King James Version

What Does Mark 14:33 Mean?

Mark 14:33 in the King James Version says “And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

Mark 14:33 · KJV


Context

31

But he spake the more vehemently , If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

32

And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

33

And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

34

And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

35

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He taketh with him Peter and James and John—Jesus chose His inner circle of three disciples who witnessed His transfiguration (Mark 9:2) to accompany Him deeper into Gethsemane. This selective intimacy reveals Christ's humanity: even the sinless Son of God needed human companionship in His darkest hour.

Began to be sore amazed (ἐκθαμβεῖσθαι, ekthambeisthai)—an intense Greek word suggesting overwhelming astonishment or horror, used only by Mark in the NT. To be very heavy (ἀδημονεῖν, adēmonein) means to be distressed, troubled to the point of anguish. This is not mere sadness but visceral dread as Christ faced the full weight of divine wrath against sin. Isaiah 53:10 promised that "it pleased the LORD to bruise him"—here we see the psychological torment preceding Calvary's physical suffering. Jesus experienced true human emotion without sin, proving He is our sympathetic High Priest (Hebrews 4:15).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gethsemane, an olive grove on the Mount of Olives, was a place Jesus frequently visited (Luke 22:39). Mark, likely drawing from Peter's eyewitness testimony, uses the most vivid Greek vocabulary of all the Gospel writers to describe Christ's agony. This moment occurred within hours of Jesus's arrest and crucifixion, as He confronted the cup of God's wrath He would drink for sinners.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's emotional anguish in Gethsemane comfort you when you face overwhelming distress?
  2. Why did Jesus take only three disciples with Him? What does this teach about different levels of spiritual intimacy and vulnerability?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

And

G2532

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

παραλαμβάνει2 of 16

he taketh

G3880

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

τὸν3 of 16
G3588

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

Πέτρον4 of 16

Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

καὶ5 of 16

And

G2532

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

τὸν6 of 16
G3588

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

Ἰάκωβον7 of 16

James

G2385

jacobus, the name of three israelites

καὶ8 of 16

And

G2532

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

Ἰωάννην9 of 16

John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

μεθ''10 of 16

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἑαυτοῦ11 of 16

him

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

καὶ12 of 16

And

G2532

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

ἤρξατο13 of 16

began

G756

to commence (in order of time)

ἐκθαμβεῖσθαι14 of 16

to be sore amazed

G1568

to astonish utterly

καὶ15 of 16

And

G2532

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

ἀδημονεῖν16 of 16

to be very heavy

G85

to be in distress (of mind)


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 14:33 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 Mark 14:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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