Luke 22:44

KJV

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} being {G1096} in {G1722} an agony {G74} he prayed {G4336} more earnestly {G1617}: and {G1161} his {G846} sweat {G2402} was {G1096} as it were {G5616} great drops {G2361} of blood {G129} falling down {G2597} to {G1909} the ground {G1093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and in great anguish he prayed more intensely, so that his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Berean Standard Bible

And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.

American Standard Version

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became as it were great drops of blood falling down upon the ground.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:44 offers a profound and harrowing glimpse into the depths of Jesus Christ's suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, just hours before His crucifixion. It vividly portrays His intense spiritual and emotional struggle through earnest prayer, culminating in a physical manifestation of extreme anguish where His sweat became like great drops of blood falling to the ground. This verse underscores the immense cost of redemption and the unwavering resolve of Christ to fulfill His redemptive mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Luke's account of Jesus' final hours before His arrest and crucifixion. Following 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")), He 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")). He instructs them to pray that they would not enter into temptation, then withdraws a short distance to pray alone. The disciples, despite being asked to "watch and pray," repeatedly fall asleep ([Luke 22:45-46](/luke/22-45-46 "Luke 22:45-46 - Disciples Asleep in Gethsemane")), highlighting their human weakness in contrast to Jesus' divine resolve. This intense prayer scene immediately precedes His betrayal by Judas and His arrest, serving as a critical transition from His teaching ministry to His atoning work on the cross.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Garden of Gethsemane, located on the slopes of the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem, was a familiar place for Jesus and His disciples ([John 18:1-2](/john/18-1-2 "John 18:1-2 - Jesus Enters Gethsemane")). Its name, likely derived from the Hebrew *gat shemanim*, means "oil press," a fitting metaphor for the crushing pressure Jesus experienced there. The setting is Passover night, a time of immense spiritual significance for the Jewish people, commemorating their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Jesus' fervent prayer aligns with the Jewish tradition of intense supplication in times of crisis, but His agony transcends typical human distress, hinting at the unique spiritual burden He was carrying. The physical manifestation of His suffering, described as "great drops of blood," is often linked by scholars to a rare medical condition called hematidrosis (or hemohidrosis), where extreme psychological stress causes capillaries to rupture, mixing blood with sweat. This phenomenon, though rare, underscores the extraordinary and unparalleled level of stress Jesus was under.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 22:44 contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly emphasizes the **Humanity of Christ**. Jesus, though fully divine, experienced the full spectrum of human emotions, including fear, sorrow, and physical distress. His agony in Gethsemane reveals that He was not immune to suffering, making Him a compassionate High Priest who truly understands human weakness and temptation, as described in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Intense Prayer and Submission to God's Will**. Despite His anguish, Jesus prayed "more earnestly," demonstrating the power and necessity of persistent, fervent prayer, especially in times of extreme trial. His prayer was not a plea to escape God's will, but a profound expression of His desire for the Father's way, even if it meant immense suffering and death ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer of Submission")). This ultimate submission serves as a perfect model for believers. Finally, the "great drops of blood" vividly manifest the **Burden of Sin** Jesus was bearing. He was anticipating not only the physical pain of the cross but the immeasurable weight of taking upon Himself the sins of the world ([Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - The Lord Laid Our Iniquity on Him")), a suffering unique and unparalleled in human history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **agony (Greek, _agōnía'_):** (G74) This word signifies a struggle, a contest, or an intense wrestling match. It denotes not just discomfort or sadness, but a profound, internal battle, a state of extreme anguish and mental conflict. In this context, it describes the overwhelming spiritual and emotional pressure Jesus was experiencing as He contemplated the cross and the weight of humanity's sin.
* **more earnestly (Greek, _ektenésteron'_):** (G1617) This adverb, derived from a word meaning "stretched out" or "intense," indicates an increased fervor and intensity in Jesus' prayer. It suggests a deepening of His supplication in direct response to the escalating agony, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to communicate with the Father even amidst His profound distress. His prayer was not a casual request but a desperate, heartfelt plea.
* **great drops (Greek, _thrómbos'_):** (G2361) This term literally means "a clot" or "a lump." When used in conjunction with "blood," it emphasizes the substantial, congealed nature of the fluid, suggesting that the sweat was not merely tinged with blood but was thick and heavy, like clots of blood. This vivid imagery underscores the severity of Jesus' physical and emotional ordeal, indicating a level of stress that caused a physiological reaction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And being in an agony":** This clause immediately establishes the profound internal struggle Jesus was undergoing. The Greek word *agōnía* conveys a sense of intense mental and spiritual wrestling, a battle of wills or a severe contest. It highlights Jesus' full humanity, demonstrating that He truly experienced overwhelming distress and anguish in the face of the impending suffering and separation from God due to sin.
* **"he prayed more earnestly:":** In response to His agony, Jesus did not withdraw or despair but intensified His prayer. The phrase "more earnestly" (ektenésteron) indicates a heightened fervor and persistence in His supplication. This reveals His deep reliance on the Father and His commitment to God's will, even when that will involved unimaginable suffering. His prayer became more fervent precisely because His struggle was so intense.
* **"and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood":** This is a striking and graphic description of Jesus' physical manifestation of extreme stress. The phrase "as it were" (hōseí) functions as a simile, indicating that His sweat resembled "great drops of blood." While some interpret this as sweat so profuse it looked like blood, many scholars understand it to describe hematidrosis, a rare medical condition where capillaries near sweat glands rupture under extreme psychological stress, causing blood to mix with sweat. This detail powerfully conveys the unprecedented level of physical and emotional pressure Jesus endured.
* **"falling down to the ground.":** This final phrase emphasizes the sheer volume and weight of the bloody sweat. It wasn't just a few drops but enough to fall to the ground, indicating the severity and widespread nature of this physiological reaction. It paints a vivid picture of a man utterly consumed by distress, pouring out His life force even before the cross, in preparation for the ultimate sacrifice.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:44 is rich in **Imagery** and employs a powerful **Simile** to convey the intensity of Jesus' suffering. The phrase "his sweat was as it were great drops of blood" uses the Greek *hōseí* ("as if" or "like") to draw a direct comparison, allowing the reader to visualize the horrific physical manifestation of His inner turmoil. This vivid imagery creates a strong sense of **Pathos**, evoking deep empathy and sorrow in the reader for Christ's agony. The description also hints at **Hyperbole** in its evocative power, emphasizing the extreme nature of Jesus' distress, though it may also be a literal description of hematidrosis. The entire scene is imbued with **Dramatic Irony**, as the disciples sleep unaware of the cosmic battle being waged by their Master, who is preparing to endure the ultimate suffering for their salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:44 serves as a profound theological touchstone, revealing the depths of God's identification with human suffering and the immeasurable cost of atonement. It underscores the reality of Christ's dual nature: fully God, yet fully human, experiencing profound anguish without compromising His divine essence. His agony in Gethsemane was not a sign of weakness but a testament to the immense spiritual battle He waged against the powers of darkness and the weight of humanity's sin, willingly submitting to the Father's will even unto death. This pre-crucifixion suffering highlights the active, conscious choice Jesus made to bear the wrath of God for sin, demonstrating the boundless love of God for a fallen world. It is in this moment of intense struggle and earnest prayer that Jesus fully embraces His role as the Suffering Servant, paving the way for the new covenant established through His blood.

