Matthew 26:45

KJV

Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take [your] rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} cometh he {G2064} to {G4314} his {G846} disciples {G3101}, and {G2532} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Sleep on {G2518} now {G3063}, and {G2532} take your rest {G373}: behold {G2400}, the hour {G5610} is at hand {G1448}, and {G2532} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} is betrayed {G3860} into {G1519} the hands {G5495} of sinners {G268}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he came to the talmidim and said, "For now, go on sleeping, take your rest. . . . Look! The time has come for the Son of Man to be betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Berean Standard Bible

Then He returned to the disciples and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

American Standard Version

Then cometh he to the disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:45 captures a pivotal and deeply poignant moment in the Garden of Gethsemane, immediately following Jesus' agonizing prayers and the disciples' repeated failure to remain vigilant. Jesus confronts His sleeping disciples with a sorrowful declaration, signifying the end of His private spiritual struggle and the imminent commencement of His Passion. He reveals that "the hour is at hand" for the Son of Man to be "betrayed into the hands of sinners," marking the divinely appointed transition from prayerful preparation to active surrender, setting the stage for His arrest and crucifixion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Jesus' Gethsemane experience, following His three intense prayers where He wrestled with the Father's will concerning His impending suffering and death ([Matthew 26:36-44](/matthew/26-36-44 "Matthew 26:36-44 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")). Each time Jesus returned from prayer, He found Peter, James, and John, whom He had specifically asked to "watch with me" ([Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus' Plea for Vigilance")), overcome by sleep. This repeated failure highlights the disciples' human weakness in stark contrast to Jesus' unwavering resolve and obedience. The declaration in [Matthew 26:45](/matthew/26-45 "Matthew 26:45 - The Hour is at Hand") serves as a dramatic turning point, signaling that the time for prayerful vigilance has passed, and the pre-ordained events of betrayal and arrest are now immediate. It directly precedes the arrival of Judas and the arresting party in [Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47-50 "Matthew 26:47-50 - The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Garden of Gethsemane, located on the western slope of the [Mount of Olives](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - Mount of Olives Prophecy"), just outside Jerusalem's walls. This was a place Jesus and His disciples often frequented ([John 18:2](/john/18-2 "John 18:2 - Jesus Often Met There")). The events unfold during the Passover week, a time of immense religious fervor and pilgrimage in Jerusalem, which also heightened the tension for the Jewish authorities seeking to apprehend Jesus. The phrase "hands of sinners" would have resonated deeply, as it referred to both the Jewish religious leaders who sought His death and the Roman authorities who would execute the sentence. The concept of betrayal, especially by a close associate, carried profound social and spiritual disgrace within Jewish culture, echoing Old Testament prophecies of a trusted friend turning against the righteous ([Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Friend")).
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 26:45](/matthew/26-45 "Matthew 26:45 - The Imminent Betrayal") powerfully encapsulates several core themes. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God** over human events; Jesus' betrayal is not an accidental occurrence but part of a divinely ordained "hour." Secondly, it starkly contrasts **Jesus' Perfect Obedience and Vigilance** with the **Disciples' Human Frailty and Spiritual Weakness**. Despite their love for Jesus, their physical weariness repeatedly overcame their spiritual resolve to "watch and pray" ([Matthew 26:41](/matthew/26-41 "Matthew 26:41 - Watch and Pray")). Thirdly, the declaration of "the hour is at hand" emphasizes the **Imminence of Christ's Suffering and Sacrifice**, marking the transition from anticipation to fulfillment of His redemptive mission. Finally, the use of the title "Son of Man" highlights Jesus' **Messianic Identity** in the context of His suffering, linking His human experience to His divine authority and prophetic destiny ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Prophecy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sleep on (Greek, _katheúdō'_):** From *katá* (down) and a root meaning "to sleep," this word means "to lie down to rest, i.e., to fall asleep." In this context, Jesus' use of the imperative "sleep on" is not a genuine command but carries a tone of sorrowful irony, resignation, or even a rhetorical question. It signifies that the opportunity for the disciples to provide spiritual support through vigilance has passed, and their failure has now become irrelevant to the unfolding, inevitable divine plan.
