Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

MATTHEW 26:38KJV
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Matthew 26:38 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:38 mean?

Matthew 26:38 records Jesus telling his disciples that he is overwhelmed with deep sorrow, so much so that he feels close to death, and he asks them to stay and keep watch with him. This verse shows Jesus expressing intense emotional distress and seeking the support of his closest followers during a moment of great trial.

In this scene, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, speaking to Peter, James, and John just before his arrest. He openly shares his anguish, revealing the full weight of what he is about to face. By asking the disciples to "watch with me," Jesus invites them to be present with him in his suffering, highlighting both his humanity and the seriousness of the moment.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:38

  • ψυχή (psychē, "soul"): This word often refers to a person's inner life or deepest self. Here, it emphasizes that Jesus's sorrow is not just physical but reaches to the very core of his being.
  • περίλυπος (perilypos, "sorrowful"): This Greek term means deeply grieved or surrounded by sorrow. The intensity of the word underlines just how heavy Jesus's emotional burden is at this point.
  • τηρήσατε (tēreō, "watch"): The word for "watch" carries the sense of staying awake, being alert, or keeping vigil. Jesus is not just asking for company but for his disciples to be spiritually and physically attentive during this critical time.

Why Matthew 26:38 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Jesus faced his suffering without emotion; it shows his real, human anguish and willingness to share that vulnerability with his friends.
  • The emphasis on "even unto death" reveals just how crushing the weight of the coming events is for Jesus, adding depth to the story of his sacrifice.
  • Matthew 26:38 connects to the wider passage by setting the stage for the disciples' struggle to stay awake and support Jesus, highlighting both his need for companionship and their human weakness.

Where else these words appear

“sorrowful” Greek G4036 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 6:26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
  • Mark 14:34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
  • Luke 18:23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

“watch” Greek G1127 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
  • Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

“here” Greek G5602 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • Mark 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
  • Luke 23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

“soul” Greek G5590 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 2:20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
  • John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.