Devine Scripture

Mark 10:42

What does Mark 10:42 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 10:42 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 10:42 means

Jesus calls all twelve disciples together to teach them a foundational principle about leadership in His Kingdom, contrasting it sharply with the Gentile world's practices. He observes that earthly rulers 'lord it over' their subjects and powerful figures 'exercise authority' over them, characterized by dominance and self-exaltation. This sets the stage for His radical redefinition of true greatness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus made them come to him, and said to them, You see that those who are made rulers over the Gentiles are lords over them, and their great ones have authority over them.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but Jesus having called them near, saith to them, `Ye have known that they who are considered to rule the nations do exercise lordship over them, and their great ones do exercise authority upon them;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Jesus calling them, saith to them: You know that they who seem to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them: and their princes have power over them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus having called them to [him], says to them, Ye know that those who are esteemed to rule over the nations exercise lordship over them; and their great men exercise authority over them;

Context

Observing the indignation among the ten disciples, Jesus gathers them to address their misunderstanding directly. This verse establishes the contrast between the world's model of oppressive leadership and the Kingdom's counter-cultural standard, preparing them for His revolutionary teaching on servanthood and humility as the path to true greatness, which He unfolds in the subsequent verses.

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

v.42This passage

v.43But it is not so among you: but whosoever would become great among you, shall be your minister;

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 20:25

    But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.

  • 1 Peter 5:3

    neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock.

  • Luke 22:25

    And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles have lordship over them; and they that have authority over them are called Benefactors.

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