King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:37 Mean?

Matthew 26:37 in the King James Version says “And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.”

Matthew 26:37 · KJV

Context

35

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

36

Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

37

And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

38

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

39

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.

Read Matthew 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee—the same inner circle who witnessed the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1) now witness the agony. James and John, who boasted they could drink Christ's cup (Matthew 20:22), would now see what that cup truly contained. Began to be sorrowful and very heavy (λυπεῖσθαι καὶ ἀδημονεῖν, lupeisthai kai adēmonein)—the Greek conveys deep grief and distressing anxiety, an overwhelming spiritual anguish.

The word adēmonein suggests being 'away from home,' utterly disoriented—the spotless Son experiencing alienation from the Father as he contemplated bearing sin. This was not physical fear of death but horror at becoming sin itself (2 Corinthians 5:21), the cup of divine wrath against all human rebellion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter, James, and John formed Jesus's closest circle throughout his ministry. They alone witnessed the raising of Jairus's daughter (Mark 5:37), the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8), and now the Gethsemane agony. This progression reveals Christ's deliberate discipleship pattern—from resurrection power to transfiguration glory to substitutionary suffering, preparing them to understand the full scope of his messianic mission.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did the same disciples who saw Christ's glory on the mountain of Transfiguration need to witness his agony in the garden?
  2. What does the intensity of Christ's emotional distress reveal about the nature of the atonement he was about to accomplish?
  3. How does understanding that Jesus's sorrow was spiritual (bearing sin) rather than merely physical (fearing death) deepen your appreciation of his sacrifice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παραλαβὼν2 of 13

“he took with him”

G3880

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

τὸν3 of 13
G3588

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

Πέτρον4 of 13

“Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

καὶ5 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοὺς6 of 13
G3588

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

δύο7 of 13

“the two”

G1417

"two"

υἱοὺς8 of 13

“sons”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

Ζεβεδαίου9 of 13

“of Zebedee”

G2199

zebedaeus, an israelite

ἤρξατο10 of 13

“and began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

λυπεῖσθαι11 of 13

“to be sorrowful”

G3076

to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad

καὶ12 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀδημονεῖν13 of 13

“very heavy”

G85

to be in distress (of mind)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 26:37 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 Matthew 26:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 4:21Matthew 17:1Mark 5:37Mark 14:33-34John 12:27Luke 22:44

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