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Matthew 26:41

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 26:41 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Matthew 26:41 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 26

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
38Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: abide ye here, and watch with me.
39And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.
40And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
42Again a second time he went away, and prayed, saying, My Father, if this cannot pass away, except I drink it, thy will be done.
43And he came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.
44And he left them again, and went away, and prayed a third time, saying again the same words.
← Matthew 26:40Matthew 26:42 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Watch and pray, etc.] These two are very justly put together. There is, and ought to be, a watching before prayer, and “unto” it; a watching all opportunities, the most suitable and convenient to perform it; and there is a watching in it, both over our hearts, thoughts, words, and gestures, and after it, for a return of it, and answer to it: the reason of this exhortation follows, that ye enter not into temptation; not that they might not be tempted at all; for none of the saints have been, or are without temptations; and they are needful for them; and it is the will of God they should be attended with them; and he has made gracious provisions for their help and relief under them; but that…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane - This account is also recorded in Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46; John 18:1. Matthew 26:36 Then cometh ... - After the institution of the Lord’s Supper, in the early part of the night, he went out to the Mount of Olives. In his journey he passed over the brook Cedron John 18:1, which bounded Jerusalem on the east. Unto a place - John calls this “a garden.” This garden was on the western side of the Mount of Olives, and a short distance from Jerusalem. The word used by John means not properly a garden for the cultivation of vegetables, but a place planted with the olive and other trees, perhaps with a fountain of water, and with walks and groves; a proper place of…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The spirit - Your spirit: ye yourselves. The flesh - Your nature. How gentle a rebuke was this, and how kind an apology! especially at a time when our Lord's own mind was so weighed down with sorrow. Matthew 26:45”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Watch: Mat 24:42, Mat 25:13; Mar 13:33-37, Mar 14:38; Luk 21:36, Luk 22:40, Luk 22:46; Co1 16:13; Eph 6:18; Pe1 4:7, Pe1 5:8; Rev 16:15 enter: Mat 6:13; Pro 4:14, Pro 4:15; Luk 8:13, Luk 11:4; Co1 10:13; Pe2 2:9; Rev 3:10 the spirit: Psa 119:4, Psa 119:5, Psa 119:24, Psa 119:25, Psa 119:32, Psa 119:35-37, Psa 119:115, Psa 119:117, Psa 119:1; Isa 26:8, Isa 26:9; Rom 7:18-25, Rom 8:3; Co1 9:27; Gal 5:16, Gal 5:17, Gal 5:24; Phi 3:12-14 Matthew 26:42”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification