Gethsemane

/ɡɛθˈsɛm.ə.ni/ noun

Definition

A garden near Jerusalem mentioned in the Bible where Jesus prayed before his arrest; also used metaphorically to mean a place of deep spiritual struggle or suffering.

Etymology

From Hebrew 'Gat Šmanim' meaning 'oil press' or 'pressing place,' referring to olive presses in the ancient garden; entered English through Greek and Latin biblical translations.

Kelly Says

This place name carries such emotional weight that it's become a universal symbol for suffering—like how a simple garden became shorthand for humanity's deepest spiritual moments across centuries and cultures.

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