Devine Scripture

Mark 9:35

What does Mark 9:35 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 9:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 9:35 means

Jesus then sat down, called the twelve disciples to Him, and taught them a foundational principle of His kingdom: if anyone desires to be first, they must willingly become last of all and a servant to all. This profound statement overturns conventional worldly ambition, defining true greatness not by power or status, but by humble service to others. It calls for a radical reorientation of values, placing others' needs above one's own.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he sat down, and called the twelve; and he saith unto them, If any man would be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he sat down, and called the twelve; and he saith unto them, If any man would be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And seating himself, he made the twelve come to him; and he said to them, If any man has the desire to be first, he will be last of all and servant of all.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having sat down he called the twelve, and he saith to them, `If any doth will to be first, he shall be last of all, and minister of all.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And taking a child, he set him in the midst of them. Whom when he had embraced, he saith to them:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And sitting down he called the twelve; and he says to them, If any one would be first, he shall be last of all, and minister of all.

Context

This verse is Jesus' direct and counter-cultural response to the disciples' dispute about who was greatest. It immediately follows their embarrassed silence, providing a foundational teaching on humility and service. This pivotal instruction prepares the disciples for a tangible demonstration of this truth through a child, reinforcing the practical application of spiritual greatness.

v.34But they held their peace: for they had disputed one with another on the way, who was the greatest.

v.35This passage

v.36And he took a little child, and set him in the midst of them: and taking him in his arms, he said unto them,

Cross references

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

  • Luke 18:14

    I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

  • Matthew 23:11

    But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

  • Luke 14:10

    But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest place; that when he that hath bidden thee cometh, he may say to thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have glory in the presence of all that sit at meat with thee.

  • Proverbs 13:10

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

  • Mark 10:42

    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.

  • Luke 22:26

    But ye shall not be so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

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