Mark 14:38

38 Keep watch with prayer, so that you may not be put to the test; the spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is feeble.

Mark 14:38 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 14:38

Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation
Of denying Christ, and falling off from him, which would quickly offer to them, when they should see him apprehended, bound, and led away.

The spirit truly is ready.
The Persic version renders it, "my mind"; as if the Spirit or soul of Christ was meant; whereas it is either to be understood of the evil spirit, Satan, who was disposed to attack them, and especially Peter, whom he desired to have, and sift as wheat; or else the spirit of the disciples, their renewed spirit, which was ready and disposed watching and praying, and willing to abide by Christ:

but the flesh is weak;
they were but flesh and blood, and so not a match of themselves for so powerful an adversary as Satan, and therefore had need to watch and pray; or "their body", as the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions render it, was weak, and subject to drowsiness and sleep; and especially they were weak and feeble, and very unequal of themselves for spiritual exercises, as they had flesh, or a corrupt nature in them; (See Gill on Matthew 26:41).

Mark 14:38 In-Context

36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; take away this cup from me: but even so let not my pleasure, but yours be done.

37 And he came, and saw them sleeping, and said to Peter, Simon, are you sleeping? were you not able to keep watch one hour?

38 Keep watch with prayer, so that you may not be put to the test; the spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is feeble.

39 And again he went away, and said a prayer, using the same words.

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