Matthew 26:43

43 He found them asleep again because they couldn't keep their eyes open.

Matthew 26:43 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 26:43

And he came and found them asleep again
For they were aroused and awaked, in some measure, by what he had said to them; but no sooner was he gone but they fell asleep again, and thus he found them a second time; or, "he came again and found them asleep"; so read the Vulgate Latin, the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, and Munster's Hebrew Gospel:

for their eyes were heavy;
with sleep through fatigue, sorrow Mark adds, "neither wist they what to answer him", ( Mark 14:40 ) ; they were so very sleepy, they knew not how to speak; or they were so confounded, that he should take them asleep a second time, after they had had such a reproof, and exhortation from him, that they knew not what answer to make him; who probably rebuked them again, or gave them a fresh exhortation.

Matthew 26:43 In-Context

41 Stay awake, and pray that you won't be tempted. You want to do what's right, but you're weak."

42 Then he went away a second time and prayed, "Father, if this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, let your will be done."

43 He found them asleep again because they couldn't keep their eyes open.

44 After leaving them again, he went away and prayed the same prayer a third time.

45 Then he came back to the disciples and said to them, "You might as well sleep now. The time is near for the Son of Man to be handed over to sinners.