Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Original Language Analysis
γρηγορεῖτε
Watch
G1127
γρηγορεῖτε
Watch
Strong's:
G1127
Word #:
1 of 16
to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 16
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 #:
8 of 16
a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
indeed
G3303
μὲν
indeed
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
πνεῦμα
the spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
11 of 16
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
πρόθυμον
is willing
G4289
πρόθυμον
is willing
Strong's:
G4289
Word #:
12 of 16
forward in spirit, i.e., predisposed; neuter (as noun) alacrity
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Mark 14:38Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.Luke 22:46And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.Ephesians 6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;Matthew 6:13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.Revelation 16:15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.Luke 21:36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.1 Corinthians 10:13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.1 Corinthians 16:13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:2 Peter 2:9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
Historical Context
Gethsemane marked Jesus' preparation for the cross. His soul was 'exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death' (Matthew 26:38) as He faced the horror of bearing humanity's sin. He repeatedly asked disciples to watch with Him, finding comfort in their presence and partnership in prayer. Their failure foreshadowed their scattering when Jesus was arrested (v. 56). Peter's confident boast ('Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended,' v. 33) proved hollow when testing came. Early Christians preserved this story to teach dependence on God's strength through prayer, especially during persecution.
Questions for Reflection
- How does prayerlessness leave you vulnerable to temptation that prayer would help you overcome?
- In what areas does your 'willing spirit' clash with your 'weak flesh,' requiring greater dependence on God?
- What does Jesus' gentle response to His disciples' failure teach about how He deals with our weaknesses?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus speaks these words in Gethsemane, finding His disciples sleeping when He asked them to 'watch' (γρηγορεῖτε/gregoreite) and pray. 'Watch and pray' combines vigilance with dependence on God. Watchfulness alone leads to self-reliance; prayer alone can become passive. Together they form proper spiritual warfare stance. 'That ye enter not into temptation' (ἵνα μὴ εἰσέλθητε εἰς πειρασμόν/hina me eiselthete eis peirasmon) doesn't mean avoiding testing but rather not succumbing to it. The contrast Jesus draws is profound: 'the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak' (τὸ μὲν πνεῦμα πρόθυμον ἡ δὲ σὰρξ ἀσθενής/to men pneuma prothymon he de sarx asthenes). The disciples' spirits genuinely desired to support Jesus, but their human frailty prevailed. This isn't excuse for failure but diagnosis of the human condition—we need divine strength to maintain spiritual vigilance. Within hours, this weakness manifested in Peter's denials and the disciples' desertion. Jesus understands our weakness (Hebrews 4:15) yet calls us to dependence through prayer.