Plot, anointing, and supper
Mark 14:1–25FocusBetrayal and self-giving
Connection to the wholeThe preparations for death contrast devotion and betrayal, while Jesus interprets the supper in relation to His coming sacrifice.
interpretation Mark 14:34
KJVAnd saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
Read it in context
Warning and Gethsemane
Start reading at Mark 14:26 (Mark 14:26 to Mark 14:42).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus predicts the disciples' failure and prays in the garden, contrasting their sleep with His obedience.
- 14:26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
- 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
- 14:28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.
- 14:29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
- 14:30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.
- 14:31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
- 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.
- 14:33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
- 14:34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
- 14:35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
- 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
- 14:37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?
- 14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
- 14:39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.
- 14:40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
- 14:41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
- 14:42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 14:1–14:72): Jesus, His disciples, the woman who anoints Him, Judas, the arresting party, the high priest and council, and Peter appear in successive supper, arrest, and hearing scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Warning and Gethsemane. Read Mark 14:26 through Mark 14:42 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus predicts the disciples' failure and prays in the garden, contrasting their sleep with His obedience. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Warning and Gethsemane (Mark 14:26 to Mark 14:42). Start reading at Mark 14:26. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 14:26, Mark 14:42, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
Jesus prays before His arrest
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- My soul Isa 53:3-4,12 Lam 1:12 John 12:27
- and watch Mark 14:37-38 Mark 13:35-37 Eph 6:18-19 1 Pet 4:7 1 Pet 5:8
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 14
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
FocusHuman weakness and submission
Connection to the wholeJesus predicts the disciples' failure and prays in the garden, contrasting their sleep with His obedience.
interpretation Arrest and hearing
Mark 14:43–65FocusAbandonment and testimony
Connection to the wholeJesus is arrested and brought before the council, where accusation and His testimony move the narrative toward condemnation.
interpretation Peter's denial
Mark 14:66–72FocusA disciple's failure
Connection to the wholePeter's repeated denial fulfils the warning and closes the chapter with grief over failed allegiance.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation The expanding ministry
Mark 3:7–8:26FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.