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.