When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse subtly highlights Jesus's deliberate movement, showing He knew where He was going and who would be waiting. By crossing the Kidron and entering the garden, He wasn't hiding but stepping into a place he frequently visited, presenting Himself willingly for the betrayal.
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having just finished a profound discourse and prayer with his disciples, Jesus leads them out of the city across the Kidron stream to a familiar garden. This quiet spot, known as Gethsemane, is where they often gathered, but it will soon become the scene of Jesus' betrayal and arrest. Judas, aware of Jesus' frequent visits here, arrives with a contingent of soldiers and officers to seize Him.
Jesus and His disciples left the familiar Upper Room and crossed a notorious ravine. This wasn't just a geographical move; it was a symbolic step into a place of deep spiritual significance.
The Kidron Valley, a deep, often dark ravine east of Jerusalem, was more than just a physical landmark. Its name, possibly meaning 'black' or 'gloomy,' evoked a sense of foreboding.
This garden wasn't just any garden; it was Gethsemane, the place where olives were pressed. Here, Jesus entered a profound spiritual struggle, offering Himself willingly.
The garden setting for Jesus' arrest is deeply symbolic. It echoes the first garden of Eden where humanity fell, and now, in this garden, the Redeemer confronts the ultimate test.
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Understand the original words
Iēsous · Greek Proper Noun
The central figure of the Christian faith, the incarnate Son of God and the Messiah, who came to save humanity from sin. The name means "Yahweh is salvation."
mathētēs · Greek Noun
A follower, learner, or student of a teacher. In the New Testament, it refers specifically to those who committed themselves to follow Jesus Christ and his teachings.
Qidron · Hebrew Proper Noun
A wadi or small stream located east of Jerusalem, between the city and the Mount of Olives. It carries significant Old Testament associations with judgment and the departure of the glory of the Lord.
Jesus' journey across the Kidron to the Garden of Gethsemane evokes ancient sorrows, particularly David's flight from Absalom, yet Jesus willingly embraces his destiny, turning a place of past grief into a site of future redemption.
c. 979 BC
David Flees Jerusalem
King David flees Jerusalem with his followers across the Kidron Valley to escape the rebellion led by his son Absalom, a somber journey through the same landscape Jesus would later traverse.
c. 587-586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar II conquers Jerusalem, destroying the First Temple and exiling much of the population. This event marked a profound crisis for Judah.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Under the leadership of Nehemiah, the walls of Jerusalem are rebuilt, symbolizing a return of order and security after the Babylonian exile, though the city remained under foreign powers.
c. 40-30 BC
Herod the Great Reigns
Herod the Great, appointed king by the Romans, rules Judea, undertaking massive building projects and facing political turmoil, setting the stage for Roman influence during Jesus' lifetime.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Final Passover in Jerusalem
Following a significant teaching and prayer session with his disciples in an upper room, Jesus leads them out of the city across the Kidron Valley to a garden on the Mount of Olives.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Arrest in Gethsemane
Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by Roman soldiers and Jewish temple guards in the Garden of Gethsemane, marking the beginning of his Passion.
c. AD 30-33
Early Christian Movement
Following Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, the early Christian movement begins to spread, initially from Jerusalem and facing persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities.
This verse sets the scene for Jesus' arrest in a garden, mirroring the first sin of humanity that also occurred in a garden (Eden), highlighting the contrast between disobedience and obedience.
2 Samuel 15:23David also crossed the brook Kidron in a time of betrayal and flight from his son Absalom, creating a powerful parallel to Jesus' own journey into betrayal and suffering.
Song of Solomon 4:12The description of a 'locked garden' as a place of intimacy and delight finds a poignant echo in Jesus entering a garden, which becomes the site of His imminent betrayal and suffering.
Matthew 26:36This passage directly parallels John 18:1 by naming the location as Gethsemane and describing Jesus entering the garden with His disciples, setting the stage for His agony.
Luke 22:39This verse describes Jesus going to the Mount of Olives, which is the general area where the garden of Gethsemane (across the Kidron brook) is located, marking the transition from communion to confrontation.
cambridgeJohn 18:1: "When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples."
1–11 . The Betrayal 1 . he went forth ] From the upper room. The same word is used of leaving the room, Matthew 26:30 ; Mark 14:26 ; Luke 22:39 . Those who suppose that the room is left at John 14:31 (perhaps for the Temple), interpret this of the departure from the city, which of course it may mean in any case. the brook Cedro…
jfbJohn 18:1: "When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples."
CHAPTER 18Joh 18:1-13. Betrayal and Apprehension of Jesus.1-3. over the brook Kedron—a deep, dark ravine, to the northeast of Jerusalem, through which flowed this small storm brook or winter torrent, and which in summer is dried up.where was a garden—at the foot of the Mount of Olives, "called Gethsemane; that is, olive press (…
This verse subtly highlights Jesus's deliberate movement, showing He knew where He was going and who would be waiting. By crossing the Kidron and entering the garden, He wasn't hiding but stepping into a place he frequently visited, presenting Himself willingly for the betrayal.
Having just finished a profound discourse and prayer with his disciples, Jesus leads them out of the city across the Kidron stream to a familiar garden. This quiet spot, known as Gethsemane, is where they often gathered, but it will soon become the scene of Jesus' betrayal and arrest. Judas, aware of Jesus' frequent visits here, arrives with a contingent of soldiers and officers to seize Him.
Having just finished a profound discourse and prayer with his disciples, Jesus leads them out of the city across the Kidron stream to a familiar garden. This quiet spot, known as Gethsemane, is where they often gathered, but it will soon become the scene of Jesus' betrayal and arrest. Judas, aware of Jesus' frequent visits here, arrives with a contingent of soldiers and officers to seize Him.
"When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered." — This verse subtly highlights Jesus's deliberate movement, showing He knew where He was going and who would be waiting. By crossing the Kidron and entering the garden, He wasn't hiding but stepping…
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Last reviewed October 2026