And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

MATTHEW 26:44KJV
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Matthew 26:44 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:44 mean?

Matthew 26:44 describes how Jesus left his disciples, went away for a third time, and prayed, repeating the same words as before. This verse shows Jesus persisting in prayer during a moment of deep distress, emphasizing his earnestness and the seriousness of the situation.

In this scene, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before his arrest. He has already found his disciples sleeping twice while he prayed alone. The verse highlights that Jesus did not change his prayer but continued to express the same plea to God, showing both his human struggle and his commitment to facing what was ahead.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:44

  • "προσηύξατο" (prosēuxato, G4336): This word for "prayed" is used here to show an intentional, focused act of prayer. The form suggests a repeated or ongoing action, emphasizing Jesus' persistence.
  • "τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον" (ton auton logon, G846 + G3056): Translated as "the same words," this phrase underlines that Jesus did not change his request or approach in prayer, but continued with the same heartfelt plea.

Why Matthew 26:44 matters

  • Matthew 26:44 clarifies that Jesus' struggle in prayer was not a one-time event but something he returned to multiple times, highlighting the depth of his anguish.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing Jesus' humanity—he earnestly prayed and repeated himself, just as many people do in times of distress.
  • This detail also sets the stage for the events that follow, showing Jesus' resolve and acceptance of what he must face after his time in prayer.

Where else these words appear

“time” Greek G5154 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • Luke 20:31 And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

“prayed” Greek G4336 · used in 82 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
  • Acts 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

“away” Greek G565 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 5:20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
  • Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

“left” Greek G863 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Mark 2:7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.