New Testament
Matthew 26:45
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he returned to his disciples and said to them, "Sleep on now, and take your rest. Look, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners."
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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.
What Matthew 26:45 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus speaks to his disciples after they have fallen asleep while he is in deep distress, praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. He tells them to continue sleeping and resting, indicating that the moment of his betrayal is imminent. The phrase 'the hour is at hand' signifies that the time for his suffering and crucifixion has come. Jesus refers to himself as the 'Son of Man,' a title that emphasizes his humanity and messianic role. By stating that he is 'betrayed into the hands of sinners,' he acknowledges the impending betrayal by Judas and the unjust treatment he will face from those who do not recognize his divine mission. This moment highlights the tension between Jesus' impending suffering and the disciples' inability to stay awake and support him in his time of need.
How to apply Matthew 26:45 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of being spiritually alert and supportive of one another, especially during difficult times. It encourages us to stay awake to our responsibilities and to be present for those who are struggling, just as Jesus needed his disciples.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–46)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 26:45 mean?
In Matthew 26:45, Jesus tells his disciples to continue sleeping, indicating that his time of betrayal is near. This moment highlights his impending suffering and the disciples' failure to stay awake and support him during a critical time.
What is the significance of 'the hour is at hand' in Matthew 26:45?
The phrase 'the hour is at hand' signifies that the time for Jesus' suffering and crucifixion has arrived. It marks a pivotal moment in the narrative where Jesus acknowledges the imminent betrayal and the beginning of his passion.
What does Jesus mean by 'Son of Man' in Matthew 26:45?
In this verse, Jesus refers to himself as the 'Son of Man,' a title that emphasizes both his humanity and his role as the Messiah. It reflects his connection to human experience and the divine mission he is fulfilling.
What themes are present in Matthew 26:45?
Matthew 26:45 touches on themes of betrayal, prayer, suffering, and the need for awareness. It illustrates the tension between Jesus' impending suffering and the disciples' inability to remain alert and supportive.
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