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 26:39KJVWhat 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.