King James Version

What Does Mark 10:39 Mean?

Mark 10:39 in the King James Version says “And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:”

Mark 10:39 · KJV

Context

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?

39

And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:

40

But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.

41

And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized (τὸ ποτήριον ὃ ἐγὼ πίνω πίεσθε, καὶ τὸ βάπτισμα ὃ ἐγὼ βαπτίζομαι βαπτισθήσεσθε, to potērion ho egō pinō piesthe, kai to baptisma ho egō baptizomai baptisthēsesthe). Jesus prophesies James and John will share in His sufferings, though not in the way they imagine.

The "cup" (ποτήριον, potērion) throughout Scripture symbolizes divine wrath, judgment, and suffering (Psalm 75:8; Isaiah 51:17; Jeremiah 25:15). In Gethsemane, Jesus prays, "Take away this cup from me" (Mark 14:36)—the cup of bearing sin's penalty. James and John will drink from this cup of suffering: James becomes the first apostolic martyr (Acts 12:2), beheaded by Herod Agrippa around AD 44; John suffers persecution, exile to Patmos (Revelation 1:9), and outlives all other apostles, witnessing the church's trials.

The "baptism" (βάπτισμα, baptisma) metaphorically represents being overwhelmed by suffering, submerged in affliction. Jesus uses this imagery for His crucifixion—being plunged into death. The disciples will share Christ's sufferings, experiencing persecution, rejection, and martyrdom for the gospel's sake.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus' prediction proved accurate in apostolic history. James died approximately AD 44 (Acts 12:1-2), the first of the Twelve martyred. Early church tradition records John's suffering—exiled to Patmos during Domitian's persecution (AD 81-96), possibly surviving an execution attempt in boiling oil (though this tradition is less certain). All apostles except John died as martyrs. Jesus' prophecy prepared them for the reality that following Him means suffering, not earthly glory. The early church understood that sharing Christ's sufferings was privilege, not tragedy (Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 4:13).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' prediction that they will share His cup and baptism redefine what it means to be 'close to Jesus' in His kingdom?
  2. What does Jesus' certainty about their future suffering teach about God's sovereign purposes in allowing His faithful servants to experience persecution?
  3. How do you respond when following Christ leads to suffering rather than success, rejection rather than recognition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
οἱ1 of 24
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 24

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν3 of 24

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς4 of 24

“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

Δυνάμεθα5 of 24

“We can”

G1410

to be able or possible

ὁ6 of 24
G3588

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

δὲ7 of 24

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς8 of 24

“Jesus”

G2424

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

εἶπεν9 of 24

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς10 of 24

“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

Τὸ11 of 24
G3588

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

μὲν12 of 24

“indeed”

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ποτήριον13 of 24

“of the cup”

G4221

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

ὃ14 of 24

“that”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐγὼ15 of 24

“I”

G1473

i, me

πίεσθε16 of 24

“Ye shall”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

πίεσθε17 of 24

“Ye shall”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

καὶ18 of 24

“and”

G2532

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

τὸ19 of 24
G3588

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

βάπτισμα20 of 24

“with the baptism”

G908

baptism (technically or figuratively)

ὃ21 of 24

“that”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐγὼ22 of 24

“I”

G1473

i, me

βαπτισθήσεσθε23 of 24

“am baptized withal”

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

βαπτισθήσεσθε24 of 24

“am baptized withal”

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

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 10:39 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 10:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 12:2Revelation 1:9John 17:14Mark 14:31Colossians 1:24Mark 14:36

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