Devine Scripture

Mark 10:43

What does Mark 10:43 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 10:43 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 10:43 means

Jesus declares that the prevailing hierarchical and oppressive model of leadership found among the Gentiles 'is not so among you.' Instead, true greatness in His Kingdom is inverted: whoever desires to be genuinely 'great' must become a 'minister' or servant. This radical principle challenges conventional power dynamics, equating leadership with humble service to others.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But it is not so among you: but whoever has a desire to become great among you, let him be your servant:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but not so shall it be among you; but whoever may will to become great among you, he shall be your minister,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But it is not so among you: but whosoever will be greater shall be your minister.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but it is not thus among you; but whosoever would be great among you, shall be your minister;

Context

Having exposed the worldly model of leadership, Jesus presents His counter-cultural principle for His followers: greatness is found in service. This declaration immediately precedes an even stronger statement, defining the 'first' among them as a 'servant of all,' building towards His ultimate illustration of servanthood through His own example and ransom mission.

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.

v.43This passage

v.44and whosoever would be first among you, shall be servant of all.

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 5:13

    For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another.

  • John 18:36

    Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

  • John 13:13

    Ye call me, Teacher, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

  • Romans 12:2

    And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

  • Luke 9:48

    and said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this little child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same is great.

  • 1 Peter 5:5

    Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.

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