Matthew 26:38 - Then he said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch with me.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Matthew 26:38" mean?
This verse, Matthew 26:38, is a powerful expression of Jesus's deep emotional distress in the Garden of Gethsemane just before his arrest and crucifixion. Let's break down what it means:
"Then he said to them...": This refers to Jesus speaking to his disciples, specifically Peter, James, and John (as indicated in the preceding verses). He's drawing them aside for a more intimate and vulnerable moment.
"My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.": This is the core of the verse. It conveys the overwhelming emotional pain Jesus is experiencing.
"Exceedingly sorrowful": This signifies a sorrow far beyond ordinary sadness. It's a profound and agonizing grief.
"Even to death": This phrase emphasizes the intensity of his sorrow. It's not just a casual expression. It means the weight of his sorrow is so great that it feels like it could actually kill him. He is facing a level of anguish that is pushing him to the brink. Some scholars interpret it literally, suggesting that the sorrow itself could cause physical harm.
"Stay here, and watch with me.": This is a plea for companionship and support.
"Stay here": He wants them to remain in the same place, near him. He needs their presence.
"And watch with me": This implies a request for them to be alert, to pray, and to share in his vigil. He wants them to be a witness to his suffering and to offer him whatever comfort their presence can provide. "Watch" also alludes to being vigilant against temptation, which is a key theme in the Gethsemane account.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
The verse reveals:
Jesus's Humanity: It portrays Jesus as deeply human, experiencing intense emotions like sorrow and fear. This contrasts with the divine nature of Jesus and shows his willingness to fully experience human suffering.
The Weight of His Task: The sorrow stems from the immense burden he's about to bear: the sins of the world and the separation from God as he takes that sin upon himself. He is aware of the immense suffering he is about to endure, both physically and spiritually.
His Need for Support: Despite his divine nature, Jesus seeks companionship and support from his friends in his hour of need. This highlights the importance of community and shared burden.
The Beginning of His Sacrifice: This is a pivotal moment that marks the start of Jesus's passion. The emotional anguish in the garden foreshadows the physical torment of the crucifixion.
A Call to Discipleship: The fact that the disciples failed to stay awake and watch with Jesus serves as a cautionary tale. It underscores the challenges of following Jesus and the importance of being vigilant in prayer and resisting temptation.
In essence, Matthew 26:38 is a deeply moving verse that reveals the humanity and the intense suffering of Jesus as he faces his impending sacrifice, as well as his desire for connection and support from his friends during this moment of extreme distress.
Matthew 26:38 - Then he said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch with me.”
What does "Matthew 26:38" mean?
This verse, Matthew 26:38, is a powerful expression of Jesus's deep emotional distress in the Garden of Gethsemane just before his arrest and crucifixion. Let's break down what it means:
"Then he said to them...": This refers to Jesus speaking to his disciples, specifically Peter, James, and John (as indicated in the preceding verses). He's drawing them aside for a more intimate and vulnerable moment.
"My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.": This is the core of the verse. It conveys the overwhelming emotional pain Jesus is experiencing.
"Exceedingly sorrowful": This signifies a sorrow far beyond ordinary sadness. It's a profound and agonizing grief.
"Even to death": This phrase emphasizes the intensity of his sorrow. It's not just a casual expression. It means the weight of his sorrow is so great that it feels like it could actually kill him. He is facing a level of anguish that is pushing him to the brink. Some scholars interpret it literally, suggesting that the sorrow itself could cause physical harm.
"Stay here, and watch with me.": This is a plea for companionship and support.
"Stay here": He wants them to remain in the same place, near him. He needs their presence.
"And watch with me": This implies a request for them to be alert, to pray, and to share in his vigil. He wants them to be a witness to his suffering and to offer him whatever comfort their presence can provide. "Watch" also alludes to being vigilant against temptation, which is a key theme in the Gethsemane account.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
The verse reveals:
Jesus's Humanity: It portrays Jesus as deeply human, experiencing intense emotions like sorrow and fear. This contrasts with the divine nature of Jesus and shows his willingness to fully experience human suffering.
The Weight of His Task: The sorrow stems from the immense burden he's about to bear: the sins of the world and the separation from God as he takes that sin upon himself. He is aware of the immense suffering he is about to endure, both physically and spiritually.
His Need for Support: Despite his divine nature, Jesus seeks companionship and support from his friends in his hour of need. This highlights the importance of community and shared burden.
The Beginning of His Sacrifice: This is a pivotal moment that marks the start of Jesus's passion. The emotional anguish in the garden foreshadows the physical torment of the crucifixion.
A Call to Discipleship: The fact that the disciples failed to stay awake and watch with Jesus serves as a cautionary tale. It underscores the challenges of following Jesus and the importance of being vigilant in prayer and resisting temptation.
In essence, Matthew 26:38 is a deeply moving verse that reveals the humanity and the intense suffering of Jesus as he faces his impending sacrifice, as well as his desire for connection and support from his friends during this moment of extreme distress.