King James Version

What Does Luke 22:41 Mean?

Luke 22:41 in the King James Version says “And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down , and prayed,” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down , and prayed,”

Luke 22:41 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down , and prayed,

42

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. willing, remove: Gr. willing to remove

43

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Withdrawn from them about a stone's cast (ἀπεσπάσθη ἀπ' αὐτῶν ὡσεὶ λίθου βολήν, apespasthē ap' autōn hōsei lithou bolēn)—Jesus separated Himself approximately 50-60 feet, far enough for privacy but close enough to remain visible. Luke alone mentions He kneeled down (θεὶς τὰ γόνατα, theis ta gonata), a posture of humility and submission. Matthew and Mark record He fell on His face (Matthew 26:39), suggesting He began kneeling and progressed to full prostration under the weight of anguish.

This physical distance mirrors the spiritual isolation Jesus was entering—the disciples could not follow where He was going. His kneeling posture contrasts sharply with their reclining in sleep (v. 45). The 'stone's cast' distance becomes prophetic: soon these same disciples would deny knowing Him, putting far greater distance between themselves and their Lord. In Gethsemane, Christ begins drinking the cup of divine wrath alone—a preview of Calvary's ultimate forsaking (Matthew 27:46).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish prayer customs varied: standing (Luke 18:11), sitting (Talmudic references), or kneeling (1 Kings 8:54, Daniel 6:10). Kneeling expressed special humility and earnestness, often used in desperate supplication. A 'stone's cast' (λίθου βολή) was approximately 50-60 feet, a standard measurement in ancient reckoning. Gethsemane's olive trees would have partially obscured Jesus from the disciples, giving Him privacy while keeping Him within their potential awareness—if they had stayed awake. The Garden of Gethsemane was likely enclosed with walls, providing seclusion from passersby.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' physical posture in prayer reveal about the intensity and humility required for spiritual warfare?
  2. Why did Jesus need to pray alone, beyond the hearing and support of even His closest disciples?
  3. When you face overwhelming spiritual battles, do you withdraw to pray or seek distraction in company?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

αὐτῶν2 of 13

“he”

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

ἀπεσπάσθη3 of 13

“was withdrawn”

G645

to drag forth, i.e., (literally) unsheathe (a sword), or relatively (with a degree of force implied) retire (personally or factiously)

ἀπ'4 of 13

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

αὐτῶν5 of 13

“he”

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

ὡσεὶ6 of 13

“about”

G5616

as if

λίθου7 of 13

“a stone's”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

βολήν8 of 13

“cast”

G1000

a throw (as a measure of distance)

καὶ9 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

θεὶς10 of 13

“kneeled down”

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

τὰ11 of 13
G3588

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

γόνατα12 of 13
G1119

the "knee"

προσηύχετο13 of 13

“and prayed”

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

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 22:41 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 22:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 26:39Mark 14:35Luke 18:11

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 22 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes