TRV
“Jesus Prays in Gethsemane”· Matthew 26:36–46
Translation
King James Version
And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
Complete Jewish Bible
Leaving them again, he went off and prayed a third time, saying the same words.
Berean Standard Bible
So He left them and went away once more and prayed a third time, saying the same thing.
American Standard Version
And he left them again, and went away, and prayed a third time, saying again the same words.
World English Bible Messianic
He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So he left them and went away againe, and praied the third time, saying the same woordes.
Young's Literal Translation
And having left them, having gone away again, he prayed a third time, saying the same word;
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Historical interpretation
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Wherefore He does not rebuke them, but goes again and prays, teaching us that we should not faint but should persevere in prayer, until we obtain what we have begun to ask.
Otherwise; He says not, Let this cup pass away from Me, for that would be the speech of one who feared it; but He prays that it may pass not so as that He should be passed over, but that when it has passed from Him, it may go to another. His whole fear then is for those who were to suffer, and therefore He prays for those who were to suffer after Him, saying, Let this cup pass from me, i. e. as it is drunk by Me, so let it be drunk by these, without mistrust, without sense of pain, without fear of death. He says, If it be possible, because flesh and blood shrink from these things, and it is hard for human bodies not to sink beneath their infliction. That He says, Not as I will, but as thou wilt, He would fain indeed that they should not suffer, lest their faith should fail in their sufferings, if indeed we might attain to the glory of our joint inheritance with Him without the hardship of sharing in His Passion. He says, Not as I will, but as thou wilt, because it is the Father's will that strength to drink of the cup should pass from Him to them, that the Devil might be vanquished not so much by Christ as by His disciples also.
When then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping, He rebukes Peter, Could ye not watch one hour with me? He addresses Peter rather than the rest, because he had most loudly boasted that he would not be offended.
And why He thus encouraged them to pray that they might not enter into temptation, He adds, For the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak; this He says not of Himself, but addresses them.
Otherwise, He bare in His own body all the infirmities of us His disciples who should suffer, and nailed to His cross all wherein we are distressed; and therefore that cup cannot pass from Him, unless He drink it, because we cannot suffer, except by His passion.
He finds them sleeping, both because it was a late hour of the night, and their eyes were heavy with sorrow.
But as they had all said the same, He charges them all with weakness; they had chosen to die with Christ, and yet could not even watch with Him.
That He prays for this a second and a third time, comes of the feelings belonging to human frailty, through which also He feared death, thus giving assurance that He was truly made man. For in Scripture when any thing is repeated a second and third time, that is the greatest proof of its truth and reality; as, for example, when Joseph says to Pharaoh, And for that thou sawedst it twice, it is proof of the thing being established by God. (Gen. 41:32.)
However, even these He dismisses: "And He went on a little farther, and prayeth, saying, Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt. And He cometh unto them, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Not without reason doth He inveigh against Peter most, although the others also had slept; but to make him feel by this also, for the cause which I mentioned before. Then because the others also said the same thing (for when Peter had said (these are the words), "Though I must die with Thee, I will not deny Thee; likewise also," it is added, "said all the disciples"); He addresses Himself to all, convicting their weakness. For they who are desiring to die with Him, were not then able so much as to sorrow with Him wakefully, but sleep overcame them.
And He prays with earnestness, in order that the thing might not seem to be acting. And sweats flow over him for the same cause again, even that the heretics might not say this, that He acts the agony. Therefore there is a sweat like drops of blood, and an angel appeared strengthening Him, and a thousand sure signs of fear, lest any one should affirm the words to be feigned. For this cause also was this prayer. By saying then, "If it be possible, let it pass from me," He showed His humanity; but by saying, "Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt," He showed His virtue and self-command, teaching us even when nature pulls us back, to follow God. For since it was not enough for the foolish to show His face only, He uses words also. Again, words sufficed not alone, but deeds likewise were needed; these also He joins with the words, that even they who are in a high degree contentious may believe, that He both became man and died. For if, even when these things are so, this be still disbelieved by some, much more, if these had not been. See by how many things He shows the reality of the incarnation: by what He speaks, by what He suffers. After that He cometh and saith to Peter, as it is said, "What, couldest thou not watch one hour with me?" All were sleeping, and He rebukes Peter, hinting at him, in what He spake. And the words, "with me," are not employed without reason; it is as though He had said, Thou couldest not watch with me one hour, and wilt thou lay down thy life for me? and what follows also, intimates this self-same thing. For "Watch," saith He, "and pray not to enter into temptation." See how He is again instructing them not to be self-confident, but contrite in mind, and to be humble, and to refer all to God.
And at one time He addresses Himself to Peter, at another to all in common. And to him He saith, "Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for thee;" and to all in common, "Pray that ye enter not into temptation;" every way plucking up their self-will, and making them earnest-minded. Then, that He might not seem to make His language altogether condemnatory, He saith, "The spirit indeed is ready, but the flesh is weak." For even although thou dost desire to despise death, yet thou wilt not be able, until God stretch forth His hand, for the carnal mind draws down.