* [Hebrews 5:7-8](/hebrews/5-7-8 "Hebrews 5:7-8 - Christ's Earnest Prayers and Obedience")
* [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")
* [Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:44 offers profound comfort and a challenging model for believers today. Firstly, it assures us that Jesus truly understands our deepest fears, anxieties, and physical pain. Knowing that He experienced such profound agony means we can bring our darkest moments and most overwhelming struggles to Him, confident that He empathizes with our weaknesses and stands ready to help us in our time of need. He is not a distant, unfeeling God, but one who has walked through the valley of the shadow of death Himself. Secondly, Jesus' "more earnest" prayer in His greatest hour of need provides a powerful model for our own prayer lives. It teaches us the importance of persistent, heartfelt, and honest communication with God, especially when facing overwhelming circumstances or wrestling with difficult decisions. It's a call to pour out our hearts to God, even when expressing our deepest fears or asking for a way out, always culminating in submission to His perfect will. Finally, this verse vividly illustrates the immense cost of our salvation. The intensity of Jesus' suffering in Gethsemane highlights the magnitude of His love and His willingness to endure everything necessary to fulfill God's redemptive plan, prompting us to live lives of gratitude and devotion in response to such an unparalleled sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' agony in Gethsemane deepen your understanding of His humanity and His ability to empathize with your own suffering?**
* **What does Jesus' "more earnest" prayer teach you about the nature of prayer, especially when facing overwhelming trials or difficult choices?**
* **In what ways does meditating on the depth of Jesus' suffering in Gethsemane impact your appreciation for the salvation He secured on the cross?**
* **How can you cultivate a spirit of submission to God's will, even when His path for you involves pain or difficulty, following Jesus' example?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus' sweat turning to blood?**

