King James Version

What Does Mark 10:21 Mean?

Mark 10:21 in the King James Version says “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, an... — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

Mark 10:21 · KJV


Context

19

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

20

And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22

And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

23

And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus beholding him loved him said One thing thou lackest go sell whatsoever thou hast give to poor thou shalt have treasure in heaven come take up cross follow me. Beholding emblepsas looked intently. Loved ēgapēsen genuine affection. Said eipen. One thing hen single issue. Lackest hysterei lacking missing. Go hypage depart. Sell pōlēson liquidate. Whatsoever hosa possessions. Give dos distribute. To poor ptōchois destitute. Treasure thēsauron wealth. In heaven en ouranō eternal. Come deuro return. Take up aras burden. Cross stauron instrument of death. Follow me akolouthei discipleship. Jesus loved rich young ruler but demanded total surrender. One thing lacked total allegiance. Wealth was idol. Jesus does not demand all sell all but this man needed to. Reformed theology affirms nothing can compete with Christ for supreme allegiance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Rich young ruler kept commandments externally but loved wealth supremely. Jesus exposed idolatry. Not that riches inherently evil but anything loved more than God is idol. This man could not let go departed sorrowful (v. 22). Many wealthy in church history who used riches for kingdom. Not riches but love of riches that condemns. Jesus words harder for rich enter kingdom (v. 23-25). Wealth creates illusion of self-sufficiency. Poor recognize need rich feel secure. Camels eye of needle illustrates impossibility trusting wealth and trusting God. Modern prosperity gospel says God wants you rich. Jesus warns against riches as spiritual danger. Reformed theology emphasizes God own sovereignty calls some to wealth most to modest means measures success by faithfulness not finances.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus command this particular man to sell all when not all Christians required to do so?
  2. What does rich young ruler inability to let go of wealth teach about idolatry of riches?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 33 words
1 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 33

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς3 of 33

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐμβλέψας4 of 33

beholding

G1689

to look on, i.e., (relatively) to observe fixedly, or (absolutely) to discern clearly

αὐτῷ5 of 33

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἠγάπησεν6 of 33

loved

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

αὐτῷ7 of 33

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ8 of 33

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν9 of 33

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ10 of 33

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ἕν11 of 33

One thing

G1520

one

σοί12 of 33

thou

G4671

to thee

ὑστερεῖ·13 of 33

lackest

G5302

to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)

ὕπαγε14 of 33

go thy way

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

ὅσα15 of 33

whatsoever

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἕξεις16 of 33

thou hast

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

πώλησον17 of 33

sell

G4453

to barter (as a pedlar), i.e., to sell

καὶ18 of 33

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δὸς19 of 33

give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

τοῖς20 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πτωχοῖς21 of 33

to the poor

G4434

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

καὶ22 of 33

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἕξεις23 of 33

thou hast

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

θησαυρὸν24 of 33

treasure

G2344

a deposit, i.e., wealth (literally or figuratively)

ἐν25 of 33

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

οὐρανῷ26 of 33

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ27 of 33

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δεῦρο28 of 33

come

G1204

here; used also imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto

ἀκολούθει29 of 33

and follow

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

μοι30 of 33

me

G3427

to me

ἄρας31 of 33

take up

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

τὸν32 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σταυρόν33 of 33

the cross

G4716

a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 10:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 10:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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