And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

LUKE 22:46KJV
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Luke 22:46 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:46 mean?

Luke 22:46 shows Jesus waking his disciples and urging them to get up and pray so they will not fall into temptation. Jesus is warning them that prayer is needed to resist the challenges and pressures they are about to face.

In this scene, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before his arrest. He finds his closest followers sleeping when he had asked them to pray. Jesus speaks directly to them, highlighting the importance of being spiritually alert and prepared, especially in difficult moments.

The Greek behind Luke 22:46

  • "εἰσέλθητε" (eiselthēte, "enter"): This Greek word often means to go into or come into something. Here, it carries the sense of not letting oneself get drawn into a situation—specifically, a time of testing or temptation.
  • "πειρασμόν" (peirasmon, "temptation"): This word can mean a test, trial, or temptation. In this context, it refers to a difficult situation that could lead someone to fail or give in to weakness, not just a simple urge to do wrong.

Why Luke 22:46 matters

  • Luke 22:46 clarifies that Jesus sees prayer as a real defense against temptation, not just a religious routine.
  • The verse shows the disciples’ human weakness, setting up the events where they will soon struggle and scatter, making Jesus’ warning even more pointed.
  • This moment connects to the larger theme in Luke’s Gospel of watchfulness and readiness, especially in times of crisis or spiritual danger.

Where else these words appear

“ye” Greek G2518 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
  • Matthew 26:45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
  • Mark 14:40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again,(for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.

“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.

“lest” Greek G3363 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
  • John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
  • Philippians 2:27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.