Mat 26:40-46 | RWP | e4.org | What ( ουτως ). The Greek adverb is not interrogation or exclamatory τ , but only "so" or "thus." There is a tone of sad disappointment at the discovery that they were asleep after the earnest plea that they keep awake (verse ). "Did you not thus have strength enough to keep awake one hour?" Every word struck home.

‏ Matthew 26:40-46

What ( ουτως ). The Greek adverb is not interrogation or exclamatory τ, but only "so" or "thus." There is a tone of sad disappointment at the discovery that they were asleep after the earnest plea that they keep awake (verse 38). "Did you not thus have strength enough to keep awake one hour?" Every word struck home.

Watch and pray ( γρηγορειτε κα προσευχεσθε ). Jesus repeats the command of verse 38 with the addition of prayer and with the warning against the peril of temptation. He himself was feeling the worst of all temptations of his earthly life just then. He did not wish then to enter such temptation ( πειρασμον, here in this sense, not mere trial). Thus we are to understand the prayer in Mt 6:13 about leading (being led) into temptation. Their failure was due to weakness of the flesh as is often the case.

Spirit ( πνευμα ) here is the moral life ( ιντελλεχτ, wιλλ, εμοτιονς ) as opposed to the flesh (cf. Isa 31:3; Ro 7:25).

Except I drink it ( εαν μη αυτο πιω ). Condition of the third class undetermined, but with likelihood of determination, whereas

if this cannot pass away ( ε ου δυνατα τουτο παρελθειν ) is first-class condition, determined as fulfilled, assumed to be true. This delicate distinction accurately presents the real attitude of Jesus towards this subtle temptation.

For their eyes were heavy ( ησαν γαρ αυτων ο οφθαλμο βεβαρημενο ). Past perfect passive indicative periphrastic. Their eyes had been weighted down with sleep and still were as they had been on the Mount of Transfiguration (Lu 9:32).

Sleep on now and take your rest ( καθευδετε λοιπον κα αναπαυεσθε ). This makes it "mournful irony" (Plummer) or reproachful concession: "Ye may sleep and rest indefinitely so far as I am concerned; I need no longer your watchful interest" (Bruce). It may be a sad query as Goodspeed: "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest?" So Moffatt. This use of λοιπον for now or henceforth is common in the papyri.

The hour is at hand ( ηγγικεν η ωρα ). Time for action has now come. They have missed their chance for sympathy with Jesus. He has now won the victory without their aid. "The Master's time of weakness is past; He is prepared to face the worst" (Bruce).

Is betrayed ( παραδιδοτα ). Futuristic present or inchoative present, the first act in the betrayal is at hand. Jesus had foreseen his "hour" for long and now he faces it bravely.

He is at hand ( ηγγικεν ). The same verb and tense used of the hour above, present perfect active of εγγιζω, to draw near, the very form used by John the Baptist of the coming of the kingdom of heaven (Mt 3:2). Whether Jesus heard the approach of the betrayer with the crowd around him or saw the lights or just felt the proximity of the traitor before he was there (J. Weiss), we do not know and it matters little. The scene is pictured as it happened with lifelike power.