And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

MATTHEW 26:37KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 26:37 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:37 mean?

Matthew 26:37 describes how Jesus took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee (James and John) with him and began to feel deep sorrow and distress. This verse shows Jesus experiencing intense emotional pain as he prepares for what is about to happen to him.

In this scene, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before his arrest. He chooses three close disciples to be with him during this difficult moment. The verse highlights the real human emotions Jesus felt, using strong language to show that he was deeply troubled and burdened by what lay ahead.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:37

  • The word translated "sorrowful" is λυπέω (lypeō), which often means to be deeply grieved or saddened. Here, it emphasizes the weight of Jesus’ emotional struggle.
  • The word "heavy" comes from ἀδημονέω (adēmoneō), which can mean to be deeply distressed or troubled. This word is rare in the New Testament and suggests a level of anguish that goes beyond ordinary sadness, pointing to overwhelming inner turmoil.

Why Matthew 26:37 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Jesus faced his suffering without emotion; it shows his full humanity and the depth of his struggle.
  • By naming Peter, James, and John, Matthew draws attention to the special closeness of these disciples and their role as witnesses to Jesus’ most vulnerable moment.
  • The verse sets the stage for the events that follow, helping readers understand the gravity of what Jesus is about to endure and the significance of his prayer in the garden.

Where else these words appear

“heavy” Greek G85 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 14:33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
  • Philippians 2:26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

“Zebedee” Greek G2199 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Matthew 27:56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
  • Mark 3:17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:

“sorrowful” Greek G3076 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 14:9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.
  • Mark 14:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
  • 2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

“him” Greek G3880 · used in 50 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Mark 5:40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
  • Acts 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.