And they come ( ἔρχονται)—here again St. Mark's present gives force to the narrative—unto a place which was named Gethsemane. A place ( χωρίον) is, literally, an enclosed piece of ground, generally with a cottage upon it.
Josephus tells us that these gardens were numerous in the suburbs of Jerusalem. St. Jerome says that "Gethsemane was at the foot of the Mount of Olives." St. John (John 18:1) calls it a garden, or orchard ( κῆπος).
The word "Gethsemane" means literally "the place of the olive-press," whither the olives which abounded on the slopes of the mountain were brought, in order that the oil contained in them might be pressed out.
The exact position of Gethsemane is not known; although there is an enclosed spot at the foot of the western slope of the Mount of Olives which is called to this day El maniye. The real Gethsemane cannot be far from this spot.
Our Lord resorted to this place for retirement and prayer, not as desiring to escape the death that awaited him. It was well known to be his favourite resort; so that he went there, as though to put himself in the way of Judas, who would naturally seek him there.
Sit ye here, while I pray. St. Matthew (Matthew 26:36) says, "While I go yonder and pray."