Mark 14:38
New International Version
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

New Living Translation
Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

English Standard Version
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Berean Standard Bible
Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Berean Literal Bible
Watch and pray, so that you may not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

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

New King James Version
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

New American Standard Bible
Keep watching and praying, so that you will not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

NASB 1995
“Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

NASB 1977
“Keep watching and praying, that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Amplified Bible
Keep [actively] watching and praying so that you do not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Christian Standard Bible
Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

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

Contemporary English Version
Stay awake and pray that you won't be tested. You want to do what is right, but you are weak."

English Revised Version
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Stay awake, and pray that you won't be tempted. You want to do what's right, but you're weak."

Good News Translation
And he said to them, "Keep watch, and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

International Standard Version
All of you must stay awake and pray that you won't be tempted. The spirit is indeed willing, but the body is weak."

Majority Standard Bible
Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.?

NET Bible
Stay awake and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

New Heart English Bible
Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Webster's Bible Translation
Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

Weymouth New Testament
Be wakeful, all of you, and keep on praying, that you may not come into temptation: the spirit is right willing, but the body is frail."

World English Bible
Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is forward, but the flesh weak.”

Berean Literal Bible
Watch and pray, so that you may not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Young's Literal Translation
Watch ye and pray, that ye may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is forward, but the flesh weak.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Watch ye and pray, that ye should not come into temptation. Truly the spirit well inclined, and the flesh weak.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Watch ye, and pray that you enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Watch and pray, so that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

New American Bible
Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”

New Revised Standard Version
Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Awake and pray, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing and ready, but the body is weak.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Watch and pray lest you enter into temptation. The spirit is willing and ready, but the body is weak.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Watch, and pray, all of you, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Godbey New Testament
Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation: for the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Haweis New Testament
Watch ye and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Mace New Testament
watch and pray, that you may not yield to temptation: the mind indeed is vigorous, but the body is weak.

Weymouth New Testament
Be wakeful, all of you, and keep on praying, that you may not come into temptation: the spirit is right willing, but the body is frail."

Worrell New Testament
Watch, and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. The spirit, indeed, is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Worsley New Testament
Watch, and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the body is weak.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Prays at Gethsemane
37Then Jesus returned and found them sleeping. “Simon, are you asleep?” He asked. “Were you not able to keep watch for one hour? 38Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” 39Again He went away and prayed, saying the same thing.…

Cross References
Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Luke 22:40
When He came to the place, He told them, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation.”

Luke 22:46
“Why are you sleeping?” He asked. “Get up and pray so that you will not enter into temptation.”

1 Corinthians 10:12-13
So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall. / No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

Galatians 5:16-17
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. / For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Romans 7:18-25
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. / For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do. / And if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. ...

James 1:13-15
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. / But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

1 Thessalonians 5:6
So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.

Proverbs 4:23
Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm 19:13
Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed of great transgression.

Psalm 119:133
Order my steps in Your word; let no sin rule over me.

Genesis 4:7
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.”


Treasury of Scripture

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

Watch.

Mark 14:34
And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

Matthew 24:42
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Matthew 25:13
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

The spirit.

Romans 7:18-25
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not…

Galatians 5:17
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Philippians 2:12
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Jump to Previous
Body Enter Fall Feeble Flesh Forward Frail Indeed Prayer Praying Ready Right Spirit Temptation Test Wakeful Watch Watching Weak Willing
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Body Enter Fall Feeble Flesh Forward Frail Indeed Prayer Praying Ready Right Spirit Temptation Test Wakeful Watch Watching Weak Willing
Mark 14
1. A conspiracy against Jesus.
3. Expensive perfume is poured on his head by a woman.
10. Judas sells his Master for money.
12. Jesus himself foretells how he will be betrayed by one of his disciples;
22. after the passover prepared, and eaten, institutes his last supper;
26. declares beforehand the flight of all his disciples, and Peter's denial.
43. Judas betrays him with a kiss.
46. Jesus is apprehended in the garden;
53. falsely accused and impiously condemned of the council;
65. shamefully abused by them;
66. and thrice denied by Peter.














