King James Version

What Does Matthew 20:22 Mean?

Matthew 20:22 in the King James Version says “But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be b...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.”

Matthew 20:22 · King James Version


Context

20

Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.

21

And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

22

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

23

And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

24

And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Ye know not what ye ask (οὐκ οἴδατε τί αἰτεῖσθε)—Jesus's response exposes their fundamental ignorance; ouk oidate (you do not know) reveals spiritual blindness deeper than the physical blindness healed in verses 30-34. Are ye able to drink of the cup (δύνασθε πιεῖν τὸ ποτήριον)—The potērion (cup) metaphor saturates Old Testament judgment language (Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 51:17, Jeremiah 25:15), signifying God's wrath that Jesus will absorb at Calvary.

To be baptized with the baptism (τὸ βάπτισμα βαπτισθῆναι)—The baptisma imagery echoes being overwhelmed by suffering (Psalm 42:7, 69:2). Jesus uses covenant language: sharing His cup and baptism means participating in His suffering. We are able (Δυνάμεθα)—Their confident assertion reveals presumption, not comprehension. Peter will deny Him thrice within days.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The cup and baptism metaphors would resonate with Jewish disciples familiar with prophetic literature. The Passover cup represented covenant participation, but Jesus transforms it into the cup of divine judgment He will drain alone (Matthew 26:39). Church tradition records that James became the first apostolic martyr (Acts 12:2, AD 44) and John suffered exile to Patmos, fulfilling Jesus's prophecy that they would indeed share His sufferings.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you confidently claimed ability to follow Christ while fundamentally misunderstanding what He was asking?
  2. How does the cup metaphor challenge triumphalistic Christianity that promises glory without suffering?
  3. What does Jesus's question about drinking His cup reveal about the nature of true discipleship?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ἀποκριθεὶς1 of 27

“answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

δὲ2 of 27

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 27
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 27

“Jesus”

G2424

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

εἶπεν5 of 27

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Οὐκ6 of 27

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

οἴδατε7 of 27

“Ye know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τί8 of 27

“what”

G5101

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

αἰτεῖσθε9 of 27

“ye ask”

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

Δυνάμεθα10 of 27

“Are ye able”

G1410

to be able or possible

πίνειν11 of 27

“drink of”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

τὸ12 of 27
G3588

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

ποτήριον13 of 27

“of the cup”

G4221

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

ὁ14 of 27

“that”

G3739

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

ἐγὼ15 of 27

“I”

G1473

i, me

μέλλω16 of 27

“shall”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

πίνειν17 of 27

“drink of”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

καὶ18 of 27

“and”

G2532

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

τὸ19 of 27
G3588

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

βάπτισμα20 of 27

“with the baptism”

G908

baptism (technically or figuratively)

ὁ21 of 27

“that”

G3739

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

ἐγὼ22 of 27

“I”

G1473

i, me

βαπτισθῆναι23 of 27

“am baptized with”

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

βαπτισθῆναι24 of 27

“am baptized with”

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

λέγουσιν25 of 27

“They 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

αὐτῷ26 of 27

“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

Δυνάμεθα27 of 27

“Are ye able”

G1410

to be able or possible


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 20:22 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 Matthew 20:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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