Devine Scripture

Mark 14:40

What does Mark 14:40 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 14:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 14:40 means

Jesus returns and again finds them sleeping; their eyes are heavy, and they have no answer. Their silence admits failure. Fatigue, fear, and sorrow weigh them down. This scene exposes the inadequacy of good intentions without spiritual vigilance. They are ashamed, yet still loved. Mark highlights their helplessness to magnify the grace that will later restore them. The disciples’ inability to keep even a simple watch contrasts with the heroic loyalty they had vowed. It prepares the way for their flight at the arrest and Peter’s denials during the trial.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And again he came, and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they knew not what to answer him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And again he came, and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they knew not what to answer him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And again he came and saw them sleeping, because their eyes were very tired; and they had nothing to say in answer.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having returned, he found them again sleeping, for their eyes were heavy, and they had not known what they might answer him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he returned, he found them again asleep (for their eyes were heavy): and they knew not what to answer him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And returning, he found them again sleeping, for their eyes were heavy; and they knew not what they should answer him.

Context

After the second prayer, the disciples’ sleep repeats. This deepens the sense of inevitability about their coming collapse. Jesus will pray a third time and then announce that the appointed hour has arrived. The progression from slumber to arrest is swift, underscoring that the time for watching has passed; now the test is upon them. Judas and the crowd will soon enter the garden, and the drama shifts from inner struggle to outward conflict, with Jesus ready and His disciples unready.

v.39And again he went away, and prayed, saying the same words.

v.40This passage

v.41And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough; the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Genesis 44:16

    And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord’s bondmen, both we, and he also in whose hand the cup is found.

  • Mark 9:33

    And they came to Capernaum: and when he was in the house he asked them, What were ye reasoning on the way?

  • Romans 3:19

    Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God:

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