Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

LUKE 22:42KJV
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Luke 22:42 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:42 mean?

Luke 22:42 shows Jesus praying to God the Father, asking if it is possible for his coming suffering (“this cup”) to be taken away, but ultimately submitting to God’s will instead of his own. This verse highlights Jesus’ honest struggle and his choice to obey God, even when it is difficult.

In this scene, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, speaking directly to God the Father just before his arrest. The “cup” is a common biblical image for suffering or a difficult fate. Jesus’ words reveal both his deep distress about what is coming and his trust in God’s plan, making this a moment of both vulnerability and commitment.

The Greek behind Luke 22:42

  • “cup” (ποτήριον, potērion): This word often represents a person’s fate or a difficult experience, especially one given by God. Here, it points to the suffering and death Jesus is about to face.
  • “not my will, but thine, be done” (οὐ τὸ θέλημά μου ἀλλὰ τὸ σὸν γινέσθω, ou to thelēma mou alla to son ginesthō): The Greek for “will” (θέλημα, thelēma) means desire or wish. Jesus is clearly distinguishing his own human desire from God’s greater purpose, and the phrase for “be done” (γινέσθω, ginesthō) expresses letting something come to pass or happen.

Why Luke 22:42 matters

  • Luke 22:42 clears up the idea that Jesus faced his suffering without emotion; instead, it shows him honestly wrestling with what lies ahead, yet choosing obedience.
  • This verse emphasizes the real humanity of Jesus, highlighting that he experienced fear and distress, not just divine certainty.
  • Luke 22:42 connects to the larger story by showing Jesus’ commitment to God’s plan, setting the stage for his arrest and crucifixion, and helping readers understand the depth of his sacrifice.

Where else these words appear

“remove” Greek G3911 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

“thine” Greek G4674 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
  • Mark 5:19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
  • John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

“cup” Greek G4221 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
  • Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

“nevertheless” Greek G4133 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 11:22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
  • Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
  • Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.