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 · KJV


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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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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?

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

3 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

14 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)

21 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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