And when they had sung a hymnThis phrase refers to the conclusion of the Passover meal, which Jesus shared with His disciples. The hymn likely refers to the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during Passover. These psalms praise God for His deliverance and faithfulness, themes that resonate with the impending sacrifice of Jesus. Singing hymns was a customary part of Jewish worship, reflecting a deep-rooted tradition of using music to express faith and gratitude.
they went out
This indicates a transition from the intimate setting of the Last Supper to a more public space. The act of going out signifies a movement towards the fulfillment of Jesus' mission. It also marks the beginning of the events leading to His arrest and crucifixion. The disciples' willingness to follow Jesus at this moment demonstrates their commitment, despite their lack of understanding of the events to come.
to the Mount of Olives
The Mount of Olives is a significant location in biblical history and prophecy. Situated east of Jerusalem, it offers a panoramic view of the city. It is a place where Jesus often went to pray and teach (Luke 21:37). The Mount of Olives is also associated with messianic prophecy, as seen inZechariah 14:4, which speaks of the Lord standing on the mount in the day of the Lord. This location sets the stage for Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane and His subsequent arrest, highlighting the fulfillment of His role as the suffering servant prophesied inIsaiah 53.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusCentral figure in the Gospel, preparing for His impending crucifixion.
2.
The DisciplesFollowers of Jesus, present with Him during the Last Supper and the subsequent events.
3.
The HymnLikely a traditional Passover hymn, possibly from the Hallel (Psalms 113-118), sung after the Passover meal.
4.
The Mount of OlivesA significant location east of Jerusalem, often a place of teaching and prayer for Jesus, and the setting for His arrest.
5.
The Last SupperThe final meal Jesus shares with His disciples, during which He institutes the Lord's Supper.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Worship in Times of TrialEven as Jesus faced imminent suffering, He engaged in worship, demonstrating the power and necessity of praise in difficult times.
The Role of Tradition in FaithThe singing of a hymn reflects the continuity of Jewish tradition and its fulfillment in Christ, encouraging believers to appreciate and understand the roots of their faith.
Preparation for Spiritual BattlesJesus' movement to the Mount of Olives signifies preparation for the spiritual battle ahead, reminding believers to seek solitude and prayer in their own times of trial.
Community in CrisisJesus did not face His final hours alone but with His disciples, highlighting the importance of community and support in times of crisis.
Prophetic FulfillmentThe events at the Mount of Olives fulfill Old Testament prophecies, reinforcing the reliability of Scripture and God's sovereign plan.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 14:26?
2.How does Mark 14:26 inspire us to incorporate worship into daily life?
3.What significance does singing hymns hold in Mark 14:26 for believers today?
4.How does Mark 14:26 connect with other biblical instances of worship through song?
5.Why is it important to praise God in challenging times, as seen in Mark 14:26?
6.How can we prioritize worship in our routines, following Jesus' example in Mark 14:26?
7.Why did Jesus and the disciples sing a hymn before going to the Mount of Olives?
8.What significance does the Mount of Olives hold in Mark 14:26?
9.How does Mark 14:26 reflect Jesus' foreknowledge of His impending betrayal?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 14?
11.What is the significance of the Garden of Gethsemane?
12.Who was Simon the Leper in the Bible?
13.What does 'Not my will, but yours be done' mean?
14.What are the Psalms of Praise?What Does Mark 14:26 Mean
And when they had sung a hymn“And when they had sung a hymn” (Mark 14:26a) lets us picture Jesus and the disciples closing the Passover supper in unified praise.
• Jewish custom ended the meal with the Hallel (Psalm 113–118).Psalm 118:24 declares, “This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it,” perfectly fitting the evening when the true Passover Lamb was present.
•Matthew 26:30 repeats the same detail, underlining its importance.
•Hebrews 2:12 appliesPsalm 22:22 to Jesus: “I will proclaim Your name to My brothers; in the assembly I will sing Your praises,” reminding us that Christ Himself leads worship.
• Paul and Silas followed the pattern, “praying and singing hymns to God” in prison (Acts 16:25), showing how praise steadies the heart before trials.
•Ephesians 5:19 encourages believers to keep “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,” modeling our worship after the Lord’s.
they went out“they went out” (Mark 14:26b) sounds ordinary, yet it marks a decisive step toward the cross.
•John 14:31 records Jesus saying, “Rise, let us go from here,” signaling purposeful obedience to the Father’s plan.
•John 18:1 adds that He “went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley,” linking the movement to His coming arrest.
• The Exodus story echoes here: Israel “went out” of Egypt (Exodus 12:41). Jesus, the greater Deliverer, is about to secure a new exodus from sin.
• For us, leaving the comfort of an upper room for costly obedience remains a living challenge (James 1:22).
to the Mount of Olives“to the Mount of Olives” (Mark 14:26c) is more than a location; it is loaded with redemptive history.
•Luke 22:39 notes that Jesus went there “as usual,” highlighting His steady rhythm of prayer.
•Zechariah 14:4 foretells that the Messiah’s feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, tying this place to future triumph even as Jesus approaches suffering.
• David climbed the same mount “weeping” when fleeing Absalom (2 Samuel 15:30); the Son of David now retraces those steps, bearing the sorrows of humanity.
• After the resurrection, Jesus will ascend from this very hill (Acts 1:12), turning the scene of agony into the launchpad of victory.
• The garden of Gethsemane nestled there reminds believers that earnest prayer under pressure is where victory begins (Hebrews 5:7).
summaryMark 14:26 shows the Savior praising the Father, then calmly stepping into the night that leads to Calvary. His song teaches us worship; His deliberate exit teaches us obedience; His destination assures us that prophecy, prayer, and ultimate victory converge in Him.
(26-42)
And when they had sung an hymn.--See Notes on
Matthew 26:30-46.
Verse 26. -
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out unto the mount of Olives. Some suppose that this was one particular hymn out of the Jewish service-books appointed for use at the close of the Paschal supper. The word in the Greek is simply
ὑμνήσαντες. What they sang was more probably the Hallel, consisting of six psalms, from
Psalm 108, to
Psalm 118, inclusive.
They went out unto the Mount of Olives. It was our Lord's custom, in these last days of his earthly life, to go daily to Jerusalem, and teach in the temple, and in the evening to return to Bethany and sup; and then after supper to retire to the Mount of Olives, and there to spend the night in prayer (
Luke 21:37). But on this occasion he did not return to Bethany. He had supped in Jerusalem. Besides, he knew that his hour was come. So he voluntarily put himself into the way of the traitor (
John 18:2).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
AndΚαὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.when they had sung a hymn,ὑμνήσαντες(hymnēsantes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5214:To sing, sing hymns to, praise. From humnos; to hymn, i.e. Sing a religious ode; by implication, to celebrate in song.they went outἐξῆλθον(exēlthon)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1831:To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Mountὄρος(oros)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3735:A mountain, hill. Probably from an obsolete oro; a mountain: -hill, mount(-ain).of Olives.Ἐλαιῶν(Elaiōn)Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 1636:An olive tree; the Mount of Olives. Feminine of a presumed derivative from an obsolete primary; an olive.
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NT Gospels: Mark 14:26 When they had sung a hymn they (Mar Mk Mr) 
