Mark 10:41

What does Mark 10:41 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 10:41 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 10:41 means

When the other ten disciples heard James and John's ambitious request and Jesus' response, they became indignant. Their anger likely stemmed not only from the audacity of James and John but also from their own similar desires for prominence, feeling that their fellow disciples had attempted to get ahead of them. This reveals their collective struggle with worldly notions of greatness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And hearing this, the ten became very angry with James and John.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the ten having heard, began to be much displeased at James and John,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the ten, hearing it, began to be much displeased at James and John.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the ten having heard [of it], began to be indignant about James and John.

Context

After Jesus' explanation of divine sovereignty, the other ten disciples react with indignation at James and John's ambitious request. This response reveals their own competitive spirit and misunderstanding of true greatness, which prompts Jesus to call all twelve together for a pivotal teaching on leadership, servanthood, and His own mission as a ransom.

v.40but 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.

v.41This passage

v.42And Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they who are accounted to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great ones exercise authority over them.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 9:33

    And they came to Capernaum: and when he was in the house he asked them, What were ye reasoning on the way?

  • Luke 22:24

    And there arose also a contention among them, which of them was accounted to be greatest.

  • Proverbs 13:10

    By pride cometh only contention; But with the well-advised is wisdom.

  • Romans 12:10

    In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;

  • James 4:5

    Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?

  • Matthew 20:24

    And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation concerning the two brethren.

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