Mark 14:38
What does Mark 14:38 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 14:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 14:38 means
Jesus urges, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He diagnoses their condition kindly and truthfully. Desire for faithfulness exists, but human frailty sabotages it without vigilant prayer. Temptation is coming, and the way to stand is not boasting but watching and praying. Jesus teaches that dependence is the path to endurance. His words apply immediately to the arrest and to Peter’s looming denials. They also model pastoral care: warning mingled with compassion, realism about weakness paired with a gracious call to seek help from God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Keep watch with prayer, so that you may not be put to the test; the spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is feeble.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Watch ye and pray, that ye may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is forward, but the flesh weak.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Watch ye: and pray that you enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh weak.
Context
After finding them asleep, Jesus explains why watchfulness matters. This teaching sits between His first and second prayers and frames the disciples’ subsequent failures. The coming scenes—repeated sleep, flight, and denial—will confirm His diagnosis. He will go again to pray, return to sleeping disciples, and then a third time before announcing that the hour has come. The exhortation to watch and pray echoes through the rest of the chapter, showing what they did not do and what they will learn to do after the resurrection.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
- Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
- Romans 7:18
For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not.
- Luke 21:36
But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
- Galatians 5:17
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would.
- Matthew 24:42
Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 14
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 14.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Spiritually Numb
When God feels distant and you feel nothing — verses for the dry season.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Burnout as a Christian
When ministry, work, or caregiving has emptied you — scripture for refilling.