Luke 22:40

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

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}.

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

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

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

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Commentary

Luke 22:40 finds Jesus and His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, a pivotal moment just hours before His arrest and crucifixion. As Jesus prepares for His own agonizing prayer, He issues a crucial warning to His closest followers.

Context of Luke 22:40

This verse is set in the somber atmosphere of the Garden of Gethsemane, on the Mount of Olives, after the Last Supper. Jesus knew the immense suffering and spiritual battle that lay ahead. He had just shared the new covenant with His disciples and was now facing the ultimate test of His obedience to the Father's will. His disciples, however, were not fully comprehending the gravity of the situation, often struggling with fatigue and spiritual dullness. Jesus' command here is a direct instruction born out of His understanding of the spiritual dangers they were about to encounter.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Urgency of Prayer: Jesus’ command underscores the vital role of persistent prayer, especially in times of spiritual vulnerability. He knew that the disciples' spiritual strength would be tested, and prayer was their primary defense against succumbing.
  • The Danger of Temptation: The warning "Pray that ye enter not into temptation" highlights the ever-present reality of spiritual attack and the potential for believers to falter. This temptation was not just a moral failing but a severe trial that could lead them to deny or abandon Christ, as seen in Peter's subsequent denial and the disciples' scattering.
  • Spiritual Vigilance: This verse is a call to spiritual watchfulness. Jesus knew His disciples were drowsy, both physically and spiritually. He admonishes them to be alert and spiritually prepared, recognizing that the flesh is weak even if the spirit is willing (a truth He articulates more fully in Matthew 26:41).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for 'temptation' here is peirasmos (πειρασμός). This term carries a dual meaning: it can refer to a test or trial that proves one's character and faith, or an enticement to sin that leads to spiritual downfall. In Luke 22:40, it encompasses both. Jesus warns the disciples about the severe trials they would face, which, if not met with prayer and vigilance, could lead them to make sinful choices or abandon their faith. It's a trial that could lead to sin if they weren't spiritually prepared.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder for believers today to maintain a posture of constant prayer. We live in a world filled with temptations—from moral compromises to spiritual apathy—that can draw us away from God. Just as Jesus instructed His disciples, we too must actively pray for strength and discernment to navigate these trials. It’s a call to spiritual discipline, recognizing our own human weakness and relying on God's power to stand firm. This echoes the plea in the Lord's Prayer, "lead us not into temptation."

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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