Luke 22:40

KJV

And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when he was {G1096} at {G1909} the place {G5117}, he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Pray {G4336} that ye enter {G1525} not {G3361} into {G1519} temptation {G3986}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he arrived, he said to them, “Pray that you won’t be put to the test.”

Berean Standard Bible

When He came to the place, He told them, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation.”

American Standard Version

And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the solemn setting of the Garden of Gethsemane, just hours before His betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus issues a profound and urgent command to His disciples. Recognizing the spiritual battle that lay ahead for both Himself and His closest followers, Jesus implores them to "Pray that ye enter not into temptation," highlighting the critical necessity of spiritual vigilance and reliance on God in the face of impending trials and the ever-present danger of spiritual compromise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the New Covenant through His body and blood ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). Following this, Jesus warns of His betrayal and Peter's denial ([Luke 22:21-34](/luke/22-21-34 "Luke 22:21-34 - Betrayal and Peter's Denial Foretold")), and then leads His disciples to the Mount of Olives, specifically to a place called Gethsemane ([Luke 22:39](/luke/22-39 "Luke 22:39 - Jesus Goes to the Mount of Olives")). The command in [Luke 22:40](/luke/22-40 "Luke 22:40 - Pray Not to Enter Temptation") serves as a direct prelude to Jesus' own agonizing prayer in Gethsemane ([Luke 22:41-44](/luke/22-41-44 "Luke 22:41-44 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")), where He wrestles with the Father's will. It underscores the stark contrast between Jesus' spiritual readiness and the disciples' spiritual dullness, which becomes evident as they fall asleep despite His warning ([Luke 22:45-46](/luke/22-45-46 "Luke 22:45-46 - Disciples Fall Asleep")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Mount of Olives, where Gethsemane was located, was a familiar place for Jesus and His disciples, often used for prayer and teaching. Gethsemane itself, meaning "oil press," suggests a place of intense pressure and crushing, which perfectly symbolizes the spiritual and emotional agony Jesus was about to endure. The setting is late at night, after the Passover meal, a time when the city would be bustling with pilgrims, yet this secluded garden offered a moment of quiet before the storm. The disciples, having just celebrated the Passover, would have been acutely aware of the historical context of liberation and sacrifice, yet they seem oblivious to the spiritual magnitude of the events unfolding. Their physical weariness, combined with their lack of spiritual understanding of Jesus' impending suffering, made them particularly vulnerable to the "temptation" Jesus warned about.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Urgency and Necessity of Prayer**, particularly in times of spiritual crisis. Jesus, who consistently modeled a life of prayer (e.g., [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Often Withdrew to Pray")), now explicitly commands it as a defense. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Reality and Danger of Temptation** (or spiritual trial). The term "temptation" here encompasses not merely moral failings but severe tests of faith that could lead to apostasy or denial, as seen in [Peter's subsequent denial](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter Denies Jesus")). Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Vigilance versus Human Weakness**. Jesus' repeated admonitions to "watch and pray" (more explicitly in [Matthew 26:41](/matthew/26-41 "Matthew 26:41 - The Spirit is Willing, the Flesh is Weak")) reveal His understanding of the disciples' inherent frailty, contrasting with His own resolute obedience to the Father's will, even unto death ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pray (Greek, _proseúchomai'_):** (G4336) This verb signifies more than just asking; it means "to pray to God," to supplicate, or worship. It implies a direct, earnest communication with the divine, characterized by a posture of dependence and reverence. In this context, Jesus is not merely suggesting a casual request but a fervent, intentional act of seeking God's intervention and strength.
* **Enter (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** (G1525) Derived from "into" and "to come," this word means "to come in," "to go in," or "to enter." It suggests moving into a state, condition, or experience. Jesus is warning against actively stepping into or succumbing to the power or influence of temptation, implying a state of being overwhelmed or overcome by it, rather than simply encountering it.
* **Temptation (Greek, _peirasmós'_):** (G3986) This crucial term carries a dual meaning. It can refer to a "test" or "trial" designed to prove one's character and faith (as God tests Abraham in [Genesis 22:1](/genesis/22-1 "Genesis 22:1 - The Testing of Abraham")). However, it also signifies an "enticement to sin" or a "solicitation to evil" (as Satan tempts Jesus in [Luke 4:1-13](/luke/4-1-13 "Luke 4:1-13 - The Temptation of Jesus")). In [Luke 22:40](/luke/22-40 "Luke 22:40 - Pray Not to Enter Temptation"), it encompasses both: the severe trials the disciples were about to face (arrest, persecution, fear, denial) which, if not met with spiritual fortitude, could lead them into sinful actions or abandonment of their faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he was at the place":** This phrase establishes the immediate setting as Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. "The place" (Greek, _tópos'_ G5117) is not just a geographical marker but a significant location where Jesus often retreated for prayer, and now, where He would face His ultimate spiritual struggle. It underscores the intimacy and gravity of the moment, a private instruction before public betrayal.
* **"he said unto them":** Jesus, as their teacher and Lord, issues a direct and authoritative command to His disciples. This is not a suggestion but a vital instruction born out of His divine foresight and pastoral care for their spiritual well-being in the face of imminent danger. It highlights His role as their protector and guide.
* **"Pray that ye enter not into temptation":** This is the core imperative. "Pray" (Greek, _proseúchomai'_) emphasizes active, dependent supplication to God for strength. "That ye enter not" (Greek, _mḗ eisérchomai'_) signifies a negative purpose, a plea to avoid falling into a state of being overcome by the trial or enticement. The "temptation" (Greek, _peirasmós'_) refers to the severe testing of their faith that would lead to spiritual failure, such as Peter's denial or the disciples' scattering, if they were unprepared.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:40 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** in Jesus' command, "Pray," which highlights the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the instruction. This direct command serves as a call to action, emphasizing the disciples' responsibility in their spiritual defense. There is also significant **Foreshadowing** in this verse, as Jesus' warning directly anticipates the spiritual failures of His disciples—most notably Peter's triple denial ([Luke 22:54-62](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter Denies Jesus")) and the scattering of the other disciples ([Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Matthew 26:56 - Disciples Flee")). This foreshadowing underscores the gravity of Jesus' words and the real consequences of spiritual unpreparedness. Furthermore, a subtle **Contrast** is present between Jesus' own spiritual vigilance and the disciples' impending drowsiness and spiritual dullness ([Luke 22:45](/luke/22-45 "Luke 22:45 - Disciples Asleep")). This contrast serves to highlight the ideal of spiritual readiness that Jesus embodies versus the human frailty of His followers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:40 stands as a timeless theological truth regarding the human condition and the necessity of divine aid in spiritual warfare. It underscores the biblical anthropology that acknowledges human weakness and susceptibility to sin and spiritual compromise, especially under duress. Jesus' command reveals that prayer is not merely a devotional exercise but a critical means of spiritual defense, a lifeline that connects human frailty to divine power. It teaches that while trials are inevitable, succumbing to them is not. The verse implicitly affirms God's sovereignty and His willingness to provide strength for His people to endure and overcome, aligning with the broader biblical narrative that portrays life as a spiritual battle requiring constant reliance on God's grace.

