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What the Bible Says About Gethsemane

Overview

The Bible addresses gethsemane across 43 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Closely related themes include Sorrow, Prisoners, Traitor and Temptation. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus and Peter.

Key Bible verses about gethsemane

New Testament

Matthew

Matthew 26:36

Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

Matthew 26:37

And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

Matthew 26:38

Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

Matthew 26:39

And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Matthew 26:40

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

Matthew 26:41

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matthew 26:42

He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

Matthew 26:43

And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

Matthew 26:44

And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Matthew 26:45

Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Matthew 26:46

Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

Matthew 26:47

And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Matthew 26:48

Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

Matthew 26:49

And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

Matthew 26:50

And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

Mark

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.

Mark 14:33

And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

Mark 14:34

And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

Mark 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.

Mark 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.

Mark 14:37

And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

Mark 14:38

Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

Mark 14:39

And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.

Mark 14:40

And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.

Mark 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.

Mark 14:42

Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

Mark 14:43

And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

Mark 14:44

And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

Mark 14:45

And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

Mark 14:46

And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

Luke

Luke 22:39

And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

Luke 22:40

And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

Luke 22:41

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

Luke 22:42

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. willing, remove: Gr. willing to remove

Luke 22:43

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

Luke 22:44

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Luke 22:45

And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

Luke 22:46

And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

Luke 22:47

And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

Luke 22:48

But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

Luke 22:49

When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord shall we smite with the sword?

People in the Bible and gethsemane

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying gethsemane for yourself

  • Begin with Matthew 26:36, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Matthew, Mark and Luke each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Jesus and Peter and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Sorrow, Prisoners, Traitor and Temptation.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about gethsemane?

The Bible addresses gethsemane across 43 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Closely related themes include Sorrow, Prisoners, Traitor and Temptation. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus and Peter.

How many Bible verses are about gethsemane?

The Bible references gethsemane in 43 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention gethsemane?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Matthew 26:36: “Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.”

Which people in the Bible are associated with gethsemane?

Jesus and Peter.

Preach & teach

Outline a sermon or build a study series on gethsemane.

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