Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:36

What does Matthew 26:36 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:36 means

Jesus goes with his disciples to Gethsemane and tells them to sit while he goes to pray. The move to the garden signals a shift from teaching and fellowship to private, intense communion with the Father. Jesus’ request that they remain and 'watch' acknowledges their physical presence but also communicates his need for solitude in prayer. It begins the Gethsemane scene where Jesus faces deep sorrow and agonizes over the cost of obedience, demonstrating his humanity and submission to the Father’s will.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then comes Jesus with them to a place named Gethsemane, and says to his disciples, Be seated here, while I go over there for prayer.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then come with them doth Jesus to a place called Gethsemane, and he saith to the disciples, `Sit ye here, till having gone away, I shall pray yonder.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then Jesus came with them into a country place which is called Gethsemani. And he said to his disciples: Sit you here, till I go yonder and pray.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then Jesus comes with them to a place called Gethsemane, and says to the disciples, Sit here until I go away and pray yonder.

Context

This verse follows the Last Supper and Peter’s vow, moving the narrative to a place of prayer before arrest. Gethsemane is the setting for Jesus’ inner struggle and resolute obedience. For readers, this marks a shift from public ministry to private suffering, a key moment where Jesus’ human anxiety and divine submission converge.

v.35Peter saith unto him, Even if I must die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

v.36This passage

v.37And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and sore troubled.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 14:32

    And they come unto a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith unto his disciples, Sit ye here, while I pray.

  • Luke 22:39

    And he came out, and went, as his custom was, unto the mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed him.

  • Matthew 26:42

    Again a second time he went away, and prayed, saying, My Father, if this cannot pass away, except I drink it, thy will be done.

  • Psalms 22:1

    My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou sofar from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?

  • John 18:1

    When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where was a garden, into which he entered, himself and his disciples.

  • Matthew 26:39

    And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.

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