Mark 10:21
What does Mark 10:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 10:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 10:21 means
Jesus looked at the man with genuine love, recognizing his sincerity despite his spiritual blind spots. He then directly identified the one obstacle to his spiritual completeness: his attachment to wealth. Jesus commanded him to sell everything, give to the poor, and then follow Him, promising heavenly treasure. This was a direct call to radical discipleship and surrender, revealing what the man truly valued.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Jesus, looking on him and loving him, said, There is one thing needed: go, get money for your goods, and give it to the poor, and you will have wealth in heaven: and come with me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Jesus having looked upon him, did love him, and said to him, `One thing thou dost lack; go away, whatever thou hast--sell, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come, be following me, having taken up the cross.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Jesus, looking on him, loved him and said to him: One thing is wanting unto thee. Go, sell whatsoever thou hast and give to the poor: and thou shalt have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, One thing lackest thou: go, sell whatever thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, [taking up the cross].
Context
After the man's claim of obedience, Jesus, out of love, pinpoints the core issue preventing him from inheriting eternal life. This verse presents a radical, individualized command that directly tests the man's priorities and willingness to surrender all for Christ, leading to his sorrowful departure in the following verse, thereby highlighting the challenge of true discipleship.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
- Luke 18:22
And when Jesus heard it, he said unto him, One thing thou lackest yet: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
- 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.
- Acts 4:34
For neither was there among them any that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
- John 12:26
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will the Father honor.
- Luke 16:9
And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when it shall fail, they may receive you into the eternal tabernacles.
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