Mark 10:39
What does Mark 10:39 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 10:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 10:39 means
James and John confidently declare their ability to endure the 'cup' and 'baptism' of suffering, perhaps demonstrating zeal but still lacking full comprehension. Jesus affirms that they will indeed share in His suffering, foreshadowing their own future persecutions for the Gospel (James's martyrdom and John's exile). However, He clarifies that positions of honor in His Kingdom are not His to arbitrarily grant, but belong to those prepared by God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they said to him, We are able. And Jesus said to them, You will take of the cup from which I take; and the baptism which I am about to undergo you will undergo:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And they said to him, `We are able;' and Jesus said to them, `Of the cup indeed that I drink of, ye shall drink, and with the baptism that I am baptized with, ye shall be baptized;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But they said to him: We can. And Jesus saith to them: You shall indeed drink of the chalice that I drink of; and with the baptism wherewith I am baptized you shall be baptized.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they said to him, We are able. And Jesus said to them, The cup that I drink ye will drink and with the baptism that I am baptised with ye will be baptised,
Context
Following Jesus' challenging question, James and John self-assuredly claim they can share in His suffering. Jesus confirms they will indeed participate in His trials, but immediately clarifies a crucial distinction. The subsequent statement emphasizes that ultimate honors in the Kingdom are divinely appointed, not personally claimed, thereby correcting their ambitious misconception and preparing for the other disciples' indignation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 14:31
But he spake exceeding vehemently, If I must die with thee, I will not deny thee. And in like manner also said they all.
- John 13:37
Peter saith unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee even now? I will lay down my life for thee.
- Revelation 1:9
I John, your brother and partaker with you in the tribulation and kingdom and patiencewhich arein Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
- 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.
- 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 17:14
I have given them thy word; and the world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
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