And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

MATTHEW 26:39KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 26:39 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:39 mean?

Matthew 26:39 describes Jesus moving a short distance away, falling with his face to the ground, and praying to God the Father. Jesus asks if it is possible for "this cup"—meaning the suffering he is about to face—to be taken from him, but he submits to God's will rather than his own.

In this verse, 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 a difficult or painful experience. Jesus expresses both his deep distress and his willingness to obey God's plan, showing both his humanity and his trust in God.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:39

  • The word "cup" (ποτήριον, potērion) often refers to a challenging fate or suffering. Here, it highlights that Jesus is asking if the suffering ahead could be avoided, but he is also ready to accept it if it is God's will.
  • The phrase "not as I will, but as thou wilt" uses the Greek θέλω (thelō, "I will" or "I want") and θέλεις (theleis, "you will" or "you want"). This contrast shows Jesus distinguishing his own desire from the Father's, emphasizing his choice to submit.
  • The verb "fell" (ἔπεσεν, epesen) describes Jesus physically collapsing to the ground, which underlines the intensity of his emotional struggle in this moment.

Why Matthew 26:39 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Jesus faced his suffering without emotion; instead, it shows his real anguish and honest prayer to God.
  • Matthew 26:39 emphasizes Jesus' obedience and surrender, even when it meant facing something he deeply wished to avoid.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing the turning point where Jesus chooses to follow through with God's plan, setting the stage for the events of his arrest and crucifixion.

Where else these words appear

“went” Greek G4281 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 6:33 And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.
  • Luke 1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
  • Acts 20:5 These going before tarried for us at Troas.

“little” Greek G3397 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 26:73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
  • John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
  • John 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

“let” Greek G3928 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
  • Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

“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 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
  • 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?