New Testament
Matthew 26:40
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 returns to his disciples after praying in the Garden of Gethsemane and finds them asleep.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
He came back to the disciples and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, "Couldn't you stay awake with me for just 1 hour?
And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus returns to his disciples after praying in the Garden of Gethsemane and finds them asleep. He specifically addresses Peter, highlighting the disappointment that they could not stay awake and support him during this critical time. This moment illustrates the human tendency to falter under pressure and the importance of vigilance in spiritual matters. Jesus had asked them to watch and pray, indicating that he needed their companionship and support as he faced impending suffering. The disciples' inability to stay awake symbolizes a lack of understanding of the gravity of the situation and their own spiritual weakness. This scene sets the stage for the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, emphasizing the need for prayer and alertness in times of trial.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 26:40 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of being spiritually alert and supportive of one another, especially during difficult times. We should strive to be present for our friends and loved ones, offering prayer and encouragement when they face challenges, just as Jesus sought support from his disciples.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 26:40 teach about prayer?
Matthew 26:40 emphasizes the importance of prayer and spiritual vigilance. Jesus asked his disciples to stay awake and pray with him during a critical moment before his crucifixion. This highlights that prayer is essential in times of trial and that we should support one another through prayer, especially when facing challenges.
Why did Jesus specifically address Peter in this verse?
Jesus addressed Peter in Matthew 26:40 because Peter had previously declared his loyalty and willingness to stand by Jesus. By singling him out, Jesus expressed disappointment that Peter, despite his bold claims, could not stay awake and support him during such a crucial time, illustrating human weakness and the struggle to remain faithful under pressure.
What can we learn about human weakness from this verse?
Matthew 26:40 reveals the human tendency to falter under pressure. The disciples, despite their good intentions, fell asleep when Jesus needed them most. This serves as a reminder that we all have moments of weakness and that we must strive to be spiritually alert and supportive of others, recognizing our limitations and the need for God's strength.
How does this verse relate to discipleship?
This verse highlights a key aspect of discipleship: the call to be present and supportive in times of need. Jesus expected his disciples to watch and pray with him, illustrating that true discipleship involves being there for one another, especially during difficult moments. It challenges us to consider how we can better support our fellow believers.
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.