Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

MATTHEW 26:45KJV
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Matthew 26:45 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:45 mean?

Matthew 26:45 describes Jesus returning to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane and telling them to sleep and rest, because the time has come for him—the "Son of man"—to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Jesus is signaling that the moment of his arrest is now at hand.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to his closest followers after praying alone and finding them asleep. The verse marks a turning point: Jesus acknowledges that the time for rest is over, as his betrayal by Judas and the events leading to his crucifixion are about to begin. The phrase "the hour is at hand" highlights the urgency and inevitability of what is coming next.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:45

  • ὥρα (hōra, "hour"): This word means more than just a time on the clock; it often refers to a decisive or appointed moment. Here, it emphasizes that a crucial point in Jesus' mission has arrived.
  • παραδίδοται (paradidotai, "is betrayed"): This verb carries the sense of being handed over or delivered up, not just betrayed in a personal sense but also officially given into the custody of others. It underlines the seriousness of what is happening to Jesus.
  • ἁμαρτωλῶν (hamartōlōn, "sinners"): The term refers broadly to those opposed to God’s ways, not just people with personal failings. In this context, it points to those who will arrest and condemn Jesus.

Why Matthew 26:45 matters

  • Matthew 26:45 clarifies that Jesus was fully aware of the timing and nature of his betrayal, showing his willingness to face what was coming rather than being caught off guard.
  • The verse connects the disciples’ inability to stay awake with the coming crisis, highlighting their human weakness in contrast to Jesus’ resolve.
  • This moment sets the stage for the arrest and the events of the Passion, making clear that everything is unfolding according to a larger plan rather than by accident or surprise.

Where else these words appear

“rest” Greek G373 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
  • Luke 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
  • Philemon 1:20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

“now” Greek G3063 · used in 14 verses

  • Mark 14:41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
  • Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

“on” Greek G2518 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
  • Mark 4:27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
  • Mark 14:41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

“hand” Greek G1448 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
  • Luke 24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.