Mark 14:42
Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
Original Language Analysis
ἐγείρεσθε
Rise up
G1453
ἐγείρεσθε
Rise up
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
1 of 7
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
ἄγωμεν·
let us go
G71
ἄγωμεν·
let us go
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Roman and Jewish arrest procedures typically involved surprise apprehension. Jesus subverts this by knowing the betrayer's approach and walking toward him. This deliberate surrender fulfilled Isaiah 53:7—"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter." First-century readers would recognize the courage required to face arrest, which often meant torture and execution.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' active movement toward His betrayer rather than passive resignation teach about Christian courage?
- How does Jesus' initiative ("Rise up, let us go") contrast with the disciples' passivity, and what does this teach about spiritual leadership?
- In what situation is Jesus currently calling you to "rise up" and actively move toward a difficult obedience rather than passively waiting?
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Analysis & Commentary
Rise up, let us go (ἐγείρεσθε ἄγωμεν, egeiresthe agōmen)—Jesus takes initiative, moving toward His betrayer rather than fleeing. The verb ἐγείρω (egeirō, "rise up") will soon take different meaning when applied to resurrection (16:6). Lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand (ὁ παραδιδούς με ἤγγικεν, ho paradidous me ēngiken)—the present participle "betraying" indicates ongoing action; Judas's approach marks the culmination of his betrayal begun earlier.
This verse captures Jesus' sovereign courage: He's finished praying, resolved to the Father's will, and now actively moves toward suffering. The disciples' sleeping ends not with their initiative but His. Christ doesn't wait for arrest but walks toward it, demonstrating John 10:18: "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself." Even in arrest, Jesus remains the active agent, sovereign over His own suffering.