King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:45 Mean?

Matthew 26:45 in the King James Version says “Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Matthew 26:45 · KJV


Context

43

And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

44

And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

45

Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

46

Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

47

And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest (τότε ἔρχεται πρὸς τοὺς μαθητὰς καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς, Καθεύδετε λοιπὸν καὶ ἀναπαύεσθε)—This is likely ironic or rhetorical—'Are you still sleeping and resting?' The λοιπόν ('finally, at last, from now on') may indicate resigned acceptance of their weakness, or it may be ironic: 'Sleep on, then!' The opportunity to watch has passed. Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners (ἰδοὺ ἤγγικεν ἡ ὥρα καὶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται εἰς χεῖρας ἁμαρτωλῶν)—The interjection ἰδού ('behold!') demands attention.

The perfect ἤγγικεν ('has drawn near, is at hand') shows the hour arrived—no more delay. The present παραδίδοται ('is being betrayed') may be futuristic present (immediately forthcoming) or describe Judas's approach even as Jesus spoke. The phrase εἰς χεῖρας ἁμαρτωλῶν ('into hands of sinners') shows the sinless one delivered to sinful humanity—the supreme irony. The title 'Son of Man' (Daniel 7:13-14) emphasizes Jesus's messianic identity and human nature.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'hour' (ὥρα) refers to Jesus's appointed time of suffering, frequently mentioned in John (John 2:4; 7:30; 8:20; 12:23, 27; 13:1; 17:1). The divine timetable couldn't be rushed or delayed—Judas's betrayal occurred precisely when ordained. The description of Jesus's captors as 'sinners' (ἁμάρτωλοι) emphasizes the innocence of the victim and guilt of the captors. Isaiah 53:12 prophesied Messiah would be 'numbered with the transgressors'—now fulfilling as sinners arrest the sinless.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's ironic 'Sleep on now' rebuke you when opportunities for spiritual alertness pass unused?
  2. What does the precision of 'the hour' teach about God's sovereign timing—neither early nor late but exactly appointed?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
τότε1 of 27

Then

G5119

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

ἔρχεται2 of 27

cometh he

G2064

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

πρὸς3 of 27

to

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 27
G3588

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

μαθητὰς5 of 27

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῖς6 of 27

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

καὶ7 of 27

and

G2532

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

λέγει8 of 27

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

αὐτοῖς9 of 27

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

Καθεύδετε10 of 27

Sleep on

G2518

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

τὸ11 of 27
G3588

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

λοιπὸν12 of 27

now

G3063

something remaining (adverbially)

καὶ13 of 27

and

G2532

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

ἀναπαύεσθε·14 of 27

take your rest

G373

(reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh

ἰδού,15 of 27

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἤγγικεν16 of 27

is at hand

G1448

to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach

17 of 27
G3588

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

ὥρα18 of 27

the hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

καὶ19 of 27

and

G2532

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

20 of 27
G3588

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

υἱὸς21 of 27

the Son

G5207

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

τοῦ22 of 27
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου23 of 27

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

παραδίδοται24 of 27

is betrayed

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

εἰς25 of 27

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

χεῖρας26 of 27

the hands

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

ἁμαρτωλῶν27 of 27

of sinners

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner


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 26:45 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 26:45 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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