Mark 8:38
What does Mark 8:38 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 8:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 8:38 means
Jesus issued a solemn warning: whoever is ashamed of Him and His words in this "adulterous and sinful generation" will find that the Son of Man will also be ashamed of them when He returns in glory with His angels. This highlights the serious consequences of rejecting or denying Christ, especially in a hostile world. It connects present allegiance to Christ with future eternal judgment, emphasizing the need for unwavering, courageous faith and loyalty.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man also shall be ashamed of him, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man also shall be ashamed of him, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Whoever has a feeling of shame because of me and my words in this false and evil generation, the Son of man will have a feeling of shame because of him, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for whoever may be ashamed of me, and of my words, in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also shall be ashamed of him, when he may come in the glory of his Father, with the holy messengers.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For he that shall be ashamed of me and of my words, in this adulterous and sinful generation: the Son of man also will be ashamed of him, when he shall come in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him shall the Son of man also be ashamed when he shall come in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Context
This verse provides a sobering conclusion to Jesus' teaching on the cost of discipleship, presenting the ultimate consequence of allegiance or rejection. It follows the profound questions about the value of the soul, making it clear that one's present commitment to Christ directly impacts one's eternal standing when He returns in glory.
v.37For what should a man give in exchange for his life?
v.38This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 14:62
And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.
- Matthew 10:32
Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven.
- Matthew 24:30
and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
- Matthew 13:41
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and them that do iniquity,
- Acts 5:41
They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.
- 2 Timothy 1:16
The Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus: for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 8
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 8.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Selfishness
Selfishness stands in direct opposition to God’s nature and His call for us to love others as ourselves, leading to spiritual decay.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Spiritually Numb
When God feels distant and you feel nothing — verses for the dry season.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Burnout as a Christian
When ministry, work, or caregiving has emptied you — scripture for refilling.