Matthew 26:40
And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔρχεται
he cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
he cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 21
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 21
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 21
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
καθεύδοντας
asleep
G2518
καθεύδοντας
asleep
Strong's:
G2518
Word #:
9 of 21
to lie down to rest, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρῳ
unto Peter
G4074
Πέτρῳ
unto Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
13 of 21
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
ἰσχύσατε
could ye
G2480
ἰσχύσατε
could ye
Strong's:
G2480
Word #:
16 of 21
to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)
γρηγορῆσαι
watch
G1127
γρηγορῆσαι
watch
Strong's:
G1127
Word #:
19 of 21
to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Mark 14:37And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?Luke 22:45And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,Matthew 26:43And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.Matthew 26:35Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.Luke 9:32But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.Matthew 25:5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.Matthew 26:38Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
Historical Context
The Jewish day was divided into twelve hours of daylight and four night watches of three hours each. Jesus's request for 'one hour' of watchful prayer was minimal—yet the disciples failed even this. This failure foreshadowed Peter's coming denial and the disciples' scattering (Matthew 26:56). The scene occurred during Passover, when Jews commemorated their forefathers' deliverance—yet the disciples slept while the true Passover Lamb prepared for sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did Peter, who made the boldest claims of loyalty, receive the sharpest rebuke for sleeping, and what warning does this give about self-confidence?
- How does the disciples' failure to watch for one hour highlight the truth that salvation depends entirely on Christ's work, not human effort?
- In what areas of your spiritual life are you 'sleeping' when Christ calls you to watch and pray?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Findeth them asleep (εὑρίσκει αὐτοὺς καθεύδοντας, heuriskei autous katheudontas)—while Christ agonized under the weight of impending sin-bearing, the disciples slumbered. What, could ye not watch with me one hour? (οὐκ ἰσχύσατε μίαν ὥραν γρηγορῆσαι μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ, ouk ischusate mian hōran grēgorēsai met' emou)—the question carries both disappointment and gentle rebuke. The word grēgorēsai means to 'stay alert, vigilant,' not merely remain awake.
Jesus directs the question specifically to Peter—the same Peter who hours earlier boasted 'Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended' (Matthew 26:33). The contrast is devastating: Peter could not stay alert for one hour, yet Christ would remain faithful through six hours of crucifixion. This scene exposes human weakness and divine strength, our failure and his faithfulness.