King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:40 Mean?

Matthew 26:40 in the King James Version says “And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one ho... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 26:40 · KJV


Context

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.

42

He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Findeth them asleep (εὑρίσκει αὐτοὺς καθεύδοντας, heuriskei autous katheudontas)—while Christ agonized under the weight of impending sin-bearing, the disciples slumbered. What, could ye not watch with me one hour? (οὐκ ἰσχύσατε μίαν ὥραν γρηγορῆσαι μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ, ouk ischusate mian hōran grēgorēsai met' emou)—the question carries both disappointment and gentle rebuke. The word grēgorēsai means to 'stay alert, vigilant,' not merely remain awake.

Jesus directs the question specifically to Peter—the same Peter who hours earlier boasted 'Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended' (Matthew 26:33). The contrast is devastating: Peter could not stay alert for one hour, yet Christ would remain faithful through six hours of crucifixion. This scene exposes human weakness and divine strength, our failure and his faithfulness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Jewish day was divided into twelve hours of daylight and four night watches of three hours each. Jesus's request for 'one hour' of watchful prayer was minimal—yet the disciples failed even this. This failure foreshadowed Peter's coming denial and the disciples' scattering (Matthew 26:56). The scene occurred during Passover, when Jews commemorated their forefathers' deliverance—yet the disciples slept while the true Passover Lamb prepared for sacrifice.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Peter, who made the boldest claims of loyalty, receive the sharpest rebuke for sleeping, and what warning does this give about self-confidence?
  2. How does the disciples' failure to watch for one hour highlight the truth that salvation depends entirely on Christ's work, not human effort?
  3. In what areas of your spiritual life are you 'sleeping' when Christ calls you to watch and pray?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

And

G2532

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

ἔρχεται2 of 21

he cometh

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς3 of 21

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς4 of 21
G3588

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

μαθητὰς5 of 21

the disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

καὶ6 of 21

And

G2532

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

εὑρίσκει7 of 21

findeth

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοὺς8 of 21

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

καθεύδοντας9 of 21

asleep

G2518

to lie down to rest, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)

καὶ10 of 21

And

G2532

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

λέγει11 of 21

saith

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

τῷ12 of 21
G3588

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

Πέτρῳ13 of 21

unto Peter

G4074

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

Οὕτως14 of 21

What

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

οὐκ15 of 21

not

G3756

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

ἰσχύσατε16 of 21

could ye

G2480

to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)

μίαν17 of 21
G1520

one

ὥραν18 of 21

hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

γρηγορῆσαι19 of 21

watch

G1127

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

μετ'20 of 21

with

G3326

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

ἐμοῦ21 of 21

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 26:40 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 26:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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