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Luk 22:44. Ἐν ἀγωνίᾳ) Ἀγωνία, the height of grief and distress (comp. note on Mat 26:37, where the expressions are λυπεῖσθαι καὶ ἀδημονεῖν, for which Mark has ἐκθαμβεῖσθαι καὶ ἀδ.), arose from the presentation to Him of that cup. The same word occurs in 2Ma 3:14; 2Ma 3:16; 2Ma 3:21; 2Ma 15:19. It properly denotes the distress and agitation of mind which is attendant on entering upon a contest [ἀγών], and an arduous undertaking, even though unattended with any doubt as to the favourable issue.-ἐκτενέστερον, more intensely.[248] [This was done at His second and third departures, Mat 26:42; Mat 26:44; Mat 26:39. Therefore it was immediately after His first supplication that the angel appeared; and after each of His prayers we may suppose that the angel strengthened Jesus.”-V. g.]) The more intensely with both mind and voice: Heb 5:7. Therefore not only were the (three) nearer disciples (Peter, James, and John) able to hear Him, but also the eight others.-ἐγένετο δὲ, but His sweat became) Hereby is set forth (exhibited) the intensity of His distress and agony.-ὁ ἱδρῶς, sweat) Although it was cold at the time: Joh 18:18. [That sweat was drawn out by the power received through the angel, by the agony of the struggle, by the intensity of His prayers, and His desire of drinking the cup.-V. g.]-ὡσεὶ θρόμβοι) αἵματος θρόμβοι, clotted drops (hillocks), from θρέψαι, i.e. πῆξαι, to fix or coagulate. Θρόμβοι αἵματος, drops, thick and clotted, of real blood. The force of the particle ὡσεὶ falls on θρόμβοι, not on αἵματος, as is evident from the fact of it (not αἵματος) having the epithet, and in the Plural, καταβαίνοντες. The blood streaming from the pores in smaller drops became clotted together by reason of its copiousness. If the sweat had not been a bloody one, the mention of blood might have been altogether omitted, for the word θρόμβοι even by itself was sufficient to express thick sweat.-ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, upon the earth) by reason of its copiousness. Thereby the earth received its blessing.
[248] More earnestly straining every nerve in prayer. Ἐκτενής, Th. τείνω, I stretch or strain.-E. and T.