Devine Scripture

Matthew 10:38

What does Matthew 10:38 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 10:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 10:38 means

Jesus extends the demand for supreme loyalty to include self-denial and suffering: "And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me." "Taking up one's cross" was a vivid metaphor, universally understood as carrying the instrument of one's own execution, signifying a willingness to endure public shame, suffering, and even death. This is not about everyday burdens, but about a decisive commitment to Jesus that embraces self-sacrifice and potentially martyrdom. Discipleship requires a readiness to renounce self-preservation and follow Christ fully, whatever the cost.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he who does not take his cross and come after me is not good enough for me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and whoever doth not receive his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he who does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.

Context

Adding to the demand for supreme love for Christ, this verse introduces the equally radical call to self-sacrificial commitment, using the powerful and stark image of taking up one's cross. This moves beyond internal affections to outward action and willingness to suffer. This profound statement of costly discipleship then transitions to the paradoxical truth about finding and losing one's life for Christ's sake.

v.37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

v.38This passage

v.39He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 16:24

    Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

  • Mark 10:21

    And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

  • Luke 14:27

    Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

  • Mark 8:34

    And he called unto him the multitude with his disciples, and said unto them, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

  • John 19:17

    They took Jesus therefore: and he went out, bearing the cross for himself, unto the place called The place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha:

  • Luke 9:23

    And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

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