New Testament

Mark 14:35

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible, this hour might pass him by.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

What Mark 14:35 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, facing immense emotional and spiritual turmoil as he anticipates his impending crucifixion. He moves away from his disciples to pray, demonstrating his deep need for solitude and connection with God in this critical moment. By falling to the ground, he shows his vulnerability and desperation. His prayer reflects a human desire to avoid suffering, asking if it is possible for this difficult hour to pass without him having to endure it. This moment highlights the tension between his divine mission and his human feelings of fear and anguish. It reveals the depth of his commitment to God's will, even as he grapples with the weight of what is to come. This scene is pivotal, illustrating both Jesus' humanity and his obedience to God's plan, setting the stage for the events that follow in the narrative of his passion.

How to apply Mark 14:35 to your life

In times of distress, we can follow Jesus' example by seeking solitude to pray and connect with God. It's okay to express our fears and desires to God, just as Jesus did. This encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when facing difficult circumstances.

Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Jesus praying at Gethsemane

Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Prayer in Gethsemane (Mark 14:32–42)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Jesus

The low dark stone ruins of Capernaum, with the Sea of Galilee and hills behind.

Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Capernaum

Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Mark 14:35

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Mark 14:35

At a Glance — the Book of Mark

Author
John Mark
Written
Around AD 55-65
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Roman and Gentile Christians

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Mark 14:35 mean?

Mark 14:35 depicts Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he expresses his anguish and desire to avoid suffering. This moment illustrates his humanity as he grapples with the impending crucifixion while seeking solitude and connection with God.

What is the significance of Jesus praying in Mark 14:35?

Jesus praying in Mark 14:35 highlights his vulnerability and need for divine support during a moment of deep emotional turmoil. It shows the importance of prayer in facing difficult situations and underscores his commitment to fulfilling God's will.

How does Mark 14:35 relate to the themes of suffering and obedience?

Mark 14:35 encapsulates the themes of suffering and obedience by showing Jesus' internal struggle between his desire to avoid pain and his ultimate submission to God's plan. It emphasizes the tension between human feelings and divine purpose.

What can we learn from Mark 14:35 about dealing with distress?

From Mark 14:35, we learn the importance of seeking solitude and prayer during times of distress. It encourages us to be honest with God about our fears while trusting in His plan, just as Jesus did.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.