Luke Chapter 22 · Verse 40

Authorized King James Version

Study PDF

And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

Original Language Analysis

γενόμενος he was G1096
γενόμενος he was
Strong's: G1096
Word #: 1 of 12
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
δὲ And G1161
δὲ And
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 12
but, and, etc
ἐπὶ at G1909
ἐπὶ at
Strong's: G1909
Word #: 3 of 12
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τόπου the place G5117
τόπου the place
Strong's: G5117
Word #: 5 of 12
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
εἶπεν he said G2036
εἶπεν he said
Strong's: G2036
Word #: 6 of 12
to speak or say (by word or writing)
αὐτοῖς unto them G846
αὐτοῖς unto them
Strong's: G846
Word #: 7 of 12
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
Προσεύχεσθε Pray G4336
Προσεύχεσθε Pray
Strong's: G4336
Word #: 8 of 12
to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 9 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰσελθεῖν that ye enter G1525
εἰσελθεῖν that ye enter
Strong's: G1525
Word #: 10 of 12
to enter (literally or figuratively)
εἰς into G1519
εἰς into
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 11 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
πειρασμόν temptation G3986
πειρασμόν temptation
Strong's: G3986
Word #: 12 of 12
a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity

Analysis & Commentary

When he was at the place (γενόμενος ἐπὶ τοῦ τόπου, genomenos epi tou topou)—This specific location within the Mount of Olives was Gethsemane. Jesus immediately commanded: Pray that ye enter not into temptation (προσεύχεσθε μὴ εἰσελθεῖν εἰς πειρασμόν, proseuchesthe mē eiselthein eis peirasmon). The word temptation (πειρασμός, peirasmos) means 'trial' or 'testing'—the disciples were about to face the severest test of their faith.

Jesus knew what was coming: His arrest, their scattering, Peter's denials. His first instruction wasn't 'comfort me' or 'stay awake,' but pray for yourselves. Prayer was their only defense against the crushing disillusionment that would assault them within hours. This echoes the Lord's Prayer: 'Lead us not into temptation' (Luke 11:4). Christ modeled what He commanded—withdrawing to pray (v. 41)—but the disciples failed to heed His warning (v. 45). Spiritual warfare is fought on our knees; those who neglect prayer will fall in testing.

Historical Context

The Passover night carried deep significance. Jesus and His disciples had just celebrated the Last Supper, instituting communion (22:14-20). Afterward, they sang a hymn (Matthew 26:30) and walked to Gethsemane, arriving late at night. The Mount of Olives' olive groves provided seclusion for prayer but also darkness for Judas' betrayal. Within hours, the disciples would indeed 'enter into temptation'—fleeing their arrested Lord, with Peter denying Him three times. Those who prayed (like Jesus) would endure; those who slept (like the eleven) would collapse.

Questions for Reflection