King James Version

What Does Mark 10:36 Mean?

Mark 10:36 in the King James Version says “And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?” — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?”

Mark 10:36 · KJV

Context

34

And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

35

And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.

36

And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?

37

They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

38

But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
What would ye that I should do for you? (τί θέλετε ποιήσω ὑμῖν, ti thelete poiēsō hymin). Jesus' question appears gracious—He invites James and John to state their request openly. Yet the question also tests and exposes their hearts, giving them opportunity to recognize the selfishness of their ambition before voicing it.

This question mirrors exactly what Jesus asks blind Bartimaeus in verse 51: "What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?" The parallel is devastating—Bartimaeus humbly requests healing from his affliction, while James and John arrogantly request positions of honor. One man recognizes his spiritual poverty and need; two disciples presume upon Jesus' power for selfish advancement. The identical question exposes radically different heart conditions—humble dependence versus presumptuous entitlement.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This conversation occurs on the road to Jerusalem (10:32), immediately after Jesus' third passion prediction (10:33-34). Jesus has just detailed His coming suffering—betrayal, mockery, flogging, death, and resurrection. James and John's request for positions of glory demonstrates their selective hearing—they heard 'resurrection' and 'glory' but ignored 'suffering' and 'death.' Their request reflects persistent first-century Jewish expectations that Messiah would establish an earthly political kingdom, overthrowing Rome and restoring Israel's national sovereignty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' question technique—inviting them to articulate their request—demonstrate wisdom in addressing selfish ambition?
  2. What does the parallel between Jesus' question to James and John versus Bartimaeus reveal about the difference between presumptuous demands and humble requests?
  3. When have you approached Jesus with 'What can you do for me?' rather than 'What would you have me do in your kingdom?'

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
ὁ1 of 9
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 9

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν3 of 9

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς4 of 9

“unto them”

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

Τί5 of 9

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

θέλετε6 of 9

“would”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ποιήσαι7 of 9

“should do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

με8 of 9

“ye that I”

G3165

me

ὑμῖν9 of 9

“for you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

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 10:36 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 10:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 3:5-15John 15:7Mark 10:51

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