* [Matthew 6:13](/matthew/6-13 "Matthew 6:13 - The Lord's Prayer: Deliver Us From Evil")
* [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - Trials and Perseverance")
* [Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15-16 "Hebrews 4:15-16 - Jesus, Our High Priest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:40 serves as an enduring and vital instruction for every believer. We, like the disciples, are prone to spiritual drowsiness and unpreparedness, especially when faced with the "Gethsemane moments" of our lives—those intense pressures, unexpected crises, or subtle allurements that threaten to compromise our faith. Jesus' command to "Pray that ye enter not into temptation" is a call to proactive spiritual discipline. It reminds us that our spiritual resilience is not solely a matter of willpower but of consistent, dependent communion with God. In a world full of distractions, moral ambiguities, and spiritual attacks, this verse urges us to cultivate a habit of vigilant prayer, recognizing our inherent weakness and relying on the Holy Spirit's power to stand firm. It is a reminder that the battle against temptation is won or lost in the posture of our hearts before God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "places" or circumstances in my life where I am most vulnerable to spiritual temptation or trial?**
* **How does my current prayer life reflect a reliance on God for strength against temptation, or does it reveal spiritual complacency?**
* **In what specific ways can I cultivate greater spiritual vigilance and a consistent habit of prayer in my daily walk with Christ?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "temptation" is Jesus referring to in Luke 22:40, and how does it apply to believers today?**

Answer: The Greek word _peirasmós_ (G3986), translated as "temptation," carries a dual meaning: it refers both to a "test" or "trial" that proves the genuineness of one's faith, and an "enticement to sin" that leads to spiritual downfall. In [Luke 22:40](/luke/22-40 "Luke 22:40 - Pray Not to Enter Temptation"), Jesus is warning His disciples about the severe trials they were about to face—His arrest, crucifixion, and the subsequent persecution they would endure. These trials would be so intense that they could easily lead to fear, denial, and abandonment of their faith, as exemplified by [Peter's denial](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter Denies Jesus"). It was not merely a warning against minor moral failings, but against a profound crisis of faith. For believers today, this applies to any situation that tests our allegiance to Christ or entices us away from His will. This could include severe suffering, persecution, the allure of worldly values, moral compromises, spiritual apathy, or doubts that challenge our core beliefs. Jesus' command teaches us that prayer is our essential defense, enabling us to endure trials without succumbing to sin or abandoning our faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:40, while a direct command to the disciples, finds its ultimate fulfillment and power in Christ Himself. Jesus, though God, fully entered into the human experience of temptation, proving His perfect obedience where humanity had failed. He was "tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Was Tempted in Every Way")). His own agony in Gethsemane, immediately following this command, demonstrates His perfect prayer and submission to the Father's will, even in the face of the ultimate "temptation" of the cross ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Because Jesus perfectly endured and triumphed over every trial and temptation, He is now able to sympathize with our weaknesses and intercede for us before the Father ([Hebrews 2:18](/hebrews/2-18 "Hebrews 2:18 - Jesus Suffered When Tempted"); [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")). His victory ensures that when we pray, God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear, but will always provide a way out so that we can endure it ([1 Corinthians 10:13](/1_corinthians/10-13 "1 Corinthians 10:13 - God Provides a Way of Escape")). Thus, Jesus' command to "Pray that ye enter not into temptation" is ultimately a call to depend on Him, the one who has already conquered temptation on our behalf, and through whom we receive the strength to overcome.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 6:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Matthew 26:36

¶ Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

Matthew 26:46

Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

1 Peter 4:7

¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Ephesians 6:18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Ephesians 6:19

¶ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Mark 14:32

¶ And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.