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.