Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:40

What does Matthew 26:40 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:40 means

Jesus returns and finds the disciples sleeping, and he asks Peter if they could not watch with him for one hour. Their sleep reveals spiritual lethargy and inability to sustain prayer. Jesus’ question highlights the disciples’ failure to provide the support he requested, showing human weakness and distraction in the face of crisis. The 'one hour' appeal underscores that brief vigilance was possible yet not sustained. The verse exposes the disciples’ physical and spiritual fatigue contrasted with Jesus’ wakeful resolve in prayer.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he comes to the disciples, and sees that they are sleeping, and says to Peter, What, were you not able to keep watch with me one hour?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them sleeping, and he saith to Peter, `So! ye were not able one hour to watch with me!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he cometh to his disciples and findeth them asleep. And he saith to Peter: What? Could you not watch one hour with me?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he comes to the disciples and finds them sleeping, and says to Peter, Thus ye have not been able to watch one hour with me?

Context

This verse follows Jesus’ first prayer and underscores the disciples’ failure to watch. It reinforces the theme that while Jesus engages in spiritual combat through prayer, his followers fall asleep, unable to accompany him. For readers, this contrast sharpens the isolation of Jesus and the frailty of his closest companions.

v.39And 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.

v.40This passage

v.41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Kings 20:11

    And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell him, Let not him that girdeth on his armor boast himself as he that putteth it off.

  • Matthew 25:5

    Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

  • Judges 9:33

    and it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, thou shalt rise early, and rush upon the city; and, behold, when he and the people that are with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them as thou shalt find occasion.

  • Matthew 26:35

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

  • Song of Solomon 5:2

    I was asleep, but my heart waked: It is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled; For my head is filled with dew, My locks with the drops of the night.

  • Mark 14:37

    And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest thou not watch one hour?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 26

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 26.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 26:40.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary