New Testament
Matthew 26:37
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus is in a moment of deep emotional turmoil as he prepares for his impending crucifixion.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
He took Peter and the 2 sons of Zebedee with him, and deep sorrow and anguish came over him.
And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is in a moment of deep emotional turmoil as he prepares for his impending crucifixion. He chooses to bring along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, James and John, to share in this significant moment. The phrase 'deep sorrow and anguish' highlights the intense emotional struggle Jesus is experiencing. This moment reveals his humanity, showing that even the Son of God felt overwhelming sadness and distress. It emphasizes the importance of companionship during difficult times, as Jesus sought the support of his closest friends. This scene sets the stage for the events leading to his arrest and crucifixion, illustrating the weight of the sacrifice he is about to make for humanity's sake.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 26:37 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek support from friends and loved ones during our own times of sorrow. Just as Jesus shared his struggles with his closest disciples, we too can find strength in community. It reminds us that it is okay to express our emotions and seek help when facing difficult situations.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 26:37 mean?
Matthew 26:37 describes a moment when Jesus, facing his impending crucifixion, experiences deep sorrow and anguish. He takes Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, James and John, with him, highlighting his need for companionship during this emotional struggle.
What is the significance of Jesus' sorrow in Matthew 26:37?
The sorrow Jesus feels in Matthew 26:37 emphasizes his humanity and the emotional weight of his upcoming sacrifice. It shows that even the Son of God experienced profound distress, making his sacrifice more relatable to human experiences of pain and grief.
Who are the two sons of Zebedee mentioned in Matthew 26:37?
The two sons of Zebedee mentioned in Matthew 26:37 are James and John, who were among Jesus' closest disciples. Their presence during this moment of sorrow indicates the importance of friendship and support in times of distress.
What does 'deep sorrow and anguish' mean in Matthew 26:37?
'Deep sorrow and anguish' in Matthew 26:37 refers to the intense emotional pain and distress Jesus felt as he faced his crucifixion. This phrase highlights the gravity of the moment and the weight of the sacrifice he was about to make.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Unlock the full Matthew summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.