Matthew 26:42
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 26:42
42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
Chapter Context
Matthew 26 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, redemption, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-75: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 26:42
42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
Analysis
He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done (πάλιν ἐκ δευτέρου ἀπελθὼν προσηύξατο λέγων, Πάτερ μου, εἰ οὐ δύναται τοῦτο παρελθεῖν ἐὰν μὴ αὐτὸ πίω, γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου)—The second prayer shows progression from 'if possible, let this cup pass' (26:39) to 'if it cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done.' The conditional εἰ οὐ δύναται παρελθεῖν ἐὰν μὴ αὐτὸ πίω ('if this cannot pass unless I drink it') acknowledges the necessity of the cross for salvation. The Father's silence to the first prayer answered it—the cup could not pass; atonement required Christ's drinking judgment's full measure.
Thy will be done (γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου)—The aorist imperative γίνομαι expresses submission: 'Let Your will happen.' This echoes the Lord's Prayer (6:10) but now Jesus personally embraces the costly will He taught others to pray. Here is the incarnate Son's voluntary submission to the Father's redemptive plan. The agony reveals the cost; the submission reveals the love. Christ's humanity recoiled from sin-bearing; His deity resolved to accomplish it.
Historical Context
This occurred in Gethsemane ('oil press'), an olive grove on the Mount of Olives east of Jerusalem, Thursday night before crucifixion. Jesus took Peter, James, and John deeper into the garden (26:37) while He prayed alone. The progression through three prayers shows increasing resignation to the Father's will. Luke 22:44 notes His sweat 'like great drops of blood'—possibly hematidrosis, where extreme stress causes blood to mix with sweat. The garden represents the Second Adam's obedience contrasted with Eden's First Adam's disobedience.
Reflection
- How does Jesus's progression from 'if possible' to 'Your will be done' model wrestling with God's hard will while ultimately submitting?
- What does Christ's costly submission to the Father's will teach about the price of your redemption?
Cross-References
- Prayer: Matthew 26:39
- Parallel theme: Hebrews 4:15