Watch and pray
This phrase emphasizes the importance of vigilance and prayer in the life of a believer. In the context of the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus instructs His disciples to remain spiritually alert and to seek divine assistance through prayer. The concept of "watching" is rooted in the Old Testament, where watchmen were tasked with guarding cities and alerting inhabitants of impending danger (Ezekiel 3:17). Spiritually, it signifies being aware of spiritual dangers and maintaining a close relationship with God. Prayer is the means by which believers communicate with God, seek His guidance, and receive strength. This dual command underscores the necessity of both active vigilance and reliance on God.

so that you will not enter into temptation.
Jesus warns His disciples about the reality of temptation, which can lead to sin and spiritual downfall. The Greek word for "temptation" (peirasmos) can refer to trials or tests, as well as enticements to sin. In this context, it likely refers to the impending trials the disciples would face, including fear and denial. The phrase suggests that prayer and vigilance are protective measures against succumbing to these challenges. This echoes the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus teaches His followers to ask God to "lead us not into temptation" (Matthew 6:13). The idea is to seek God's help in avoiding situations where one's faith might be compromised.

For the spirit is willing,
This part of the verse acknowledges the inner desire and intention to do what is right. The "spirit" refers to the human spirit or the inner self that aligns with God's will. It recognizes the disciples' genuine commitment to Jesus and their desire to remain faithful. This willingness is a reflection of the new nature given to believers, who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and desire to follow God's commands (Romans 7:22). However, this willingness alone is not sufficient without divine assistance, highlighting the need for prayer and dependence on God.

but the body is weak.”
Here, Jesus points out the human frailty and susceptibility to failure. The "body" or "flesh" represents the physical and carnal nature of humanity, which is prone to weakness and sin. This dichotomy between the spirit and the flesh is a common theme in Scripture, illustrating the internal struggle believers face (Galatians 5:17). The disciples' physical exhaustion and inability to stay awake in the garden serve as a tangible example of this weakness. It underscores the necessity of relying on God's strength rather than one's own, as human effort alone is insufficient to overcome spiritual challenges.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, offering guidance and warning to His disciples.

2. Disciples
Specifically, Peter, James, and John, who were with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane during His time of deep distress and prayer.

3. Garden of Gethsemane
The location where Jesus prayed before His arrest, a place of significant spiritual struggle and preparation.

4. Temptation
The trial or testing that Jesus warns His disciples about, highlighting the spiritual battle they are about to face.

5. Spirit and Body
The dual aspects of human nature, emphasizing the conflict between spiritual intentions and physical limitations.
Teaching Points
Vigilance in Prayer
Jesus instructs His disciples to "watch and pray," highlighting the necessity of spiritual alertness and communication with God to withstand temptation.

Understanding Human Weakness
The acknowledgment that "the spirit is willing, but the body is weak" serves as a reminder of our human frailty and the need for divine strength.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The willing spirit points to the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to overcome the weaknesses of the flesh.

Preparation for Spiritual Battles
Just as Jesus prepared for His impending trial through prayer, believers are called to prepare for spiritual challenges through consistent prayer and reliance on God.

Community and Accountability
Jesus' instruction to His disciples suggests the importance of community and mutual support in prayer to resist temptation.Verse 38. - Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. The great temptation of the disciples at that moment was to deny Christ under the influence of fear. And so our Lord gives here the true remedy against temptation of every kind; namely, watchfulness and prayer - watchfulness, against the craft and subtlety of the devil or man; and prayer, for the Divine help to overcome. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Here our Lord graciously finds excuses for them. It is as though he said, "I know that in heart and mind you are ready to cleave to me, even though the Jews should threaten you with death. But I know also that your flesh is weak. Pray, then, that the weakness of the flesh may not overcome the strength of the spirit." St. Jerome says, "In whatever degree we trust to the ardor of the spirit, in the same degree ought we to fear because of the infirmity of the flesh."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Watch
γρηγορεῖτε (grēgoreite)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1127: (a) I am awake (in the night), watch, (b) I am watchful, on the alert, vigilant. From egeiro; to keep awake, i.e. Watch.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

pray
προσεύχεσθε (proseuchesthe)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4336: To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

you will not enter
ἔλθητε (elthēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

temptation.
πειρασμόν (peirasmon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3986: From peirazo; a putting to proof (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity.

For
μὲν (men)
Conjunction
Strong's 3303: A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

spirit
πνεῦμα (pneuma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

[is] willing,
πρόθυμον (prothymon)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4289: Eager, ready, willing, prompt. From pro and thumos; forward in spirit, i.e. Predisposed; neuter alacrity.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

body
σὰρξ (sarx)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4561: Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred.

[is] weak.”
ἀσθενής (asthenēs)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 772: (lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.


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