Mark 14:37 Meaning and Explanation
“And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus returns to find the three asleep and asks Peter whether he could not watch one hour.
What Does Mark 14:37 Mean?
Jesus rises from prayer needing his friends and finds them asleep. He speaks to Peter by his old name — Simon, the name he bore before Christ renamed him: Sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? The man who swore to die with him could not stay awake with him.
There is sorrow in the question but no contempt. One hour was all he asked, and even that proved too much for flesh worn out by grief (Luke 22:45). Every disciple knows this gap between the loyalty we intend and the watchfulness we manage. Jesus sees it clearly — and returns to pray for the very ones who cannot stay awake for him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 14:37
What does Mark 14:37 mean?
Jesus returns to find the three asleep and asks Peter whether he could not watch one hour.