King James Version

What Does Mark 14:34 Mean?

Mark 14:34 in the King James Version says “And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 14:34 · KJV


Context

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.

36

And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death (περίλυπός ἐστιν ἡ ψυχή μου ἕως θανάτου)—Jesus declares His psychē (soul, inner life) is perilypos (surrounded by grief, overwhelmed with sorrow) to the point of death itself. This echoes Psalm 42:5-6, 11 and 43:5 where the psalmist cries, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul?" Christ experiences the full weight of anticipatory anguish as He approaches the cup of God's wrath against sin.

Tarry ye here, and watch (γρηγορεῖτε)—The command to grēgoreō (stay awake, be vigilant) connects to Jesus' earlier eschatological warnings (Mark 13:33-37). In Gethsemane, spiritual watchfulness becomes intensely personal—Jesus needs human companionship in His agony, yet the disciples will fail three times (vv. 37, 40, 41), prefiguring Peter's three denials. Christ bears the horror of sin's cup alone, tasting the dereliction humanity deserves.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mark's Gospel, written around AD 65-70, presents Jesus to a Roman audience facing persecution. This scene in Gethsemane ("oil press") occurs during Passover week, after the Last Supper. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John—His inner circle who witnessed the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2)—to watch with Him as He faces the Father's will.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' honest expression of sorrowful agony challenge superficial understandings of faith that deny emotional struggle?
  2. What does Christ's desire for companionship in suffering teach about the role of community during spiritual trials?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

And

G2532

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

λέγει2 of 14

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῖς3 of 14

unto them

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

Περίλυπός4 of 14

exceeding sorrowful

G4036

grieved all around, i.e., intensely sad

ἐστιν5 of 14

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

6 of 14
G3588

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

ψυχή7 of 14

soul

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

μου8 of 14

My

G3450

of me

ἕως9 of 14

unto

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

θανάτου·10 of 14

death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

μείνατε11 of 14

tarry ye

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

ὧδε12 of 14

here

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

καὶ13 of 14

And

G2532

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

γρηγορεῖτε14 of 14

watch

G1127

to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)


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 14:34 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 14:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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