Matthew 26:39

KJV

And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou [wilt].

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he went {G4281} a little {G3397} further {G4281}, and fell {G4098} on {G1909} his {G846} face {G4383}, and {G2532} prayed {G4336}, saying {G3004}, O my {G3450} Father {G3962}, if {G1487} it be {G2076} possible {G1415}, let {G3928} this {G5124} cup {G4221} pass {G3928} from {G575} me {G1700}: nevertheless {G4133} not {G3756} as {G5613} I {G1473} will {G2309}, but {G235} as {G5613} thou {G4771} wilt.

Complete Jewish Bible

Going on a little farther, he fell on his face, praying, "My Father, if possible, let this cup pass from me! Yet -- not what I want, but what you want!"

Berean Standard Bible

Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

American Standard Version

And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:39 captures Jesus' profound agony in the Garden of Gethsemane as He confronts the imminent suffering and divine judgment awaiting Him on the cross. This pivotal moment reveals the full extent of His humanity, as He expresses a natural human aversion to the "cup" of wrath, yet simultaneously demonstrates perfect submission to the Father's redemptive will, setting the stage for His ultimate sacrifice for humanity's salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the new covenant and predicted Peter's denial. Having shared His final meal with His disciples, Jesus retreats to the Garden of Gethsemane with Peter, James, and John, asking them to "remain here and watch with me" ([Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus' Soul Overwhelmed")). This prayer is the first of three intense supplications Jesus offers in the garden, each revealing His escalating emotional and spiritual struggle, culminating in His resolute acceptance of the Father's plan. It directly precedes His betrayal by Judas and His subsequent arrest, trial, and crucifixion, marking the transition from His public ministry to His passion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Gethsemane, meaning "oil press," was an olive grove at the foot of the Mount of Olives, a familiar retreat for Jesus and His disciples. The act of "falling on his face" was a common posture of extreme humility, reverence, and desperate supplication in Jewish prayer, indicating profound distress and earnest petition before God. The metaphor of the "cup" is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic literature, where it frequently symbolizes God's wrath, judgment, or a divinely appointed portion of suffering. For instance, [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of Trembling") speaks of Jerusalem drinking "the cup of his wrath," and [Psalm 75:8](/psalm/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of God's Wrath") describes a cup "full of foaming wine mixed with spices" that the wicked must drink. This cultural and scriptural backdrop illuminates the immense weight of what Jesus was asking to "pass from" Him.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:39 powerfully articulates several crucial themes. Firstly, it highlights **Christ's Humanity and Agony**, showcasing Jesus' genuine human emotions of sorrow, fear, and distress in the face of impending suffering and separation from the Father. His prayer is not a theatrical display but a raw expression of His aversion to the bitter "cup." Secondly, the verse underscores **Submission to Divine Will**. Despite His human desire for an alternative, Jesus' ultimate declaration, "nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt," demonstrates His perfect obedience and unwavering commitment to the Father's sovereign plan of redemption. This profound act of surrender is central to His mission and the foundation of the atonement. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the **Nature of the "Cup"**, which represents not merely the physical pain of crucifixion, but primarily the spiritual burden of bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and experiencing the Father's wrath, a unique and terrifying prospect for the sinless Son of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cup (Greek, _potḗrion_):** This term (G4221) literally refers to a drinking vessel, but here it is used metaphorically to signify a "lot or fate," specifically a "portion" of suffering or divine judgment. In the Old Testament, the "cup" often symbolizes God's wrath poured out on the wicked or a decreed destiny of suffering for His people. For Jesus, this cup represents the full measure of divine wrath against sin, which He, as the sinless Lamb of God, would bear on behalf of humanity. It encapsulates the spiritual separation from the Father that would occur as He became sin for us.
* **Possible (Greek, _dynatós_):** Derived from _dýnamai_ (G1415), meaning "to be able," this word conveys the idea of capability or power. When Jesus prays, "if it be possible," He is acknowledging the Father's omnipotence and asking if there is any alternative way for God's redemptive plan to be accomplished without Him having to drink this specific cup of suffering and judgment. It is a genuine human cry for relief, not a doubt in the Father's power or His own willingness to obey, but a profound expression of the cost.
* **Will (Greek, _thélō_):** This verb (G2309) denotes a determination arising from an "active option from subjective impulse," implying a conscious choice or preference. Jesus' use of "I will" (G1473) and "thou wilt" (G4771) highlights the distinction between His human will, which naturally recoiled from the agony, and the Father's divine will, which had ordained this path for salvation. His ultimate statement, "not as I will, but as thou wilt," signifies His perfect alignment and submission to the Father's sovereign purpose, even though it meant immense personal suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying,"**: This opening clause vividly portrays Jesus' physical and spiritual posture. "Went a little further" suggests a desire for solitude and intense focus in His prayer. "Fell on his face" indicates a posture of profound humility, submission, and desperate earnestness, typical of deep supplication in the ancient Near East. It underscores the immense weight of the moment and the sincerity of His communion with the Father.
* **"O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me:"**: This is Jesus' raw, honest human plea. Addressing God as "my Father" reveals His intimate relationship and trust, even in His agony. The phrase "if it be possible" is a genuine cry for an alternative, acknowledging God's omnipotence while expressing the natural human aversion to the immense suffering and divine wrath symbolized by "this cup." It is a testament to His full humanity, experiencing fear and distress.
* **"nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."**: This concluding declaration is the theological climax of the verse. "Nevertheless" (G4133, _plḗn_) introduces a strong contrast, signaling a decisive shift from human desire to divine submission. Jesus consciously overrides His natural human inclination with a resolute commitment to the Father's sovereign plan. This statement reveals His perfect obedience, demonstrating that His ultimate desire was to fulfill God's will, even if it meant immense personal suffering.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Metaphor** is prominently featured in the phrase "this cup," which stands for the full measure of divine wrath and suffering Jesus was about to endure for the sins of humanity. This metaphor draws on rich Old Testament imagery, imbuing the "cup" with profound theological significance beyond mere physical pain. **Antithesis** is central to the verse's theological message, expressed in the stark contrast: "not as I will, but as thou wilt." This juxtaposition highlights the tension between Jesus' human desire and the Father's divine plan, ultimately resolving in perfect submission. The very structure of the prayer, moving from a desperate plea to a resolute surrender, creates a powerful **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows the "cup" cannot pass if humanity is to be saved, yet Jesus' human struggle is deeply relatable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:39 is a profound window into the heart of Christ's redemptive work. It reveals that the atonement was not a casual act but an agonizing, conscious choice made in perfect obedience to the Father's will. The "cup" Jesus faced was not merely physical death, but the unique horror of bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and experiencing the spiritual abandonment by God as He became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). This moment in Gethsemane underscores the immense cost of our salvation and the depth of divine love, as the Son willingly embraced the Father's wrath so that we might be reconciled. It establishes a theological precedent for understanding true obedience as a yieldedness to God's purpose, even when it involves immense personal cost.

