Devine Scripture

Mark 8:34

What does Mark 8:34 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 8:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 8:34 means

Jesus then called both the multitude and His disciples to Him, teaching them plainly about the cost of true discipleship: self-denial, taking up one's cross, and following Him. "Taking up his cross" meant a willingness to suffer, endure hardship, and even face death for His sake, symbolizing a complete surrender to God's will. This teaching made it clear that following Him was a path of radical commitment, not earthly gain.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he called unto him the multitude with his disciples, and said unto them, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he called unto him the multitude with his disciples, and said unto them, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And turning to the mass of people with his disciples, he said to them, If any man has the desire to come after me, let him give up all other desires, and take up his cross and come after me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having called near the multitude, with his disciples, he said to them, `Whoever doth will to come after me--let him disown himself, and take up his cross, and follow me;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And calling the multitude together with his disciples, he said to them: If any man will follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having called the crowd with his disciples, he said to them, Whoever desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.

Context

This verse marks a significant shift from Jesus' private conversation with Peter to a public teaching for all who would follow Him. It immediately follows the rebuke of Peter, expanding the lesson on suffering and self-sacrifice to all disciples, serving as an introduction to the profound implications of genuine allegiance to Christ.

v.33But he turning about, and seeing his disciples, rebuked Peter, and saith, Get thee behind me, Satan; for thou mindest not the things of God, but the things of men.

v.34This passage

v.35For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s shall save it.

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 6:14

    But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

  • Hebrews 13:13

    Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

  • Revelation 2:10

    Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.

  • 1 Peter 4:1

    Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

  • 1 Kings 14:8

    and rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee; and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes,

  • Numbers 14:24

    but my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

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