* **is at hand (Greek, _engízō'_):** Derived from *engýs* (near), this verb means "to make near" or "to approach." Here, it conveys the absolute immediacy and certainty of the "hour." It's not merely that the time is approaching, but that it has arrived and is actively pressing in, emphasizing the critical, divinely appointed moment for Jesus' surrender and the commencement of His Passion.
* **betrayed (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** From *pará* (beside) and *dídōmi* (to give), this verb literally means "to give over, surrender, or hand over." While it can mean to transmit or entrust, in this context, especially concerning Judas, it unmistakably carries the sense of treachery and delivery into the hands of enemies. It highlights the active role of Judas and the passive surrender of Jesus into the power of others, fulfilling prophecy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them,"**: This phrase sets the scene, depicting Jesus' return to His inner circle after His third period of agonizing prayer. His repeated finding of them asleep underscores their human weakness and the profound solitude of His spiritual struggle. The "saith unto them" introduces Jesus' final, poignant address before His arrest.
* **"Sleep on now, and take your rest:"**: As analyzed above, this is not a literal command but a deeply ironic or sorrowful statement. It conveys a sense of resignation, indicating that the time for watching and praying with Him has concluded. The opportunity for them to participate in His vigil has passed, and the divine plan will now proceed regardless of their wakefulness. It highlights the stark reality of their failure and the weight of the moment.
* **"behold, the hour is at hand,"**: The interjection "behold" (G2400, *idoú*) draws immediate attention to the gravity of the impending event. "The hour" (G5610, *hōra*) is a significant theological concept throughout the Gospels, especially in John, referring to the divinely appointed time for Jesus' suffering, death, and subsequent glorification. The phrase "is at hand" (G1448, *engízō*) emphasizes the absolute immediacy and certainty of this preordained moment, signaling that the period of anticipation is over.
* **"and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners."**: This clause reveals the specific nature of "the hour." "The Son of man" (G5207, *huiós*, and G444, *ánthrōpos*) is Jesus' preferred self-designation, emphasizing both His true humanity and His unique messianic, prophetic, and judicial authority, particularly in the context of His suffering. The passive voice "is betrayed" (G3860, *paradídōmi*) underscores the active role of Judas and the passive surrender of Jesus, yet within God's sovereign plan. "Into the hands" (G1519, *eis*, and G5495, *cheír*) signifies being delivered into the power and authority of others. "Sinners" (G268, *hamartōlós*) refers broadly to those who oppose God's will and law, specifically here the Jewish religious authorities and the Roman soldiers who would carry out the arrest and crucifixion.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:45 is rich in **Irony**, particularly in Jesus' command, "Sleep on now, and take your rest." This is not a genuine invitation to continue sleeping but a sorrowful, perhaps even rhetorical, acknowledgment that their failure to watch has rendered their vigilance moot. The moment for shared spiritual struggle has passed. There is profound **Contrast** between Jesus' intense spiritual agony and perfect obedience to the Father's will, and the disciples' physical and spiritual weariness. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus explicitly states the imminent betrayal, preparing the reader for the arrival of Judas and the mob. The phrase "the hour is at hand" functions as a form of **Dramatic Irony**, as the disciples remain oblivious to the profound significance of this "hour" that Jesus has long anticipated and now declares to be upon them. Finally, the title "Son of man" serves as a powerful **Symbol**, representing Jesus' dual nature as both fully human and divinely appointed Messiah, whose suffering is central to His redemptive mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:45 stands as a profound theological statement, revealing God's sovereign control over even the most heinous acts of human sin, such as betrayal. Jesus' declaration that "the hour is at hand" underscores the concept of divine timing, affirming that His suffering and death were not random occurrences but part of a preordained plan for humanity's redemption. Despite the disciples' weakness, Jesus' unwavering resolve to submit to the Father's will shines through, highlighting His perfect obedience as the ultimate example for believers. This moment in Gethsemane is a poignant illustration of the cost of discipleship and the reality of human frailty in the face of spiritual warfare, yet it also emphasizes Christ's solitary journey to the cross for the sake of all.

