King James Version

What Does Mark 10:28 Mean?

Mark 10:28 in the King James Version says “Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.”

Mark 10:28 · KJV

Context

26

And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?

27

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

28

Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

29

And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,

30

But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter began say unto him Lo we have left all and followed thee. Peter spokesman. Began ērxato initiated. Say legein proclaim. Lo idou attention. We hēmeis apostles. Left aphēkamen abandoned. All panta everything. Followed ēkolouthēkamen discipleship. Peter statement both true and problematic. True they left businesses families comforts. Problematic suggesting merit reward. Jesus response affirms sacrifice promises reward (vv. 29-30). Not earning salvation but demonstrating genuine faith. Works are fruit not root. Reformed theology affirms justification by faith alone sanctification produces fruit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter words could be interpreted we left all what will we get. Jesus does not rebuke but promises reward. Not earning but receiving inheritance. Parable workers vineyard (Matt 20) teaches all receive grace not proportional wages. Yet rewards differ (1 Cor 3:12-15). Judgment seat rewards not for salvation but according to works done. Tensions divine sovereignty human responsibility. Election by grace yet commands to obey. Mystery. Early church struggled with this Galatians Paul fights works-righteousness. Reformation recovered justification by faith alone. Modern church debates eternal security versus perseverance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Peter statement we left all demonstrate both genuine discipleship and remaining pride?
  2. What is relationship between leaving all for Christ and receiving eternal rewards?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“Then”

G2532

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

ἤρξατο2 of 13

“began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

ὁ3 of 13
G3588

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

Πέτρος4 of 13

“Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

λέγειν5 of 13

“to say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ6 of 13

“unto 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

Ἰδού,7 of 13

“Lo”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἡμεῖς8 of 13

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἀφήκαμεν9 of 13

“have left”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

πάντα10 of 13

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ11 of 13

“Then”

G2532

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

ἠκολουθήσαμέν12 of 13

“have followed”

G190

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

σοι13 of 13

“thee”

G4671

to thee

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 10:28 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 10:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 19:27-30Luke 14:33Luke 18:28-30Mark 1:16-20Philippians 3:7-9Matthew 4:22

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