Matthew 26:39

Jesus Prays at Gethsemane · Matthew 26:36–46
Read Matthew 26

Translations

Modern
Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”
Traditional
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.
Literal
And having gone forward a little, He fell upon His face, praying and saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You.”
Latin
Et progressus pusillum, procidit in faciem suam, orans, et dicens: Pater mi, si possibile est, transeat a me calix iste: verumtamen non sicut ego volo, sed sicut tu.

Original

Greek
English
Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

Notes

  • if it is possible: Jesus desired to obey the Father fully while dreading the suffering and judgment he was about to bear.

  • Yet not as I will, but as You will: He continued to do the Father's will (Matthew 4:1–11; 16:23; John 6:38).

This scene reveals how deeply Jesus understood the suffering he would encounter on the cross. It also reveals his complete dedication to God's will (see Matthew 20:28). The words in 26:41–42 echo the Lord’s Prayer in 6:9–13.

Events

Parallels

Mark 14:32–42 Luke 22:39–46

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bloody Sweat Cup Elder Eli, Eli, Lema Sabachthani? Gethsemane Gospel of Matthew Incarnation Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, Teachings of Judas Offend, Offense Passion

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation In Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation in Jesus, in Gethsemane Contingencies in Divine Government of Man Cup of Sorrow Gethsemane: Jesus Betrayed In God: Fatherhood of Jesus, the Christ: Death of, Voluntary Jesus, the Christ: Humanity of Jesus, the Christ: Obedience of Jesus, the Christ: Prayers of Jesus, the Christ: Relation of, to the Father Jesus, the Christ: Retires to Gethsemane (On the Mount of Olives) Jesus, the Christ: Sufferings of Obedience: Jesus Peter: Present in the Garden of Gethsemane Prayer: Jesus Prayer: Postures in Falling on the Face Prayer: Submission In, Exemplified by Jesus Prayer: The Prayer of Jesus, |Let This Cup Pass Away| Praying for Yourself Private Prayer: Christ Was Constant In Resignation: Christ Set and Example of Resignation: Exemplified Seeking God's Will Sorrow of Jesus Submission: To Authority: Jesus an Example of Temptation: Resistance To The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Sufferings Will of God, the Supreme Rule of Duty