King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:38 Mean?

Matthew 26:38 in the King James Version says “Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 26:38 · KJV

Context

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.

40

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

Read Matthew 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death (περίλυπός ἐστιν ἡ ψυχή μου ἕως θανάτου, perilupos estin hē psychē mou heōs thanatou)—literally 'surrounded by grief to the point of death.' The word perilupos indicates sorrow pressing in from all sides. Jesus quotes Psalm 42:5-6, identifying with the psalmist's overwhelming anguish. Tarry ye here, and watch with me (γρηγορεῖτε μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ, grēgoreite met' emou)—the command to 'stay alert' spiritually, not merely keep awake physically.

This is Christ's most vulnerable moment recorded in Scripture. The sinless Son, who knew no sin, was about to be 'made sin' (2 Corinthians 5:21). His soul-anguish foreshadows the spiritual death—separation from the Father—he would experience on the cross when crying 'My God, why hast thou forsaken me?' (Matthew 27:46).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish night watches were traditionally times of prayer (Psalm 63:6, 119:148). Jesus asked the disciples to join him in vigilant prayer during this critical hour. The request 'watch with me' reveals Christ's true humanity—in his darkest hour, he desired human companionship, though his atoning work could only be accomplished alone. This was Thursday night of Passion Week, hours before his arrest and crucifixion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's honest expression of his soul's anguish encourage you to bring your own deep sorrows to the Father in prayer?
  2. What does Jesus's request for companionship ('watch with me') reveal about the incarnation and his genuine human experience?
  3. How does understanding that Christ's sorrow was 'unto death' (reaching to the point of death itself) illuminate what he endured in your place?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
τότε1 of 16

“Then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

λέγει2 of 16

“saith he”

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

αὐτοῖς3 of 16

“unto them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Περίλυπός4 of 16

“exceeding sorrowful”

G4036

grieved all around, i.e., intensely sad

ἐστιν5 of 16

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἡ6 of 16
G3588

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

ψυχή7 of 16

“soul”

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

μου8 of 16

“My”

G3450

of me

ἕως9 of 16

“even unto”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

θανάτου·10 of 16

“death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

μείνατε11 of 16

“tarry ye”

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

ὧδε12 of 16

“here”

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

καὶ13 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

γρηγορεῖτε14 of 16

“watch”

G1127

to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)

μετ'15 of 16

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἐμοῦ16 of 16

“me”

G1700

of me

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 26:38 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 26:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 12:271 Peter 3:181 Peter 2:241 Peter 4:7Galatians 3:13Matthew 26:40-41

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