Gethsemane

GETHSEMANE - A place to which Jesus retired with His disciples (Mt.26.36, Mk.14.32), and where Judas betrayed Him. The name, usually taken to mean 'press of oils,' is uncertain. Jerome gives it as Gesamani and connects it with the phrase 'fat valley' of Is.28.1 (ge' shemanim). There are two traditional sites, side by side, one under the Greeks, the other under the Latins. It may be admitted that they are somewhere near the proper site, on the W. slope of the Mount of Olives above the Kidron; but there is no justification for the exact localization of the site. The oldest tradition held the garden to lie on the ground now occupied by the tomb of the Virgin. [Article: Dictionary of the Bible, J.Hastings, 2nd Ed., T&T.Clark, 1963 - R.A.S.M. - E.G.K.]