And again He prayed in the same way, saying, "Father, if this cannot pass from me except I drink it, Thy will be done," showing here, that He fully harmonizes with God's will, and that we must always follow this, and seek after it.
Or the sleep which He would have them forego is not bodily rest, for which at this critical time there was no room, but mental torpor, the sleep of unbelief.
Whence He says emphatically, This cup, that is, of this people of the Jews, who, if they shall put Me to death, can have no excuse for their ignorance, seeing they have the Law and the Prophets, who speak of Me.
It is impossible that the human mind should not be tempted, therefore He says not Watch and pray that ye be not tempted, but that ye enter not into temptation, that is, that temptation vanquish you not.
This is against those rash persons who think that whatever they believe they can perform. The more confident we are of our zeal, the more mistrustful should we be of the frailty of the flesh.
Or otherwise; He prays a second time that if Nineveh, or the Gentile world, cannot be saved unless the gourd, i. e. the Jews, be withered, His Father's will may be done, which is not contrary to the Son's will, who Himself speaks by the Prophet, I am content to do thy will, O God. (Ps. 40:8.)
Christ singly prays for all, as He singly suffers for all. Their eyes were heavy, i. e. an oppression and stupefaction came on as their denial drew near.
He prayed the third time, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word might be established.
(Verse 43, 44.) And he came again and found them sleeping. For their eyes were heavy. And leaving them, he went away again and prayed for the third time, saying the same thing. He alone prays for all, just as he alone suffers for everyone. But the apostles' eyes grew weak and burdened by imminent denial.
(Serm. 58, 5.) This speech of the Head is the health of the whole body, this saying is instruction to the faithful, animates the confessor, crowns the martyr. For who could vanquish the hatred of the world, or the whirlwind of temptations, or the terrors of the persecutors, if Christ did not in all and for all say to the Father, Thy will be done. Let all the sons of the Church then utter this prayer, that when the pressure of some mighty temptation lies upon them, they may embrace endurance of the suffering, disregarding its terrors.
Otherwise; In these words He shows that He took real flesh of the Virgin, and had a real soul, saying that His spirit is willing to suffer, but His flesh weak in fearing the pain of Passion.
Or, He prays thrice for the Apostles, and for Peter in particular, who was to deny Him thrice.
Or, The Lord prayed thrice, to teach us to pray for pardon of sins past, defence against present evil, and provision against future perils, and that we should address every prayer to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that our spirit, soul, and body should be kept in safety.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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Summary
Matthew 26:44 captures a profoundly intimate and agonizing moment in the Garden of Gethsemane, just hours before Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. This verse highlights Jesus' third return to earnest prayer, reiterating His plea to the Father, even as His closest disciples succumbed to sleep. It powerfully underscores His unwavering commitment to divine communion and His ultimate, resolute submission to God's sovereign will, despite the immense human anguish He experienced.
Context
Literary Context
Matthew 26:44 is nestled within the intensely dramatic narrative of Jesus' passion in the Garden of Gethsemane, following the Last Supper and prior to His betrayal and arrest. Jesus has specifically taken Peter, James, and John deeper into the garden, asking them to "remain here and watch with me" (Matthew 26:38). This verse marks the third instance of Jesus withdrawing to pray alone, each time returning to find His disciples asleep, a poignant contrast to His own spiritual struggle and their human weakness. The repetition of His prayer and the disciples' inability to stay awake amplify the gravity of the moment and the isolation Jesus felt as He confronted the weight of humanity's sin and the impending cross.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Garden of Gethsemane, located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, was a familiar place for Jesus and His disciples, often used for prayer and quiet reflection. The timing is during the Passover week, a period of immense religious significance and heightened tension in Jerusalem. Jewish prayer customs often involved earnest, sometimes repetitive, supplication, and the act of prostrating oneself (as Jesus did in Matthew 26:39) signified deep humility and intense petition. The disciples' inability to stay awake, despite the critical nature of the hour, can be understood in part due to the late hour and emotional exhaustion, but it also reflects a spiritual unpreparedness that Jesus addresses in Matthew 26:41.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates Perseverance in Prayer, showcasing Jesus' unwavering commitment to communion with the Father even in the face of overwhelming distress and the anticipation of immense suffering. It highlights Submission to God's Will, as Jesus, despite His human desire for the "cup" to pass (Matthew 26:39), ultimately yields to the divine plan, echoing the call for God's will to be done found in the Lord's Prayer. Furthermore, it emphasizes the profound Humanity of Christ, revealing His genuine agony, sorrow, and fear, yet also His perfect reliance on the Father's strength to fulfill His redemptive mission.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship." This word signifies a deliberate and earnest act of communion with God, not a casual or perfunctory utterance. In the context of Gethsemane, it underscores the intensity and depth of Jesus' spiritual struggle and His direct appeal to the Father for strength and alignment with divine will.
