Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 26:38

"Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: abide ye here, and watch with me." — Matthew 26:38 (ASV)

Exceeding sorrowful, even unto death—The infinite sadness of that hour leads the Master to crave sympathy from the three who were, most of all, His brothers. If they could not see or fully hear the throes of that agony, as though the pangs of death had already fallen on Him, it would be something to know that they were at least watching with Him, sharers in that awful vigil.