* [John 13:1-3](/john/13-1-3 "John 13:1-3 - Jesus Knows His Hour Has Come")
* [Luke 22:53](/luke/22-53 "Luke 22:53 - The Hour of Darkness")
* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant Led to Slaughter")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:45 offers a powerful call to spiritual introspection and practical application for believers today. Jesus' profound solitude in Gethsemane, even amidst His closest companions, reminds us that there are moments in our spiritual journey where we must face trials and make difficult choices alone, relying solely on God's strength. The disciples' failure to stay awake serves as a timeless warning against spiritual complacency and the dangers of allowing physical weariness or worldly distractions to hinder our vigilance in prayer and our commitment to Christ. We are called to "watch and pray" not just for Jesus, but for ourselves, lest we enter into temptation. Furthermore, Jesus' unwavering acceptance of "the hour" teaches us about radical submission to God's sovereign will, even when it leads through suffering. Our faith is deepened when we trust that God's timing is perfect, and His plan, though sometimes painful, is always for our ultimate good and His glory. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of readiness, understanding that our "hour" of testing or opportunity may be "at hand" at any moment, requiring our full spiritual engagement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you prone to spiritual "sleep" or complacency, especially when vigilance is most needed?**
* **How does Jesus' acceptance of "the hour" challenge your own resistance to difficult circumstances or God's seemingly painful will?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater spiritual watchfulness and prayerfulness in your daily life?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty in Jesus' betrayal encourage or challenge your perspective on suffering and injustice in the world?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus tell them to "sleep on now, and take your rest" if the hour was at hand?**

Answer: Jesus' statement, "Sleep on now, and take your rest," is widely interpreted not as a literal command for the disciples to continue sleeping, but as a deeply sorrowful, ironic, or rhetorical expression of resignation. The opportunity for them to support Him through vigilant prayer had passed due to their repeated failures. It signifies that their spiritual support was no longer a factor in the unfolding divine plan. The time for shared vigil was over; the inevitable "hour" of betrayal and suffering had arrived, and Jesus would face it alone. It highlights the profound solitude of His mission and the disciples' inability to truly comprehend or participate in the depth of His agony.

**What is the significance of "the hour" being "at hand"?**

Answer: "The hour" (Greek: *hōra*) is a crucial theological concept in the Gospels, particularly in John, referring to the specific, divinely appointed time for Jesus' suffering, death, and subsequent glorification. For example, in [John 12:23](/john/12-23 "John 12:23 - The Hour Has Come"), Jesus declares, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." In [Matthew 26:45](/matthew/26-45 "Matthew 26:45 - The Hour of Betrayal"), "at hand" (Greek: *engízō*) emphasizes the absolute imminence and certainty of this moment. It signifies that the period of anticipation and preparation is over, and the preordained events of His Passion are about to commence immediately. This highlights God's sovereign control over all events, even the betrayal, demonstrating that Jesus was not a victim of circumstance but was willingly fulfilling His Father's plan.

**Who are the "sinners" into whose hands the Son of Man is betrayed?**

Answer: The term "sinners" (Greek: *hamartōlós*) in this context refers broadly to those who are alienated from God and act contrary to His will. Specifically, it encompasses both the Jewish religious authorities (the chief priests, elders, and scribes of the Sanhedrin) who conspired to have Jesus arrested and condemned ([Matthew 26:3-4](/matthew/26-3-4 "Matthew 26:3-4 - The Plot Against Jesus")), and the Roman soldiers and authorities who would carry out the arrest, trial, and crucifixion ([Matthew 27:27-31](/matthew/27-27-31 "Matthew 27:27-31 - The Soldiers Mock Jesus")). Jesus' statement underscores that He was being delivered into the power of those who were morally and spiritually opposed to God, yet this very act was part of God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:45, with its declaration of "the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners," profoundly points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, the "Son of Man" (a title linking Him to both humanity and the divine figure of [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Authority")), willingly embraces His impending betrayal and suffering. This act of being "betrayed into the hands of sinners" is not a defeat but a deliberate step in His journey to the cross, as foretold by the prophets ([Isaiah 53:5-7](/isaiah/53-5-7 "Isaiah 53:5-7 - The Suffering Servant's Atonement")). His passive surrender, though initiated by Judas's treachery, is ultimately an active obedience to His Father's will, demonstrating His perfect love and submission ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). The "hour" that has arrived is the very moment for which He came into the world—to offer Himself as the spotless Lamb of God, whose sacrifice would take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, this verse in Gethsemane is not merely a statement of impending doom but a powerful affirmation of Christ's sovereign purpose in laying down His life to secure salvation and eternal rest for all who believe ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")).

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 13:1

¶ Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

John 12:27

¶ Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

John 17:1

¶ These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

Matthew 26:2

Ye know that after two days is [the feast of] the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

Matthew 26:14

¶ Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

Matthew 26:15

And said [unto them], What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

Luke 22:53

When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.