He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

MATTHEW 26:42KJV
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Matthew 26:42 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:42 mean?

Matthew 26:42 shows Jesus praying to God the Father a second time, asking if it is possible for the suffering he faces ("this cup") to be taken away, but ultimately submitting to God's will above his own. This verse highlights Jesus' willingness to obey God, even when it means enduring great hardship.

In this scene, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, speaking directly to God in prayer as he faces his coming arrest and crucifixion. The "cup" is a common biblical image for suffering or a difficult fate. Jesus' words reveal both his deep distress and his commitment to trust God's plan, even when it is costly.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:42

  • "cup" (ποτήριον, potērion): This word often represents a person's destiny or a difficult experience, especially one involving suffering. Here, it points to the suffering Jesus is about to endure.
  • "thy will" (θέλημα, thelēma): This term means desire, purpose, or will. Jesus places God's will above his own, showing surrender and trust.
  • "done" (γίνομαι, ginomai): This verb means to become or to happen. Jesus is asking for God's will to come to pass, not just in theory but in real events.

Why Matthew 26:42 matters

  • Matthew 26:42 clarifies that Jesus' struggle was not a lack of faith but a real human wrestling with suffering, paired with complete trust in God.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jesus' obedience was a conscious, repeated choice, not a one-time decision.
  • This prayer connects to the larger story of Jesus' sacrifice, showing that his suffering and death were not accidents but part of God's purposeful plan.

Where else these words appear

“away” 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?

“time” Greek G1208 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
  • Acts 10:15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
  • Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

“except” Greek G3362 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
  • Acts 15:1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.