Mark 14:38

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

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

Latin

…vigilate et orate, ut non intretis in tentationem. Spiritus quidem promptus est, caro vero infirma.

Greek

English

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

Are you asleep?: The question was a rebuke, for Jesus knew that Peter had been sleeping.
Though the spirit is willing to avoid temptation (see Romans 7:18, 22–23), the body (literally the flesh, which refers to the general weakness and vulnerability of humanity) is weak.

Theme notes and profiles

Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
Matthew 24:42
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.
Luke 21:36
So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Luke 22:40
When He came to the place, He told them, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation.”
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.
Revelation 3:2–3
Wake up and strengthen what remains, which is about to die; for I have found your deeds incomplete in the sight of My God.
Luke 22:46
“Why are you sleeping?” He asked. “Get up and pray so that you will not enter into temptation.”
Galatians 5:17
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.
Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
Mark 14:34
Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch.”