Mark 1:35
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there 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
ἀναστὰς
rising up
G450
ἀναστὰς
rising up
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
5 of 13
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπῆλθεν
departed
G565
ἀπῆλθεν
departed
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
8 of 13
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἔρημον
a solitary
G2048
ἔρημον
a solitary
Strong's:
G2048
Word #:
10 of 13
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
Cross References
Luke 6:12And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.Ephesians 6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;Psalms 5:3My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.Luke 5:16And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.John 6:15When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.Hebrews 5:7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;Matthew 14:23And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.Philippians 2:5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:John 4:34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
Historical Context
Jewish prayer times were typically morning, afternoon, and evening. Christ's prayer 'a great while before day' indicates extraordinary devotion, likely around 3-4 AM. The Galilean countryside provided natural solitary places—hills, shores, and wilderness areas near Capernaum.
Questions for Reflection
- If Christ in His humanity needed extended time in prayer, how much more do we who are not divine?
- What does Jesus' prioritization of prayer before ministry teach us about the source of spiritual power?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Mark emphasizes Christ's prayer life with precise timing: 'a great while before day,' demonstrating His priority of communion with the Father before ministry activity. Despite exhausting public ministry, Jesus sought solitude ('solitary place') for prayer, modeling the necessity of spiritual disciplines even for the incarnate Son. His humanity required this fellowship, teaching us our absolute dependence on prayer.