Back to Today
Mark 14:36
He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire."
Permalink Verse page
Interpretation

Jesus teaches a not my will that is practiced in conflict and celebration in Mark 14:36—consider "what" and "desire". Work out not my will in conversations that test patience—keep zeal yoked to love.

Context

This passage belongs to Mark, a gospel narrative witness, developing not my will. Read in Mark 14, its force becomes clearer. Listen for “what” alongside “desire”.

Authorship & Historical Background

Long‑standing tradition credits Mark to John Mark (assistant of Peter). Introductions to Mark often note: Anonymous; earliest Gospel; Petrine tradition.. Scholars commonly date Mark AD 65–70. Discipleship unfolds along the road to the cross. Earliest ending at 16:8; longer endings added later. A compact, vivid narrative often seen as an early gospel source.

More details
Traditional:John Mark (assistant of Peter)
Modern scholarship:Anonymous; earliest Gospel; Petrine tradition.
Date:AD 65–70
  • Earliest ending at 16:8; longer endings added later.
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
The Greek text is preserved in thousands of manuscripts. Early papyri (P46, P66, P75) from the 2nd-3rd centuries, along with major uncials like Sinaiticus and Vaticanus (4th century), provide strong textual witness. Minor variants exist but do not change the overall sense.
Sources & witness notes
SinaiticusVaticanusP46