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

MARK 14:37KJV
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Mark 14:37 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:37 mean?

Mark 14:37 describes Jesus returning to find Peter asleep and questioning him, asking why he could not stay awake and keep watch for even one hour. This verse shows Jesus’ disappointment that Peter, despite his earlier promises, could not remain alert during a crucial moment.

In this scene, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, deeply troubled and praying before his arrest. He specifically addresses Peter by his original name, Simon, highlighting the seriousness of the moment. The verse emphasizes the disciples’ human weakness and inability to support Jesus in his time of need, despite his request for them to stay awake and pray.

The Greek behind Mark 14:37

  • The word for "watch" is γρηγορέω (grēgoreō), which means to stay awake or be alert. Here, it carries the sense of spiritual vigilance, not just physical wakefulness, showing that Jesus wanted more than just their presence—he wanted their active participation in prayer.
  • Jesus calls Peter "Simon" (Σίμων, Simōn), using his old name rather than "Peter," which can signal a moment of disappointment or a reminder of his human frailty, as "Peter" means "rock," but here he is not living up to that name.
  • The word for "hour" is ὥρα (hōra), which in Greek can mean a specific time or a significant moment. Jesus’ question about watching "one hour" underscores how short the period was that he asked for support, making the disciples’ failure more striking.

Why Mark 14:37 matters

  • This verse highlights the contrast between Jesus’ urgent need and the disciples’ inability to meet it, making their later actions—especially Peter’s denial—more understandable in context.
  • By addressing Peter as "Simon," the verse connects to earlier moments in the Gospel where names reflect character or spiritual state, showing Peter’s struggle to live up to his calling.
  • Mark 14:37 sets the tone for the events that follow, showing that even Jesus’ closest followers struggled with weakness, which is a theme throughout the Passion narrative.

Where else these words appear

“sleeping” Greek G2518 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
  • 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.
  • 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.

“watch” Greek G1127 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
  • Mark 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
  • 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

“couldest” Greek G2480 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
  • Acts 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

“Simon” Greek G4613 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Luke 5:10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
  • John 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.