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

MARK 14:39KJV
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Mark 14:39 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:39 mean?

Mark 14:39 describes Jesus going away again to pray, repeating the same words he had spoken before. This shows Jesus returning to prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, expressing the same deep distress and request to God as he did earlier.

In this scene, Jesus is alone, speaking to God the Father just before his arrest. The verse highlights that Jesus did not change his prayer but continued to pour out his heart with the same words. This repetition shows the intensity and persistence of Jesus’ struggle and his honest conversation with God in a moment of great anguish.

The Greek behind Mark 14:39

  • "πάλιν" (palin, "again"): This word emphasizes that Jesus repeated his action, not just once but as a deliberate return to prayer, showing persistence.
  • "προσηύξατο" (prosēuxato, "prayed"): The Greek word here often carries the sense of earnest, personal prayer, underlining Jesus’ deep engagement with God.
  • "τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον" (ton auton logon, "the same words"): This phrase makes clear that Jesus did not change his request or approach, but maintained the same plea, highlighting the depth and consistency of his struggle.

Why Mark 14:39 matters

  • Mark 14:39 clears up any idea that Jesus’ prayer was casual or quickly resolved; instead, it shows ongoing, repeated wrestling in prayer.
  • The verse emphasizes Jesus’ humanity—he faced real anguish and did not hide it, returning to God with the same words rather than moving on quickly.
  • This moment connects to the larger story of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, showing his faithfulness and honesty before God even as he faced suffering.

Where else these words appear

“prayed” Greek G4336 · used in 82 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
  • Acts 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

“away” Greek G565 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 5:17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
  • Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

“again” Greek G3825 · used in 138 verses

  • Matthew 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
  • John 4:46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
  • Acts 11:10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.