Bible Strands
Matthew 26:36
Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He told them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to His disciples as they arrive at the garden, instructing them to remain behind while He moves forward to pray. This command occurs immediately after the disciples collectively vow to remain loyal to Him.
The words — The Greek noun χωρίον (chōrion) literally means a defined plot or locality, identifying Gethsemane as a specific destination. The conjunction τότε (tote) marks the sequential transition from the previous events into this moment of departure.
The thread — The movement to this named location runs parallel to Mark 14:32 and Luke 22:39, where Jesus similarly leads His followers to a place for prayer. The instruction to wait directly precedes His reported sorrow in Matthew 26:37 and His repeated petition in Matthew 26:42.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to note Jesus’ deliberate physical separation from the group to face His impending burden alone. It establishes a structural pattern of solitary communion with the Father preceding unavoidable confrontation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
Cross-references
- Mark 14:32 Then they came to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus told His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”
- Luke 22:39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him.
- Matthew 26:42 A second time He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.”
- Matthew 26:39 Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”
- Psalms 22:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning?
- Psalms 69:13 But my prayer to You, O LORD, is for a time of favor. In Your abundant loving devotion, O God, answer me with Your sure salvation.
- Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.
- Psalms 69:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David. Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck.
- John 18:1 After Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where they entered a garden.