Mark 14:32
And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔρχονται
they came
G2064
ἔρχονται
they came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
οὗ
which
G3739
οὗ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
5 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
was named
G3686
ὄνομα
was named
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
7 of 17
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Γεθσημανῆ·
Gethsemane
G1068
Γεθσημανῆ·
Gethsemane
Strong's:
G1068
Word #:
8 of 17
oil-press; gethsemane, a garden near jerusalem
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 17
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
Καθίσατε
Sit ye
G2523
Καθίσατε
Sit ye
Strong's:
G2523
Word #:
14 of 17
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
Cross References
Historical Context
Gethsemane was likely a private olive grove Jesus frequented (John 18:2), making Judas's betrayal more intimate—he knew where to find Jesus in solitude. The Thursday night setting (14 Nisan, Passover eve) heightened the tension: while Jerusalem slept off the Passover meal, Jesus faced the true Paschal sacrifice. Roman guards would soon arrive with torches (John 18:3) to arrest the Light of the World.
Questions for Reflection
- When facing your own 'Gethsemane' moments, do you isolate completely or maintain circles of intimacy for support, as Jesus modeled?
- How does Jesus's deliberate choice to pray in a familiar place challenge our tendency to avoid locations associated with past spiritual struggles?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane (Γεθσημανί, Gethsēmani)—from Hebrew גַּת שְׁמָנִים (gat shemanim, 'oil press'). This olive orchard at the Mount of Olives' foot became the stage for Jesus's most agonizing prayer. Mark's sparse narrative contrasts with Luke's medical details (sweat like blood) but shares the geographic precision.
Sit ye here, while I shall pray (καθίσατε ὧδε ἕως προσεύξωμαι)—Jesus separates the eight from the inner three (Peter, James, John, v. 33), creating concentric circles of intimacy even in crisis. The present subjunctive proseuxōmai implies ongoing, repeated prayer—not a single petition but sustained wrestling with the Father's will. This separation foreshadows His ultimate aloneness in bearing sin.