Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:42

What does Matthew 26:42 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:42 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:42 means

Jesus prays a second time, saying that if the cup cannot pass except by his drinking it, then God's will be done. Here his resolve deepens: where avoidance is impossible, he fully embraces the Father's plan. The repetition indicates increasing submission and clarifies that his earlier plea submitted to divine sovereignty. This prayer moves from 'if possible' to full acceptance of God’s will, demonstrating the progress of Jesus’ obedience and the theological truth that the Son willingly accomplishes the Father’s redemptive purpose.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Again, a second time he went away, and said in prayer, O my Father, if this may not go from me without my taking it, let your pleasure be done.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Again, a second time, having gone away, he prayed, saying, `My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from me except I drink it, Thy will be done;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Again the second time, he went and prayed, saying: My Father, if this chalice may not pass away, but I must drink it, thy will be done.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Again going away a second time he prayed saying, My Father, if this cannot pass [from me] unless I drink it, thy will be done.

Context

This verse is the second of three prayers and shows Jesus’ movement from pleading to acceptance. It follows the reprimand for sleeping and models prayer under pressure. For readers, the verse shows that Jesus’ struggle led to decisive surrender—an example and comfort that God’s will, though costly, is embraced by the obedient Servant.

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

v.42This passage

v.43And he came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 14:39

    And again he went away, and prayed, saying the same words.

  • Psalms 69:17

    And hide not thy face from thy servant; For I am in distress; answer me speedily.

  • Psalms 69:1

    Save me, O God; For the waters are come in unto my soul.

  • Psalms 88:1

    O Jehovah, the God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee.

  • Hebrews 5:7

    Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,

  • 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?

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