Matthew 26:40

He cometh unto the disciples. — Perhaps to both the groups — first of the three and then of the eight. All were alike sleeping — as St. Luke characteristically adds, “sleeping for sorrow.”

What, could ye not watch ...? — Literally, Were ye thus unable to watch? St. Mark (Mark 14:37) individualises the words — “Simon, sleepest thou?” He had boasted of his readiness to do great things. He could not so much as rouse himself to watch for one hour. The last word may be fairly taken as partly measuring the time that had passed since their Master had left them. As the words are reported we must believe that the disciples were just so far roused as to hear them, and that they sank back powerless into slumber.