And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a solemn meal and singing a hymn – likely the traditional Passover Hallel – Jesus and his disciples transitioned from their shared experience to a more somber, solitary journey. This hymn wasn't just a religious ritual; it was a testament to Christ's astonishing peace, singing psalms of thanksgiving and trust even as he walked knowingly towards his own betrayal and suffering.
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh from celebrating the Passover and instituting the Lord's Supper, Jesus and his disciples sing a traditional hymn. As their meal concludes, they leave the confines of Jerusalem, heading toward the Mount of Olives, a familiar place of prayer and reflection for Jesus. This departure marks a pivotal moment, as Jesus knows his arrest and crucifixion are imminent.
Imagine the scene: the Passover meal is over, the disciples are somber, and Jesus is aware of his impending betrayal. Yet, before they step out into the night, something unexpected happens.
The hymn sung here wasn't just any song; it was likely the 'Hallel,' a series of psalms (Psalms 113-118) traditionally recited at the end of the Passover meal. These psalms are full of praise and thanksgiving, celebrating God's deliverance and victory.
A Song of Triumph
Singing these psalms wasn't about ignoring the danger, but about anchoring themselves in God's faithfulness and future triumph, even as they walked towards the cross.
Jesus and his disciples are leaving the Upper Room. They're headed for the Mount of Olives, a familiar spot. But this time, the journey is charged with a solemn purpose.
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The walk to the Mount of Olives wasn't accidental. Jesus knew exactly where he was going and why.
Embracing the Crisis
This deliberate act highlights Jesus’ sovereignty even in his suffering. He was not a victim of circumstance, but the one who was willingly surrendering himself.
Understand the original words
hymnos · Greek Noun
A song or poem of praise directed toward God, often used in liturgical or communal worship contexts to express reverence and celebrate divine attributes or acts.
Elaion · Greek Noun
A geographic location east of Jerusalem, frequently associated with prayer, Messianic prophecy, and the site of significant events in the life of Jesus, particularly his passion.
Singing a hymn (likely the Hallel Psalms) as they left the Passover meal highlights Jesus' profound peace and obedience, even as he walked toward his ultimate sacrifice and the scattering of his closest followers.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Final Passover Meal
Jesus and his disciples gathered in Jerusalem for their last Passover celebration together, a sacred meal commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt.
c. AD 30-33
Institution of the Lord's Supper
During the Passover meal, Jesus instituted a new sacred meal, the Lord's Supper, using bread and wine to symbolize his body and blood for the forgiveness of sins.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane
After the meal and singing a hymn, Jesus and his disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, where Jesus prayed intensely, knowing his betrayal and arrest were imminent.
c. AD 30-33
Betrayal and Arrest
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' own disciples, betrayed him to the authorities, leading to Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion
Jesus was tried by the Jewish religious leaders and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, ultimately being condemned and crucified.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Resurrection
Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead, appearing to his followers and confirming his divine authority.
This Psalm was likely part of the 'Hallel' sung at Passover. Its themes of God's steadfast love and deliverance resonate with Jesus' Passover meal and His impending sacrifice, anticipating His victory over death.
Zechariah 13:7Jesus directly quotes this prophecy, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered,' applying it to His own disciples' failure. This verse illuminates the 'smitten shepherd' imagery Jesus used as He prepared to face betrayal.
Luke 21:37This passage highlights Jesus' custom of spending nights praying on the Mount of Olives. It provides context for why Jesus and His disciples would go there after their meal, though this time it marked the beginning of His final hours.
John 13:34-35Jesus' final discourse with His disciples, though not always recorded in the synoptics, emphasizes His love and their command to love one another. This underlying theme of love, even in the face of imminent abandonment, adds depth to their final moments together.
pulpitMark 14:26: "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives."
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. I…
ellicottMark 14:26: "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives."
(26-42) And when they had sung an hymn. —See Notes on Matthew 26:30-46 .
After a solemn meal and singing a hymn – likely the traditional Passover Hallel – Jesus and his disciples transitioned from their shared experience to a more somber, solitary journey. This hymn wasn't just a religious ritual; it was a testament to Christ's astonishing peace, singing psalms of thanksgiving and trust even as he walked knowingly towards his own betrayal and suffering.
Fresh from celebrating the Passover and instituting the Lord's Supper, Jesus and his disciples sing a traditional hymn. As their meal concludes, they leave the confines of Jerusalem, heading toward the Mount of Olives, a familiar place of prayer and reflection for Jesus. This departure marks a pivotal moment, as Jesus knows his arrest and crucifixion are imminent.
Fresh from celebrating the Passover and instituting the Lord's Supper, Jesus and his disciples sing a traditional hymn. As their meal concludes, they leave the confines of Jerusalem, heading toward the Mount of Olives, a familiar place of prayer and reflection for Jesus. This departure marks a pivotal moment, as Jesus knows his arrest and crucifixion are imminent.
"And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." — After a solemn meal and singing a hymn – likely the traditional Passover Hallel – Jesus and his disciples transitioned from their shared experience to a more somber, solitary journey. This hymn wasn'…
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Last reviewed October 2026