Matthew 26:40

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἔρχεται
G2064
he cometh
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
πρὸς
G4314
unto
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,
#4
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
μαθητὰς
G3101
the disciples
a learner, i.e., pupil
#6
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
εὑρίσκει
G2147
findeth
to find (literally or figuratively)
#8
αὐτοὺς
G846
them
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
#9
καθεύδοντας
G2518
asleep
to lie down to rest, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)
#10
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
λέγει
G3004
saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#12
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
Πέτρῳ
G4074
unto Peter
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
#14
Οὕτως
G3779
What
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#15
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#16
ἰσχύσατε
G2480
could ye
to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)
#17
μίαν
G1520
one
#18
ὥραν
G5610
hour
an "hour" (literally or figuratively)
#19
γρηγορῆσαι
G1127
watch
to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)
#20
μετ'
G3326
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#21
ἐμοῦ
G1700
me
of me

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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