Bloody Sweat
TextsWhat is the meaning of Bloody Sweat in the Bible?
The phrase 'bloody sweat' describes a condition known as hematohidrosis, mentioned in Luke 22:44, where capillaries rupture into sweat glands under extreme psychological distress, resulting in blood-tinged perspiration.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this physiological detail in Luke's account provides readers with a concrete understanding of the physical intensity of Jesus' anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, grounding the narrative in observable human experience.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Bloody Sweat functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Bloody Sweat in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bloody Sweat clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Luke 22:44
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Bloody Sweat." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bloody-sweat/