Mark 14:40
And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer 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
ὑποστρέψας
when he returned
G5290
ὑποστρέψας
when he returned
Strong's:
G5290
Word #:
2 of 18
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 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
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
5 of 18
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
καθεύδοντας
asleep
G2518
καθεύδοντας
asleep
Strong's:
G2518
Word #:
6 of 18
to lie down to rest, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)
γὰρ
(for
G1063
γὰρ
(for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοὶ
eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοὶ
eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
10 of 18
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 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 #:
13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐκ
G3756
ᾔδεισαν
wist they
G1492
ᾔδεισαν
wist they
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
15 of 18
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
16 of 18
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Historical Context
Ancient Jewish watch-keeping practices made staying alert at night a recognized spiritual discipline. The disciples' repeated failure despite Jesus' warnings echoes Israel's repeated failures in the wilderness despite God's warnings. This pattern of human weakness requiring divine strength pervades redemptive history.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the disciples' physical sleep during Jesus' spiritual warfare teach about the relationship between spiritual alertness and physical discipline?
- How does Jesus' compassion toward sleepy disciples inform how you should respond to others' spiritual weaknesses during your own trials?
- What practices of watchfulness and prayer might help you avoid spiritual drowsiness during times of testing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,)—Mark provides the explanatory note βεβαρημένοι (bebarēmenoi, "weighed down, burdened") regarding their eyes. This suggests not mere physical tiredness but spiritual heaviness, possibly supernatural oppression during Satan's hour (Luke 22:53). Neither wist they what to answer him (καὶ οὐκ ᾔδεισαν τί ἀποκριθῶσιν αὐτῷ, kai ouk ēdeisan ti apokrithōsin autō) reveals their shame-induced confusion.
This scene contrasts Jesus' victorious wrestling in prayer with the disciples' prayerless sleep. While Christ agonized toward submission, they drifted toward desertion. Their inability to watch even one hour (v. 37) foreshadows their inability to stand during His arrest. Yet Jesus' gentleness with their weakness—providing the explanatory note about heavy eyes—demonstrates pastoral compassion even in His own extremity.