Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:39

What does Matthew 26:39 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:39 means

Jesus moves forward, falls on his face, and prays that, if possible, the cup might pass from him, but he submits to the Father’s will. This prayer reveals the genuine human desire to avoid suffering contrasted with obedient surrender. 'Cup' symbolizes the suffering he must endure. His posture—falling on his face—expresses humility and deep reverence. The verse poignantly shows Jesus’ obedience: he honestly voices reluctance yet ultimately places God's will above his own preferences, modeling perfect submission.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he went forward a little, and falling down on his face in prayer, he said, O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup go from me; but let not my pleasure, but yours be done.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having gone forward a little, he fell on his face, praying, and saying, `My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And going a little further, he fell upon his face, praying and saying: My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I will but as thou wilt.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And going forward a little he fell upon his face, praying and saying, My Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me; but not as I will, but as thou [wilt].

Context

This verse begins Jesus’ first of three intense prayers in Gethsemane and captures the core struggle of the scene: human anguish balanced by divine obedience. It follows his plea that they watch and sets a pattern repeated twice more. For readers, it shows Jesus’ full humanity and his commitment to fulfill the Father’s plan, despite the cost.

v.38Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: abide ye here, and watch with me.

v.39This passage

v.40And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

Cross references

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

  • Acts 10:25

    And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

  • John 11:41

    So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou heardest me.

  • 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.

  • John 14:31

    but that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

  • Matthew 24:24

    For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

  • Genesis 17:3

    And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

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