Devine Scripture

Matthew 16:24

What does Matthew 16:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 16:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 16:24 means

Jesus then extends the principle of self-denial and suffering to all His followers, stating, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." This profound call to discipleship means voluntarily surrendering one's own desires and ambitions, embracing personal sacrifice, and being willing to endure hardship, even death, for Christ's sake. It is an invitation to share in Jesus' path of humble obedience, rather than seeking worldly gain or comfort.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Jesus said to his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him give up all, and take up his cross, and come after me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then said Jesus to his disciples, `If any one doth will to come after me, let him disown himself, and take up his cross, and follow me,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then Jesus said to his disciples, If any one desires to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Context

This verse introduces Jesus' direct teaching on the cost of discipleship, immediately following His rebuke of Peter for resisting the path of suffering. This teaching elaborates on the necessity of self-denial for all who would follow Him, further clarifying the true nature of the kingdom. It logically precedes the explanations of why such sacrifice is rewarded and essential.

v.23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art a stumbling-block unto me: for thou mindest not the things of God, but the things of men.

v.24This passage

v.25For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:3

    that no man be moved by these afflictions; for yourselves know that hereunto we are appointed.

  • 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.

  • 1 Peter 4:1

    Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

  • Colossians 1:24

    Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church;

  • 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:

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