Mark 14:39
And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
2 of 8
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
ἀπελθὼν
he went away
G565
ἀπελθὼν
he went away
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
3 of 8
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸν
the same
G846
αὐτὸν
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 8
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
Historical Context
Jewish prayer tradition valued repetition of set prayers (the Shema, the Amidah), but also emphasized heartfelt petition. Jesus' model here combines both—persistent repetition with genuine wrestling. The Gethsemane prayers occurred during Passover night, when faithful Jews would be discussing the Exodus; Jesus was about to become the true Passover Lamb.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' repeated prayer teach about persistence in prayer when God's answer doesn't change?
- How does Jesus' model of repeated submission to God's will challenge the prosperity gospel's emphasis on claiming what you want?
- In what situation are you currently called to pray the same prayer repeatedly while deepening your submission to God's will?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. Jesus' repeated prayer (τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον εἰπών, ton auton logon eipōn, "saying the same word") demonstrates persistent intercession, not vain repetition. This pattern—pray, return, find disciples sleeping, return to prayer—reveals both Christ's humanity (needing repeated prayer) and His submission (continuing to ask for the Father's will despite the answer).
The phrase the same words likely refers to verse 36's prayer: "Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt." Repeated prayer with unchanged petition yet deepening submission models how prayer changes the pray-er more than circumstances. Jesus wrestled toward acceptance, teaching us that submission isn't absence of struggle but victory through struggle.