Meaning, commentary and cross references
Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
NIV · New International Version
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
WEB · World English Bible
Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
What does Matthew 26:41 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray,.... These two are very justly put together. There is, and ought to be, a watching before prayer, and "unto" it; a watching all opportunities, the most suitable and convenient to perform it; and there is a watching in it, both over our hearts, thoughts, words, and gestures, and after it, for a return of it, and answer to it: the reason of this exhortation follows, that ye enter not into temptation; not that they might not be tempted at all; for none of the saints have been, or are without temptations; and they are needful for them; and it is the will of God they should be attended with them; and he has made gracious provisions for their help and relief under them; but that…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Matthew 26:36–44
41. Watch and pray. As the disciples were unmoved by their Master's danger, their attention is directed to themselves, that a conviction of their own danger may arouse them. Christ therefore threatens that, if they do not watch and pray, they may be soon overwhelmed by temptation.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Matthew 26:38–44 (WEB)
38Then Jesus said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.” 39He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire.” 40He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What, couldn’t you watch with me for one hour? 41Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42Again, a second time he went away and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup can’t pass away from me unless I drink it, your desire be done.” 43He came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words.
Cross references
- Luke 22:46
and said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
- Ephesians 6:18
with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints.
- Mark 14:38
Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
- Matthew 6:13
Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’
- Galatians 5:16–17
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh.
- Revelation 16:15
“Behold, I come like a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his clothes, so that he doesn’t walk naked, and they see his shame.”
- Luke 21:36
Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
- 1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
Key words
In the Baptist Catechism
- Q117. What do we pray for in the sixth petition?
In the sixth petition, which is, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and deliver us when we are tempted.