* [Hebrews 5:7-8](/hebrews/5-7-8 "Hebrews 5:7-8 - Christ's Prayers and Obedience")
* [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")
* [Isaiah 53:10](/isaiah/53-10 "Isaiah 53:10 - It Pleased the Lord to Bruise Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:39 offers profound lessons for believers navigating their own trials and discerning God's will. Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane models radical honesty in our relationship with God; it is permissible, even encouraged, to pour out our deepest fears, anxieties, and desires, even when they seem to conflict with what we perceive God's plan to be. His example teaches us that true faith does not deny the pain or difficulty of a situation but brings it transparently before the Father. Ultimately, however, Jesus' submission provides the ultimate blueprint for spiritual maturity: trusting God's wisdom and love enough to surrender our will to His, knowing that His ways are higher and His purposes are always for our ultimate good and His glory. This passage calls us to examine our own lives, asking where we might be resisting God's call due to fear of suffering, and challenging us to embrace a posture of humble obedience, confident in His perfect plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' raw honesty in Gethsemane encourage you to be more transparent with God in your own prayers, especially during times of distress?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently struggling to surrender your will to God's, and what steps can you take to align your desires with His?**
* **How does understanding the depth of Jesus' agony and submission in Gethsemane deepen your appreciation for the cost of your salvation and God's love?**

### FAQ
**What does "this cup" refer to in Matthew 26:39?**

Answer: "This cup" is a powerful biblical metaphor that refers to the full measure of divine wrath and judgment against sin. It signifies not merely the physical suffering and death Jesus would endure on the cross, but more profoundly, the spiritual agony of bearing the sins of all humanity and experiencing a unique, terrifying separation from the Father as He became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). It was the ultimate expression of God's righteous anger against sin, which Jesus, as the sinless Lamb of God, willingly drank on our behalf.

**Did Jesus not want to die, or was He hesitant about His mission?**

Answer: Jesus was not hesitant about His mission to save humanity. His prayer, "let this cup pass from me," reveals His genuine human aversion to the immense suffering and the unique spiritual burden of bearing the world's sin and experiencing divine wrath. As fully human, He felt the natural dread of such an ordeal. This was not a failure of will or a desire to abandon His purpose, but an authentic expression of the profound agony His human nature faced. His subsequent declaration, "nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt," unequivocally affirms His perfect obedience and unwavering commitment to the Father's redemptive plan, demonstrating that His human will was perfectly aligned with the divine will, even unto death.

**What is the significance of Jesus praying "if it be possible"?**

Answer: Jesus' phrase "if it be possible" is a sincere human plea, acknowledging the Father's omnipotence. It expresses a desire for an alternative path to redemption, if one existed, that would still accomplish God's perfect will without requiring Him to drink the bitter cup of divine wrath. It does not imply doubt in God's plan or His own ability to fulfill it, but rather highlights the extreme nature of the suffering He was about to undergo. It underscores His full humanity, allowing Him to express His deepest fears and desires to the Father, even as He ultimately submitted to God's sovereign purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:39 serves as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of salvation. In Gethsemane, Jesus, the perfect Son, fully embraces His role as the Suffering Servant ([Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")), willingly submitting to the Father's will to become the ultimate sacrifice for sin. His agonizing prayer and ultimate surrender demonstrate the depth of His obedience, which stands in stark contrast to the disobedience of the first Adam ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of One Man")). By choosing to drink the "cup" of God's wrath, Jesus fulfills the Father's redemptive purpose, becoming the Lamb of God "who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). This perfect obedience, even unto death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")), is the means by which humanity is reconciled to God, providing a new and living way through His shed blood. Gethsemane is where the Son's will perfectly aligned with the Father's, paving the way for the cross, where He bore our sins in His body ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")), securing our eternal salvation and demonstrating the boundless love of God.

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

John 6:38

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Matthew 26:42

He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

Luke 22:41

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

Luke 22:42

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

John 5:30

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

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;