Devine Scripture

Mark 10:40

What does Mark 10:40 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 10:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 10:40 means

Jesus clarifies that the positions of highest honor in His Kingdom, sitting at His right or left hand, are not His to simply give away at will. Instead, these places are reserved for those for whom they have been divinely 'prepared.' This emphasizes God's sovereign wisdom and purpose in assigning roles, countering the idea that glory can be earned through personal ambition or request.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but to sit on my right hand or on my left hand is not mine to give; but it is for them for whom it hath been prepared.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but to sit on my right hand or on my left hand is not mine to give; but it is for them for whom it hath been prepared.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But to be seated at my right hand or at my left is not for me to give: but it is for those for whom it has been made ready.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but to sit on my right and on my left, is not mine to give, but--to those for whom it hath been prepared.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But to sit on my right hand or on my left is not mine to give to you, but to them for whom it is prepared.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but to sit on my right hand or on my left is not mine to give, but for those for whom it is prepared.

Context

This verse directly addresses the disciples' ambition, stating that positions of honor are not Jesus' to arbitrarily bestow but are divinely appointed. This significant theological point explains God's sovereignty in His Kingdom, immediately following the naive assertions of James and John, and precedes the other disciples' indignant reaction, highlighting the widespread nature of such worldly desires.

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:

v.40This passage

v.41And when the ten heard it, they began to be moved with indignation concerning James and John.

Cross references

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

  • John 17:24

    Father, I desire that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

  • John 17:2

    even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life.

  • Matthew 25:34

    Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

  • Matthew 20:23

    He saith unto them, My cup indeed ye shall drink: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left hand, is not mine to give; but it is for them for whom it hath been prepared of my Father.

  • Hebrews 11:16

    But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city.

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