Devine Scripture

Mark 10:31

What does Mark 10:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 10:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 10:31 means

This proverb serves as a concluding thought to the discussion on wealth, sacrifice, and reward, and also introduces a broader principle in the Kingdom of God. It signifies that worldly prominence or self-perceived spiritual standing will be reversed in God's economy. Those who are considered important in this life may be least in the Kingdom, and those humble or overlooked will be greatly honored.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But a great number who are first will be last: and those who are last will be first.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and many first shall be last, and the last first.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But many that are first shall be last: and the last, first.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But many first shall be last, and the last first.

Context

Concluding the discussion on the rewards of discipleship, Jesus presents a powerful paradoxical proverb. This statement serves as a bridge, challenging the disciples' prevailing notions of status and greatness, and subtly foreshadowing their continuing struggle with ambition, which will surface dramatically in the subsequent narrative of James and John's request.

v.30but he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

v.31This passage

v.32And they were on the way, going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus was going before them: and they were amazed; and they that followed were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them the things that were to happen unto him,

Cross references

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

  • Acts 13:46

    And Paul and Barnabas spake out boldly, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first be spoken to you. Seeing ye thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

  • Matthew 8:11

    And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven:

  • Luke 7:40

    And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Teacher, say on.

  • Luke 7:29

    And all the people when they heard, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

  • Matthew 20:16

    So the last shall be first, and the first last.

  • Matthew 19:30

    But many shall be last that are first; and first that are last.

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