King James Version

What Does Luke 22:39 Mean?

Luke 22:39 in the King James Version says “And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 22:39 · KJV


Context

37

For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

38

And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

39

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

40

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

41

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down , and prayed,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As he was wont, to the mount of Olives (κατὰ τὸ ἔθος εἰς τὸ Ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν, kata to ethos eis to Oros tōn Elaiōn)—Luke emphasizes Jesus' habit (ἔθος, ethos) of praying at the Mount of Olives, mentioned throughout His final week (19:37, 21:37). This wasn't a random location but His customary retreat for communion with the Father. John identifies this as the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18:1-2), a place Judas knew precisely because Jesus frequented it.

Christ's predictability reveals His submission—He didn't flee or hide, though He knew Judas would bring the arresting party to this exact spot. While others sought safety, Jesus sought prayer. The Mount of Olives was thick with olive trees used for oil pressing (the name 'Gethsemane' means 'oil press'), providing apt imagery for the crushing spiritual anguish Jesus would endure there. His disciples followed him (ἠκολούθησαν, ēkolouthēsan), but their following would soon be tested to the breaking point.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Mount of Olives rises east of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley, approximately 2,600 feet elevation. Covered with olive groves, it provided a quiet refuge from the city's crowds. Wealthy residents maintained private gardens there; Gethsemane likely belonged to a sympathizer who gave Jesus access. During Passover, Jerusalem's population swelled from 50,000 to over 200,000, making lodging scarce—staying on the Mount of Olives was common for pilgrims. Jesus' custom of praying there (Luke 21:37) made His location predictable, enabling Judas to betray Him efficiently.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' 'custom' of prayer in Gethsemane reveal about the foundation He had built before His greatest trial?
  2. How does Christ's deliberate choice to be findable by Judas demonstrate His voluntary sacrifice?
  3. Where is your 'Mount of Olives'—your habitual place of prayer—and how consistently do you retreat there?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξελθὼν2 of 18

he came out

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐπορεύθη3 of 18

and went

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

κατὰ4 of 18

as

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὸ5 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔθος6 of 18

he was wont

G1485

a usage (prescribed by habit or law)

εἰς7 of 18

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ8 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ὄρος9 of 18

the mount

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

τῶν10 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἐλαιῶν11 of 18

of Olives

G1636

an olive (the tree or the fruit)

ἠκολούθησαν12 of 18

followed

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

δὲ13 of 18

and

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτοῦ14 of 18

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ15 of 18

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ16 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθηταί17 of 18

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ18 of 18

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 22:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 22:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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