King James Version

What Does Luke 22:42 Mean?

Luke 22:42 in the King James Version says “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. willing, remo... — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 22:42 · KJV


Context

40

And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

41

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down , and prayed,

42

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

43

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

44

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In Gethsemane, Jesus prays: 'Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.' This prayer reveals Jesus' genuine humanity—He shrinks from the horror of the cross, asking if there's another way. The 'cup' represents God's wrath against sin that Jesus will bear (Isaiah 51:17, 22). Yet Jesus immediately submits: 'nevertheless not my will, but thine.' The Greek 'plēn' (πλήν, nevertheless) indicates strong contrast—His desire versus God's will. Perfect obedience means submitting our desires to God's will, even when it means suffering. Jesus models this, choosing the Father's will over His own preferences.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gethsemane means 'oil press'—fitting location for Jesus' crushing agony. He took Peter, James, and John to watch and pray (v. 40) but they fell asleep (v. 45). Jesus' anguish was so intense that He sweat drops like blood (hematidrosis, v. 44), a rare medical condition under extreme stress. An angel appeared strengthening Him (v. 43). This scene reveals redemption's cost—what Jesus willingly endured to save sinners. His prayer 'remove this cup' showed the cross's horror—not merely physical death but bearing God's wrath and separation from the Father. Yet He chose obedience over comfort, mission over ease.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' prayer to remove the cup while submitting to God's will teach about balancing honest prayer with ultimate submission?
  2. How does Jesus' choosing the Father's will over His own model proper response when God's will conflicts with our desires?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
λέγων,1 of 19

Saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Πάτερ2 of 19

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

εἰ3 of 19

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

βούλει4 of 19

thou be willing

G1014

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

παρενεγκεῖν5 of 19

remove

G3911

to bear along or aside, i.e., carry off (literally or figuratively); by implication, to avert

τὸ6 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ποτήριον7 of 19

cup

G4221

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

τοῦτο8 of 19

this

G5124

that thing

ἀπ'9 of 19

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἐμοῦ·10 of 19

me

G1700

of me

πλὴν11 of 19

nevertheless

G4133

moreover (besides), i.e., albeit, save that, rather, yet

μὴ12 of 19

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τὸ13 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θέλημά14 of 19

will

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

μου15 of 19

my

G3450

of me

ἀλλὰ16 of 19

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τὸ17 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σὸν18 of 19

thine

G4674

thine

γενέσθω19 of 19

be done

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 22:42 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 22:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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