Mark 14:38

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 14:38 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Mark 14:38 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
38Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation, etc..] Of denying Christ, and falling off from him, which would quickly offer to them, when they should see him apprehended, bound, and led away. The spirit truly is ready. The Persic version renders it, “my mind”; as if the Spirit or soul of Christ was meant; whereas it is either to be understood of the evil spirit, Satan, who was disposed to attack them, and especially Peter, whom he desired to have, and sift as wheat; or else the spirit of the disciples, their renewed spirit, which was ready and disposed watching and praying, and willing to abide by Christ: but the flesh is weak; they were but flesh and blood, and so not a match of…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 26:36-46. Mark 14:36 Ἀββα Abba This word denotes “father.” It is a Syriac word, and is used by the Saviour as a word denoting filial affection and tenderness. Compare Romans 8:15. Mark 14:40 Neither wist they ... - Neither “knew” they. They were so conscious of the impropriety of sleeping at that time, that they could not find any answer to give to the inquiry why they had done it. Mark 14:41 It is enough - There has been much difficulty in determining the meaning of this phrase. Campbell translates it, “all is over” - that is, the time when you could have been of service to me is gone by. They might have aided him by watching for him when they were sleeping, but…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Watch: Mar 14:34; Mat 24:42, Mat 25:13, Mat 26:41; Luk 21:36, Luk 22:40, Luk 22:46; Co1 16:13; Pe1 5:8; Rev 3:2, Rev 3:3, Rev 3:10 The spirit: Rom 7:18-25; Gal 5:17; Phi 2:12 Mark 14:39”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification