And when they had sung a hymn
This 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 devotion.

they went out
This indicates a transition from the upper room in Jerusalem where the Last Supper took place to a more private setting. 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 is a place where Jesus often went to pray and teach. It holds eschatological significance, as prophesied in Zechariah 14:4, where the Lord will stand on the Mount of Olives at His return. This location is also associated with the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus would soon experience deep anguish and prayer before His arrest. The Mount of Olives serves as a backdrop for pivotal moments in Jesus' ministry, symbolizing both His humanity and His divine mission.

1. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is preparing for His impending crucifixion.

2. The Disciples
The followers of Jesus who are with Him during the Last Supper and accompany Him to the Mount of Olives.

3. The Mount of Olives
A significant location just outside Jerusalem, often associated with Jesus' teachings and His time of prayer before His arrest.

4. The Hymn
Likely a psalm from the Hallel (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during Passover, reflecting praise and thanksgiving to God.

5. The Last Supper
The final meal Jesus shares with His disciples before His crucifixion, during which He institutes the Lord's Supper.The Importance of Worship in Times of Trial
Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn before facing great trials, illustrating the power of worship to prepare and strengthen us spiritually.

The Role of Tradition in Worship
The singing of the Hallel during Passover shows the value of tradition in connecting us to the faith of our forebears and grounding us in God's promises.

The Significance of the Mount of Olives
This location serves as a reminder of Jesus' faithfulness and His fulfillment of prophecy, encouraging us to trust in God's sovereign plan.

Community in Worship
Jesus sang with His disciples, highlighting the importance of communal worship and fellowship in the Christian life.

Preparation for Spiritual Battles
Just as Jesus prepared for His crucifixion with prayer and worship, we too should equip ourselves spiritually for the challenges we face.(30) And when they had sung an hymn.--This close of the supper would seem to coincide (but the work of the harmonist is not an easy one here) with the "Rise, let us go hence" of John 14:31, and, if so, we have to think of the conversation in John 14 as either coming between the departure of Judas and the institution of the Lord's Supper, or else between that institution and the concluding hymn. This was probably the received Paschal series of Psalms (Psalms 115-118, inclusive), and the word implies a chant or musical recitative. Psalms 113, 114, were sung commonly during the meal. The Greek word may mean "when they had sung their hymn," as of something known and definite.

They went out into the mount of Olives.--We must think of the breaking up of the Paschal company; of the fear and forebodings which pressed upon the minds of all, as they left the chamber and made their way, under the cold moonlight, through the streets of Jerusalem, down to the valley of the Kidron and up the western slope of Olivet. St. Luke records that His disciples followed Him, some near, some, it may be, afar off. The discourses reported in John 15, 16, 17, which must be assigned to this period in the evening, seem to imply a halt from time to time, during which the Master poured forth His heart to His disciples, or uttered intercessions for them. St. John, who had "lain in His bosom" at the supper, would naturally be nearest to Him now, and this may, in part at least, explain how it was that so full a report of all that was thus spoken appears in his Gospel, and in that only.

Verses 30-35. - Jesus announces the desertion of the apostles, and the denial of Peter. (Mark 14:26-31; Luke 22:34; John 13:36-38.) Verse 30. - When they had sung an hymn. This was probably the second portion of the Hallel (Psalm 115-118, or, if the then ritual was the same as the later, Psalm 136.). Before this, however, the Lord spake the discourses and the prayer recorded so lovingly and carefully by St. John (John 14-17.). They went out. Which they could not lawfully have done had they been celebrating the usual Jewish Passover (see Exodus 12:22). Though it is possible that many modifications of the original ritual had been gradually introduced, yet Christ so strictly observed the Law that he would doubtless have obeyed its injunction in this particular if he had been keeping the legal solemnity. The Mount of Olives. Hither he had resorted every night during the week (Luke 21:37; Luke 22:39).

Parallel Commentaries ...


And [when]
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

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 out
ἐξῆλθον (exēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὸ (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.

Mount
ὄρος (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: Matthew 26:30 When they had sung a hymn they (Matt. Mat Mt)