Matthew 26:43
And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλθὼν
he came
G2064
ἐλθὼν
he came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 12
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 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
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
5 of 12
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
καθεύδοντας
asleep
G2518
καθεύδοντας
asleep
Strong's:
G2518
Word #:
6 of 12
to lie down to rest, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The disciples' drowsiness may have been exacerbated by wine at Passover (they'd drunk four cups during the Seder) and the late hour (after midnight). Luke 22:45 says they slept 'from sorrow'—grief can cause physical exhaustion. Their sleep contrasts with Jesus's agonized prayer, showing the gulf between Christ's unique mediatorial work and disciples' inability to share His burden. They would later understand (Acts 4:23-31) and themselves pray fervently, but this night they failed.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you failed to 'watch and pray' despite your willing spirit, overcome by weak flesh?
- How does Jesus's compassion toward sleeping disciples encourage you when you fail Him despite good intentions?
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Analysis & Commentary
And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy (καὶ ἐλθὼν εὑρίσκει αὐτοὺς πάλιν καθεύδοντας, ἦσαν γὰρ αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ βεβαρημένοι)—The verb καθεύδω (katheudō, 'to sleep') describes physical sleep, not spiritual indifference (though spiritual lethargy contributed). The perfect passive participle βεβαρημένοι (from βαρέω, 'to weigh down, to burden') indicates their eyes were 'weighed down'—they couldn't keep them open. Physical exhaustion (late night, emotional stress, recent Passover meal) contributed, but this also fulfills the pattern: Christ's suffering is solitary; even closest disciples cannot watch with Him one hour (26:40).
Their inability to stay awake despite Jesus's repeated requests (this is the second time He finds them sleeping) reveals human weakness even in willing disciples. Jesus had commanded 'Watch and pray' (26:41), but they slept. This anticipates their imminent desertion (26:56)—unable to watch, they'll be unable to stand. Yet Jesus doesn't condemn but shows compassion: 'the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak' (26:41). Their failure highlights Christ's solitary obedience—He alone remained faithful.