Matthew 26:37-38
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Jesus didn't just feel "sad" and "troubled"; the original words convey an overwhelming, almost dissolving anguish and a deep, disorienting anxiety. He brought his closest friends specifically to witness this profound human struggle, not just to share his burden, but perhaps to strengthen them for their own future trials.
And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just shared the Last Supper with his disciples and predicted Peter's denial. Now, he withdraws to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, taking Peter, James, and John with him as he faces the intense internal struggle of what is to come. This intimate moment reveals his deep sorrow and anguish as he anticipates the suffering and separation from God that atonement for sins will entail.
Why did Jesus, who faced death with courage, suddenly become 'sorrowful and troubled'?
This verse marks a profound moment where Jesus' divine resolve meets his human experience of overwhelming anguish. The original Greek words used here paint a picture of deep emotional distress.
A Soul in Anguish
This wasn't a stoic acceptance; it was a visceral, human reaction to the immense weight of sin and suffering he was about to bear.
Why did Jesus bring Peter, James, and John with him into this moment of intense struggle?
Jesus didn't isolate himself completely. He specifically chose his three closest disciples – Peter, James, and John – to witness his agony. This wasn't because they could 'fix' it, but for several crucial reasons:
Witnesses to His Humanity and Mission
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Understand the original words
lypeō · Greek Verb/Adjective (Participle)
Deep emotional or physical pain, grief, or distress, often associated with the anticipation of suffering or loss.
adēmoneō · Greek Verb
A state of being overwhelmed with agitation, distress, or anxiety, often used to describe a mind disturbed by heavy circumstances.
psychē · Greek Noun
The immaterial part of a human being; the seat of personality, emotions, and life, which survives physical death and is the object of God's redemptive work.
grēgoreō · Greek Verb
To remain alert, vigilant, and spiritually attentive; often used in the context of resisting temptation or awaiting the Lord's return.
Jesus chose his three closest disciples – Peter, James, and John – to accompany him into Gethsemane. This echoes their privileged roles at the Transfiguration and the raising of Jairus' daughter, highlighting their unique bond and the profound intimacy of Jesus' suffering.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Gathering Disciples
During this period, Jesus traveled, taught, and performed miracles, gathering a core group of twelve disciples, including Peter, James, and John.
c. AD 30, Passover Week
Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, signaling the start of his final week, which would culminate in his crucifixion.
c. AD 30, Passover Week
The Last Supper
Jesus shared his final meal with his disciples, instituting the Lord's Supper and offering profound teachings and warnings.
c. AD 30, Passover Week, Night— this verse
Jesus in Gethsemane
Jesus withdrew to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, accompanied by Peter, James, and John, as he faced the immense spiritual and emotional weight of his impending suffering.
c. AD 30, Passover Week, Night
Jesus' Arrest
Judas Iscariot led temple guards to Gethsemane, betraying Jesus with a kiss, leading to his arrest.
c. AD 30, Passover Week, Night/Morning
Jesus' Trials
Jesus underwent a series of trials before the Jewish Sanhedrin and Roman authorities, including Caiaphas, Pilate, and Herod.
c. AD 30, Passover Week, Day
Crucifixion and Death
Jesus was crucified at Golgotha, fulfilling prophecies and completing his atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins.
Jesus expresses similar deep sorrow and distress regarding His impending suffering, stating, 'Now my soul is troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? But for this reason I came to this hour.'
Luke 22:44This passage describes Jesus in an agony of prayer, with His sweat becoming like great drops of blood falling to the ground, vividly illustrating the intense suffering He began to experience in Gethsemane.
Philippians 2:26Paul uses the same Greek word for 'very heavy' (adelmonein) to describe Jesus's state, emphasizing the profound spiritual anguish and distress He endured, not just physical pain.
Isaiah 53:4-6This prophecy powerfully describes the Suffering Servant being 'grieved' and bearing the 'sorrows' and 'iniquities' of others, directly reflecting the spiritual burden that caused Jesus's deep distress.
Matthew 17:1Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to witness His transfiguration, a moment of glory. Bringing them to Gethsemane highlights their closeness and Jesus's desire for His most trusted disciples to witness His vulnerability and suffering, contrasting with His earlier glory.
meyerMatthew 26:37: "And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy."
Matthew 26:37 f. Anticipating the inward struggle that awaited Him, He retired farther into the garden, taking with Him none ( Matthew 17:1 ) but the three most intimate disciples. ἤρξατο ] indicating the first symptoms of the condition in question. λυπεῖσθαι κ . ἀδημονεῖν ] Climax. Suidas explains ἀδημον . as meaning: λίαν λυπεῖσθαι . See Buttmann, Lexilog . II. p. 135 f.; Ael. V.…
barnesMatthew 26:37: "And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy."
And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee - That is, James and John, Matthew 10:2 . On two other occasions he had favored these disciples in a particular manner, suffering them to go with him to witness his power and glory, namely, at the healing of the ruler's daughter Luke 8:51 , and at his transfiguration on the mount, Matthew 17:1 . Sorrowful - Affected with grief.…
Jesus didn't just feel "sad" and "troubled"; the original words convey an overwhelming, almost dissolving anguish and a deep, disorienting anxiety. He brought his closest friends specifically to witness this profound human struggle, not just to share his burden, but perhaps to strengthen them for their own future trials.
Jesus has just shared the Last Supper with his disciples and predicted Peter's denial. Now, he withdraws to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, taking Peter, James, and John with him as he faces the intense internal struggle of what is to come. This intimate moment reveals his deep sorrow and anguish as he anticipates the suffering and separation from God that atonement for sins will entail.
Jesus has just shared the Last Supper with his disciples and predicted Peter's denial. Now, he withdraws to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, taking Peter, James, and John with him as he faces the intense internal struggle of what is to come. This intimate moment reveals his deep sorrow and anguish as he anticipates the suffering and separation from God that atonement for sins will entail.
"And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”" — Jesus didn't just feel "sad" and "troubled"; the original words convey an overwhelming, almost dissolving anguish and a deep, disorienting anxiety. He brought his closest friends specifically to witn…
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Last reviewed October 2026
