Mark 10:38
What does Mark 10:38 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 10:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 10:38 means
Jesus confronts James and John, stating they do not truly understand what they are asking. He then poses a profound question: are they able to 'drink the cup' He drinks or be 'baptized with the baptism' He undergoes? Both metaphors refer to His impending suffering, crucifixion, and death, directly linking true glory with sacrificial suffering, a concept far removed from their worldly ambitions.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But 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?
KJV
King James Version · 1611But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But 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?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But Jesus said to them, You have no knowledge of what you are saying. Are you able to take of my cup? or to undergo the baptism which I am to undergo?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Jesus said to them, `Ye have not known what ye ask; are ye able to drink of the cup that I drink of, and with the baptism that I am baptized with--to be baptized?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Jesus said to them: You know not what you ask. Can you drink of the chalice that I drink of or be baptized with the baptism wherewith I am baptized?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Jesus said to them, Ye do not know what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup which I drink, or be baptised with the baptism that I am baptised with?
Context
In response to their ambitious request, Jesus questions James and John's preparedness for the suffering that precedes true glory. He uses metaphors of a 'cup' and 'baptism' to refer to His impending passion, setting the stage for their confident but naive affirmation and for Jesus to explain that true honor is not self-appointed, but divinely granted.
v.37And 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.
v.38This passage
v.39And they said unto him, We are able. And Jesus said unto them, The cup that I drink ye shall drink; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 18:11
Jesus therefore said unto Peter, Put up the sword into the sheath: the cup which the Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
- Isaiah 51:22
Thus saith thy Lord Jehovah, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thy hand the cup of staggering, even the bowl of the cup of my wrath; thou shalt no more drink it again:
- James 4:3
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may spend it in your pleasures.
- Psalms 75:8
For in the hand of Jehovah there is a cup, and the wine foameth; It is full of mixture, and he poureth out of the same: Surely the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall drain them, and drink them.
- Mark 14:36
And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; remove this cup from me: howbeit not what I will, but what thou wilt.
- Luke 22:42
saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 10
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 10.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Goodness of God
God’s goodness is a foundational truth of faith, revealing His benevolent nature and faithful provision for all creation.
Topic
Bible Verses About Marriage
Marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman, established by God for companionship, procreation, and mutual support
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Spiritually Numb
When God feels distant and you feel nothing — verses for the dry season.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Burnout as a Christian
When ministry, work, or caregiving has emptied you — scripture for refilling.