Bible Strands
Matthew 26:40
Then Jesus returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. “Were you not able to keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus returns to the disciples after praying in Gethsemane and addresses Peter directly. He finds them sleeping and questions their inability to keep watch with him for one hour.
The words — The Greek εὑρίσκει (heuriskei) means "finds," denoting Jesus' direct observation of their condition. The verb ἔρχεται (erchetai) translates to "He comes," marking his physical return to the group.
The thread — This event parallels Mark 14:37 and Luke 22:45, where Jesus similarly returns to find the disciples asleep. Matthew 26:43 records a third return with the identical observation.
Why it lands — The text records Jesus' factual assessment of their spiritual failure before issuing a command. It requires readers to acknowledge human weakness without excuse while remaining accountable to vigilance.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
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?
Cross-references
- Mark 14:37 Then Jesus returned and found them sleeping. “Simon, are you asleep?” He asked. “Were you not able to keep watch for one hour?
- Luke 22:45 When Jesus rose from prayer and returned to the disciples, He found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow.
- Matthew 26:43 And again Jesus returned and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.
- Luke 9:32 Meanwhile Peter and his companions were overcome by sleep, but when they awoke, they saw Jesus’ glory and the two men standing with Him.
- Matthew 25:5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
- Matthew 26:35 Peter replied, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the other disciples said the same thing.
- Matthew 26:38 Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”
- Judges 9:33 And in the morning at sunrise, get up and advance against the city. When Gaal and his men come out against you, do to them whatever you are able.”
- 1 Kings 20:11 And the king of Israel replied, “Tell him: ‘The one putting on his armor should not boast like one taking it off.’”
- Song of Solomon 5:2 I sleep, but my heart is awake. A sound! My beloved is knocking: “Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night.”