King James Version

What Does Matthew 20:23 Mean?

Matthew 20:23 in the King James Version says “And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but t... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 20:23 · KJV


Context

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.

25

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall drink indeed of my cup (τὸ μὲν ποτήριόν μου πίεσθε)—The emphatic men particle confirms their future martyrdom; Jesus prophesies that James and John will participate in His sufferings. Church history validates this: James was beheaded by Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:2), becoming the first apostolic martyr; John suffered imprisonment and exile, likely dying naturally in old age as the last living apostle.

But to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give (τὸ δὲ καθίσαι... οὐκ ἔστιν ἐμὸν δοῦναι)—This striking statement has puzzled interpreters. Jesus affirms submission to the Father's sovereign decree; positions in the kingdom are prepared (ἡτοίμασται) by divine foreordination, not political maneuvering. Ironically, at Calvary, two thieves occupy the right and left positions (Matthew 27:38)—the 'throne' is a cross.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Within a decade, James was executed (AD 44), fulfilling Jesus's prophecy. John survived Domitian's persecution (AD 81-96), was exiled to Patmos, and wrote Revelation. Tradition records he was boiled in oil but miraculously survived. The Father's preparation of kingdom positions echoes Ephesians 2:10—good works foreordained before creation. Jesus's self-limitation here reflects His incarnate submission to the Father's will.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's prediction of their suffering redefine what 'greatness' means in God's kingdom?
  2. What does Jesus's deference to the Father's sovereign appointment teach about humility and submission within the Trinity?
  3. How should the irony of the two thieves occupying the 'right and left' positions at the cross shape our understanding of kingdom values?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 36 words
καὶ1 of 36

And

G2532

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

λέγει2 of 36

he saith

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

αὐτοῖς3 of 36

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

Τὸ4 of 36
G3588

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

μὲν5 of 36

indeed

G3303

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

ποτήριόν6 of 36

cup

G4221

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

μου7 of 36

my

G3450

of me

πίεσθε8 of 36

Ye shall drink

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

καὶ9 of 36

And

G2532

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

τὸ10 of 36
G3588

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

βάπτισμα11 of 36

with the baptism

G908

baptism (technically or figuratively)

οἷς12 of 36

it shall be given to them for whom

G3739

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

ἐγὼ13 of 36

I

G1473

i, me

βαπτισθήσεσθε·14 of 36

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

βαπτισθήσεσθε·15 of 36

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

Τὸ16 of 36
G3588

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

δὲ17 of 36

but

G1161

but, and, etc

καθίσαι18 of 36

to sit

G2523

to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)

ἐξ19 of 36

on

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

δεξιῶν20 of 36

right hand

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

μου21 of 36

my

G3450

of me

καὶ22 of 36

And

G2532

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

ἐξ23 of 36

on

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

εὐωνύμων24 of 36

left

G2176

properly, well-named (good-omened), i.e., the left (which was the lucky side among the pagan greeks); neuter as adverbial, at the left hand

μου25 of 36

my

G3450

of me

οὐκ26 of 36

not

G3756

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

ἔστιν27 of 36

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐμὸν28 of 36

mine

G1699

my

δοῦναι29 of 36

to give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ἀλλ'30 of 36

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οἷς31 of 36

it shall be given to them for whom

G3739

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

ἡτοίμασται32 of 36

it is prepared

G2090

to prepare

ὑπὸ33 of 36

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τοῦ34 of 36
G3588

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

πατρός35 of 36

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

μου36 of 36

my

G3450

of me


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 20:23 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 20:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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