And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

LUKE 22:40KJV
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Luke 22:40 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:40 mean?

Luke 22:40 describes Jesus arriving at a specific place with his disciples and telling them to pray so that they do not enter into temptation. Jesus is warning his followers to seek strength through prayer in order to avoid falling into situations where they might be tempted to do wrong.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples just before his arrest, in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knows that difficult times are coming for both himself and his followers. By telling them to pray, Jesus is urging them to prepare themselves spiritually for the challenges and tests they are about to face.

The Greek behind Luke 22:40

  • πειρασμός (peirasmos, "temptation"): This Greek word often refers to a test, trial, or temptation. In this context, it suggests not just the urge to do wrong, but also the difficult circumstances that could cause someone to stumble or lose faith.
  • εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai, "enter"): The Greek word for "enter" here carries the sense of going into or becoming involved in something. Jesus is not just warning about feeling tempted, but about actually getting caught up in a situation where temptation could overtake them.
  • προσεύχομαι (proseuchomai, "pray"): The Greek word for "pray" is a general term for speaking to God, but in this context, it carries a sense of urgency and dependence on God for help in a time of need.

Why Luke 22:40 matters

  • This verse shows Jesus’ concern for his disciples’ spiritual well-being, highlighting that even those close to him need to be on guard against temptation.
  • It connects directly to the events that follow, where the disciples struggle to stay awake and later face fear and confusion during Jesus’ arrest.
  • The verse clarifies that prayer is not just a ritual, but a practical way to seek strength and avoid falling into harmful situations or choices.

Where else these words appear

“temptation” Greek G3986 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Luke 22:28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
  • Hebrews 3:8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

“Pray” Greek G4336 · used in 82 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 5:16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
  • Acts 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

“place” Greek G5117 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.