Devine Scripture

Luke 10:42

What does Luke 10:42 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 10:42 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 10:42 means

Jesus says one thing is needful: Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away. He means Mary’s posture of listening to Jesus and receiving his teaching is of ultimate importance and enduring value. 'One thing' is not to devalue service but to place primary significance on hearing and abiding in Christ. Mary’s chosen 'good part'—intimate devotion and receptivity to the word—provides lasting nourishment that undergirds all service and cannot be lost.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Little is needed, or even one thing only: for Mary has taken that good part, which will not be taken away from her.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but of one thing there is need, and Mary the good part did choose, that shall not be taken away from her.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But one thing is necessary. Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken away from her.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but there is need of one, and Mary has chosen the good part, the which shall not be taken from her.

Context

This concluding verse contrasts Martha’s distraction with Mary’s chosen devotion, ending the chapter with a clear priority: attentive reception of Jesus’ word is indispensable. It follows Jesus’ diagnosis of anxiety and urges readers to center their lives on communion with Christ, which then informs and empowers faithful service.

v.41But the Lord answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things:

v.42This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 8:36

    For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?

  • Luke 12:33

    Sell that which ye have, and give alms; make for yourselves purses which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief draweth near, neither moth destroyeth.

  • Romans 8:35

    Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

  • Ecclesiastes 12:13

    This isthe end of the matter; all hath been heard: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.

  • Psalms 119:173

    Let thy hand be ready to help me; For I have chosen thy precepts.

  • Colossians 2:10

    and in him ye are made full, who is the head of all principality and power:

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