Matthew 26:40

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

And {G2532} he cometh {G2064} unto {G4314} the disciples {G3101}, and {G2532} findeth {G2147} them {G846} asleep {G2518}, and {G2532} saith {G3004} unto Peter {G4074}, What {G3779}, could ye {G2480} not {G3756} watch {G1127} with {G3326} me {G1700} one {G3391} hour {G5610}?

He returned to the talmidim and found them sleeping. He said to Kefa, "Were you so weak that you couldn't stay awake with me for even an hour?

Then Jesus returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. “Were you not able to keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter.

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

This verse captures a poignant moment in the Garden of Gethsemane, immediately following Jesus' intense prayer and anguish over the impending crucifixion.

Context

After sharing the Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane. He took Peter, James, and John—his closest companions—further into the garden with him, asking them to "tarry ye here, and watch with me." (Matthew 26:38). While Jesus went a short distance away to pray in deep sorrow and agony, he returned to find these three disciples asleep, despite his specific request. This verse records his address, primarily to Peter, expressing disappointment at their inability to remain awake and vigilant for even a short period.

Key Themes

  • Human Weakness: The disciples' physical exhaustion and inability to stay awake highlights the limitations of human strength, especially when faced with spiritual trials or intense situations.
  • Jesus' Suffering and Loneliness: In his hour of deepest need, seeking the support and presence of his closest friends, Jesus finds himself alone in his vigil and suffering.
  • The Call to Vigilance: Jesus' question implies the importance of spiritual wakefulness and readiness, a theme he emphasizes further in the very next verse.
  • Peter's Specific Challenge: Addressing Peter directly reminds us of Peter's earlier bold declaration of loyalty (Matthew 26:33) and foreshadows his later failure during Jesus' trial, emphasizing the gap between intention and action without divine strength.

Linguistic Insight

The word translated "watch" in the KJV is from the Greek word grēgoreō (γρηγορέω). While it literally means to be awake, in a spiritual context, it carries the sense of being alert, vigilant, and prepared, often in anticipation of something important or against spiritual danger. The phrase "one hour" emphasizes how minimal the request was, highlighting the depth of their weariness or lack of spiritual resolve in that critical moment.

Reflection

Matthew 26:40 serves as a timeless reminder of the struggle believers face in remaining spiritually alert and supportive, particularly during times of trial or spiritual conflict. Jesus' gentle rebuke to Peter and the others highlights the importance of prayer and vigilance, not just for ourselves but also in solidarity with others who are suffering. It prompts us to consider our own readiness and commitment when called upon to "watch" or support others in their spiritual battles, urging us to rely on God's strength rather than our own (as Jesus instructs in the following verse).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Mark 14:37

    And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

  • Luke 22:45

    And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

  • Matthew 26:43

    And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

  • Luke 9:32

    But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

  • Matthew 26:35

    Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

  • Matthew 25:5

    While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

  • Matthew 26:38

    Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

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