King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:39 Mean?

Matthew 26:39 in the King James Version says “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pas... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 26:39 · KJV


Context

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?

41

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Fell on his face (ἔπεσεν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ, epesen epi prosōpon autou)—the posture of extreme humility and desperate supplication. O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me—the 'cup' (ποτήριον, potērion) represents not death itself but the cup of God's wrath against sin that the prophets described (Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 51:17, Jeremiah 25:15). Jesus, in genuine human nature, recoiled from this infinite horror. Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt (πλὴν οὐχ ὡς ἐγὼ θέλω ἀλλ᾽ ὡς σύ, plēn ouch hōs egō thelō all' hōs su)—the pivot from human desire to divine submission.

This prayer reveals both natures of Christ: his humanity genuinely shrinking from the cup, his deity willingly submitting to the Father's redemptive plan. The garden agony makes clear that Christ's sacrifice was no passive martyrdom but an active, costly, willing substitution. The cup could not pass—there was no other way (Hebrews 2:10).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In Jewish sacrificial practice, the priest examined the lamb to ensure it had no blemish (Exodus 12:5). Gethsemane was Christ's self-examination—the spotless Lamb of God fully aware of the sacrifice he was about to make. The 'cup' imagery was deeply rooted in Jewish understanding of divine judgment. To drink someone's cup meant to share their fate. Jesus would drink the full cup of God's wrath so that believers might drink the cup of salvation (Psalm 116:13).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's request 'if it be possible' combined with 'not as I will, but as thou wilt' model the proper balance of honest petition and ultimate submission in prayer?
  2. What does the fact that the cup could not pass reveal about the absolute necessity of the cross for human redemption?
  3. How does contemplating what was in the 'cup' (God's wrath against all sin) deepen your gratitude for Christ's willing substitution?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
καὶ1 of 29

And

G2532

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

προελθὼν2 of 29

further

G4281

to go onward, precede (in place or time)

μικρὸν3 of 29

a little

G3397

a small space of time or degree

ἔπεσεν4 of 29

fell

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ5 of 29

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

πρόσωπον6 of 29

face

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

αὐτοῦ7 of 29
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

προσευχόμενος8 of 29

prayed

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

καὶ9 of 29

And

G2532

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

λέγων,10 of 29

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

Πάτερ11 of 29

Father

G3962

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

μου12 of 29

O my

G3450

of me

εἰ13 of 29

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δυνατόν14 of 29

possible

G1415

powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible

ἐστιν15 of 29

it be

G2076

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

παρελθέτω16 of 29

let

G3928

to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert

ἀπ'17 of 29

from

G575

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

ἐμοῦ18 of 29

me

G1700

of me

τὸ19 of 29
G3588

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

ποτήριον20 of 29

cup

G4221

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

τοῦτο·21 of 29

this

G5124

that thing

πλὴν22 of 29

nevertheless

G4133

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

οὐχ23 of 29

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὡς24 of 29

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἐγὼ25 of 29

I

G1473

i, me

θέλω26 of 29

will

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἀλλ'27 of 29

but

G235

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

ὡς28 of 29

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

σύ29 of 29

thou

G4771

thou


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 26:39 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 26:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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