King James Version

What Does Mark 14:36 Mean?

Mark 14:36 in the King James Version says “And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, ...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Mark 14:36 · KJV

Context

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.

37

And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

38

Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Gethsemane's anguish reveals Jesus' humanity and divinity. 'Abba, Father' combines Aramaic intimacy (Abba—'Papa') with Greek formality (Patēr), expressing the relationship's depth. This unique address appears only here in the Gospels (also Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6 describing believers' Spirit-enabled prayer). 'All things are possible unto thee' affirms God's omnipotence—no external constraint limits Him. Yet Jesus prays 'take away this cup,' referring to divine wrath He must drink (see Isaiah 51:17, Jeremiah 25:15). The 'cup' isn't merely physical death but bearing sin's curse and experiencing God-forsakenness. 'Nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt' displays perfect submission of human will to divine will. This isn't fatalism but active choosing—Jesus voluntarily accepts the Father's plan. The two wills (human and divine) in one person demonstrates the hypostatic union. This prayer models Christian submission while honestly expressing human emotion and desire.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gethsemane ('oil press') was an olive grove on the Mount of Olives where Jesus often prayed. The Passover full moon illuminated the garden. Jesus' emotional distress—'exceeding sorrowful unto death' (14:34), falling on ground (14:35), sweating blood (Luke 22:44)—shows genuine human agony. He knew crucifixion's horror from witnessing Roman executions: flogging, public humiliation, hours of suffocating torture, complete abandonment. But the physical suffering paled before spiritual agony: the sinless one becoming sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), experiencing the Father's wrath. The disciples' sleep (14:37, 40, 41) during His greatest need prefigured their scattering (14:50), emphasizing Jesus' isolation. Yet the Father's 'cup' couldn't be removed—no other way existed for redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' honest struggle in prayer give you permission to bring real emotions to God?
  2. Where do you need to move from 'what I will' to 'what thou wilt' in submitted trust?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

ἔλεγεν2 of 22

“he said”

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

Αββα3 of 22

“Abba”

G5

father as a vocative

ὁ4 of 22
G3588

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

πατήρ5 of 22

“Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

πάντα6 of 22

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

δυνατά7 of 22

“are possible”

G1415

powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible

σοι·8 of 22

“unto thee”

G4671

to thee

παρένεγκε9 of 22

“take away”

G3911

to bear along or aside, i.e., carry off (literally or figuratively); by implication, to avert

τὸ10 of 22
G3588

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

ποτήριον11 of 22

“cup”

G4221

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

ἀπ'12 of 22

“from”

G575

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

ἐμοῦ13 of 22

“me”

G1700

of me

τοῦτο·14 of 22

“this”

G5124

that thing

ἀλλὰ15 of 22

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οὐ16 of 22

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

τί17 of 22

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐγὼ18 of 22

“I”

G1473

i, me

θέλω19 of 22

“will”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἀλλὰ20 of 22

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τί21 of 22

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

σύ22 of 22

“thou”

G4771

thou

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 14:36 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 14:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 4:6Romans 8:15-16John 5:30Hebrews 5:7-8John 12:27Philippians 2:8

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