσθη
was withdrawn
Strong's:
G645
Word #:
3 of 13
to drag forth, i.e., (literally) unsheathe (a sword), or relatively (with a degree of force implied) retire (personally or factiously)
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
4 of 13
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
αὐτῶν
he
G846
αὐτῶν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 13
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 #:
9 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θεὶς
kneeled down
G5087
θεὶς
kneeled down
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
10 of 13
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
Cross References
Matthew 26:39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.Mark 14:35And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
Historical Context
Jewish prayer customs varied: standing (Luke 18:11), sitting (Talmudic references), or kneeling (1 Kings 8:54, Daniel 6:10). Kneeling expressed special humility and earnestness, often used in desperate supplication. A 'stone's cast' (λίθου βολή) was approximately 50-60 feet, a standard measurement in ancient reckoning. Gethsemane's olive trees would have partially obscured Jesus from the disciples, giving Him privacy while keeping Him within their potential awareness—if they had stayed awake. The Garden of Gethsemane was likely enclosed with walls, providing seclusion from passersby.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' physical posture in prayer reveal about the intensity and humility required for spiritual warfare?
- Why did Jesus need to pray alone, beyond the hearing and support of even His closest disciples?
- When you face overwhelming spiritual battles, do you withdraw to pray or seek distraction in company?
Analysis & Commentary
Withdrawn from them about a stone's cast (ἀπεσπάσθη ἀπ' αὐτῶν ὡσεὶ λίθου βολήν, apespasthē ap' autōn hōsei lithou bolēn)—Jesus separated Himself approximately 50-60 feet, far enough for privacy but close enough to remain visible. Luke alone mentions He kneeled down (θεὶς τὰ γόνατα, theis ta gonata), a posture of humility and submission. Matthew and Mark record He fell on His face (Matthew 26:39), suggesting He began kneeling and progressed to full prostration under the weight of anguish.
This physical distance mirrors the spiritual isolation Jesus was entering—the disciples could not follow where He was going. His kneeling posture contrasts sharply with their reclining in sleep (v. 45). The 'stone's cast' distance becomes prophetic: soon these same disciples would deny knowing Him, putting far greater distance between themselves and their Lord. In Gethsemane, Christ begins drinking the cup of divine wrath alone—a preview of Calvary's ultimate forsaking (Matthew 27:46).