Devine Scripture

Mark 10:37

What does Mark 10:37 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 10:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 10:37 means

James and John boldly request to sit at Jesus' right and left hand in His 'glory.' This refers to the most esteemed positions in a king's court, signifying ultimate power and authority. Their request clearly demonstrates their ongoing expectation of an earthly, political kingdom and their desire for personal prominence within it, completely missing the preceding prophecy of humble suffering.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy glory.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy glory.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they said to him, Let us be seated, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and they said to him, `Grant to us that, one on thy right hand and one on thy left, we may sit in thy glory;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they said: Grant to us that we may sit, one on thy right hand and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they said to him, Give to us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy glory.

Context

Having been prompted by Jesus, James and John openly express their ambitious desire for positions of honor in Jesus' future kingdom. This request directly challenges Jesus' recent prophecy of suffering and completely misconstrues the nature of His glory, leading Jesus to present them with a sobering question about their readiness for true discipleship, as seen next.

v.36And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?

v.37This passage

v.38But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I drink? or to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

Cross references

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

  • 1 Peter 1:11

    searching what time or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did point unto, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them.

  • Matthew 25:31

    But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory:

  • Psalms 110:1

    Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

  • Mark 16:19

    So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken unto them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.

  • Matthew 19:28

    And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

  • 1 Kings 22:19

    And Micaiah said, Therefore hear thou the word of Jehovah: I saw Jehovah sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.

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