Matthew 26:39

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
προελθὼν
further
to go onward, precede (in place or time)
#3
μικρὸν
a little
a small space of time or degree
#4
ἔπεσεν
fell
to fall (literally or figuratively)
#5
ἐπὶ
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#6
πρόσωπον
face
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#7
αὐτοῦ
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
#8
προσευχόμενος
prayed
to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship
#9
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
λέγων,
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#11
Πάτερ
Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#12
μου
O my
of me
#13
εἰ
if
if, whether, that, etc
#14
δυνατόν
possible
powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible
#15
ἐστιν
it be
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#16
παρελθέτω
let
to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert
#17
ἀπ'
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#18
ἐμοῦ
me
of me
#19
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
ποτήριον
cup
a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
#21
τοῦτο·
this
that thing
#22
πλὴν
nevertheless
moreover (besides), i.e., albeit, save that, rather, yet
#23
οὐχ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#24
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#25
ἐγὼ
I
i, me
#26
θέλω
will
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#27
ἀλλ'
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#28
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#29
σύ
thou
thou

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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