Meaning "third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly." The repetition "the third time" is highly significant, emphasizing the persistence and unwavering focus of Jesus' prayer. It highlights His profound earnestness and the prolonged nature of His spiritual battle, demonstrating a pattern of returning to the Father in deep distress.
Meaning "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive." Here, "the same words" indicates that the essence and content of Jesus' prayer remained consistent across His repeated supplications. This consistency points to the singular, overwhelming concern of His heart—His impending suffering and His desire for the Father's will to be done—rather than a shifting or wandering focus.
Verse Breakdown
"And he left them,"
This phrase emphasizes Jesus' deliberate act of separating Himself from the sleeping disciples, highlighting His increasing isolation as He approaches the apex of His suffering. It underscores the contrast between His intense spiritual engagement and their physical and spiritual slumber.
"and went away again,"
The adverb "again" (G3825, pálin') reinforces the repetitive nature of Jesus' withdrawal for prayer. This is the third instance, indicating a persistent, almost ritualistic, return to private communion with the Father, driven by the profound agony of His soul.
"and prayed the third time,"
This clause explicitly states the number of times Jesus has engaged in this profound, solitary prayer. The threefold repetition signifies not a lack of faith, but an intense, earnest, and prolonged wrestling in prayer, demonstrating the depth of His humanity and His perfect reliance on divine strength.
"saying the same words."
This crucial detail reveals the consistent nature of Jesus' petition. While the exact wording might have varied slightly in expression, the core request and submission to the Father's will remained unchanged, indicating a fixed and unwavering focus on the divine plan despite His human anguish.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. Repetition is central, with Jesus praying "the third time, saying the same words." This threefold pattern intensifies the dramatic tension and emphasizes the depth of Jesus' agony and the earnestness of His supplication. It also serves as a stark Contrast to the disciples' repeated inability to stay awake, highlighting their spiritual weakness against Jesus' spiritual strength and unwavering resolve. Furthermore, the scene carries a strong element of Foreshadowing, as Jesus' ultimate submission in Gethsemane prepares the reader for His complete obedience on the cross, where His suffering culminates in the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The very consistency of His "same words" underscores the unshakeable nature of His commitment to the Father's will, even unto death.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Matthew 26:44 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of Christ's perfect obedience and His reliance on the Father, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. It reveals that true submission to God's will is not passive resignation but an active, persistent, and often agonizing wrestling in prayer until one's human desires align perfectly with the divine purpose. Jesus' repeated prayer, culminating in His resolute acceptance, demonstrates that the path to fulfilling God's will often involves intense spiritual struggle and a deep, sustained communion with Him. This moment in Gethsemane is a powerful testament to the reality of Jesus' humanity and the depth of His trust in the Father, even as He prepared to bear the sin of the world.
Reflection and Application
Matthew 26:44 serves as a profound model for believers facing their own trials and temptations. Jesus' example teaches us the indispensable value of persistent and earnest prayer, especially when our souls are overwhelmed with sorrow or fear. He did not pray once and give up; He returned to the Father again and again, demonstrating that true spiritual battle requires unwavering commitment to communion with God. This verse challenges us to bring our deepest anxieties and most difficult decisions before God, not just once, but with sustained and heartfelt petition, trusting that He hears and provides strength. Moreover, it underscores the importance of aligning our will with God's, even when His path seems arduous or contrary to our immediate desires. Just as Jesus found the strength to embrace the cross through prayer, we too can find divine grace and fortitude to walk in obedience, trusting in God's perfect plan and His unwavering love for us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jesus pray the "same words" three times? Was it a sign of weakness or a lack of faith?
Jesus praying the "same words" three times was not a sign of weakness or lack of faith, but rather an indication of the intense spiritual and emotional agony He was experiencing and the profound earnestness of His prayer. The repetition emphasizes the depth of His struggle and His unwavering focus on the core petition: that if it were possible, the "cup" of suffering might pass from Him, yet ultimately, His Father's will be done (Matthew 26:39). This persistence demonstrates His perfect humanity—He genuinely wrestled with the impending suffering—and His perfect obedience, as He consistently brought His will into alignment with the divine plan. It highlights His perseverance in prayer, a model for believers to continue seeking God's will even when the path is difficult.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Matthew 26:44, with Jesus' persistent prayer and ultimate submission in Gethsemane, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in His perfect obedience that led directly to the cross. This moment reveals Jesus as the quintessential obedient Son, whose human will, though experiencing profound agony, perfectly aligned with the Father's redemptive plan. His "same words" of submission foreshadow His ultimate cry of "It is finished!" on the cross (John 19:30), signifying the completion of the very work He prayed to accomplish. Gethsemane is where the battle for our salvation was spiritually won through His resolute "not my will, but yours be done," paving the way for His atoning sacrifice. As our Great High Priest, Jesus experienced the full weight of human temptation and suffering, yet remained sinless, enabling Him to sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). His Gethsemane prayer, therefore, is not merely an example of perseverance, but a critical step in His journey to become the "author of eternal salvation to all who obey him" (Hebrews 5:9), demonstrating the perfect obedience required for our redemption.