Answer: The description of Jesus' sweat being "as it were great drops of blood" is highly significant, pointing to the extreme intensity of His suffering. While the Greek phrase "as it were" (hōseí) indicates a simile, suggesting it resembled blood, many scholars believe it refers to a rare medical condition called hematidrosis (or hemohidrosis). This condition occurs when extreme psychological stress, fear, or anxiety causes capillaries near the sweat glands to rupture, leading to blood mixing with sweat. If this was the case, it underscores the unparalleled physical and emotional pressure Jesus was under, demonstrating that His agony was not merely mental or spiritual but manifested in a profound physiological way. It vividly portrays the crushing weight of the world's sin and the Father's wrath that He was beginning to bear.

**Did Jesus want to avoid the cross, and if so, what does that say about His commitment?**

Answer: Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, particularly as recorded in [Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane") ("My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will"), clearly indicates His human aversion to the suffering and separation from God that the cross entailed. This was not a lack of commitment but a genuine expression of His humanity. His agony in Luke 22:44 confirms the depth of this struggle. However, His ultimate response—praying "more earnestly" and concluding with "nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will"—demonstrates His unwavering and perfect submission to the Father's redemptive plan. It highlights His commitment was not superficial but a profound, costly, and deliberate choice to obey God's will, even when it led to unimaginable pain and death.

**How does this verse relate to Jesus' divinity?**

Answer: Luke 22:44 powerfully affirms Jesus' full humanity, showing He experienced fear, anguish, and physical distress just like any human being. However, it does not diminish His divinity; rather, it highlights the profound mystery of the Incarnation. As the Son of God, He willingly subjected Himself to the full experience of human suffering, including the unique agony of bearing the world's sin. His ability to endure such a struggle, to pray with such earnestness, and ultimately to submit perfectly to the Father's will, even unto death, points to His divine strength and perfect character. This verse shows that God, in Christ, truly entered into the human condition in its most profound suffering, demonstrating His perfect empathy and His unique qualification to be our Savior.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:44, depicting Christ's agony in Gethsemane, is a pivotal moment that profoundly illuminates the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. This intense suffering, where His sweat became like great drops of blood, foreshadows and is intrinsically linked to the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. It reveals Jesus as the perfect, sinless Lamb of God, who willingly entered into the depths of human suffering and bore the crushing weight of sin, not merely as a physical act but as a profound spiritual and emotional ordeal. His earnest prayer and submission in Gethsemane demonstrate His perfect obedience to the Father's will, an obedience that culminated in His death on the cross, where He "bore our sins in his body on the tree" ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). This agonizing struggle underscores the immense love of God, who "demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Furthermore, Gethsemane reveals Jesus as our empathetic High Priest, who, having suffered and been tempted in every way, yet without sin, is able to sympathize with our weaknesses and offer us grace in our time of need ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). The agony of Gethsemane was the beginning of the "cup" of God's wrath that Jesus fully drank, ensuring that when He declared "It is finished" on the cross ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished")), our salvation was eternally secured through His perfect and complete work.

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

Lamentations 1:12

¶ [Is it] nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted [me] in the day of his fierce anger.

Hebrews 5:7

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

Psalms 22:12

Many bulls have compassed me: strong [bulls] of Bashan have beset me round.

Psalms 22:21

Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

Psalms 130:1

¶ A Song of degrees. Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.

Psalms 130:2

Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

Isaiah 53:10

¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.