New Testament
Mark 10:39
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus is responding to the disciples' eagerness to share in His glory.
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
"We can," they said. Jesus told them, "You will indeed drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I endure.
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:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is responding to the disciples' eagerness to share in His glory. When they assert that they can endure what He will face, Jesus acknowledges their willingness but clarifies that they will indeed experience suffering similar to His. The 'cup' symbolizes the suffering and sacrifice He will endure, while 'baptism' refers to the trials and challenges that come with following Him. This moment highlights the seriousness of discipleship, emphasizing that following Jesus involves both glory and hardship. The disciples will face persecution and trials, reflecting the reality of their commitment to Him. Jesus is preparing them for the journey ahead, indicating that true discipleship requires a willingness to endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel. This teaching serves as a reminder that while the Christian life includes joy and fulfillment, it also demands sacrifice and resilience in the face of challenges.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Mark 10:39 to your life
This verse encourages believers to understand that following Jesus involves both joy and trials. It reminds us to prepare for challenges in our faith journey and to support one another through hardships, knowing that our struggles can lead to spiritual growth and deeper faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does the 'cup' symbolize in Mark 10:39?
In Mark 10:39, the 'cup' symbolizes the suffering and sacrifice that Jesus will endure. It represents the trials He faces leading to His crucifixion, highlighting the serious nature of His mission and the cost of discipleship. When Jesus speaks of drinking the cup, He is indicating that His followers will also experience hardships and challenges as they commit to following Him.
How does Mark 10:39 relate to discipleship?
Mark 10:39 emphasizes that true discipleship involves both glory and suffering. Jesus acknowledges the disciples' eagerness to share in His glory but clarifies that they will also face trials similar to His. This verse serves as a reminder that following Jesus is not just about receiving blessings but also about enduring hardships and being prepared for the challenges that come with a life of faith.
How can I apply Mark 10:39 to my life today?
Mark 10:39 encourages believers to recognize that the Christian journey includes both joy and trials. To apply this verse, prepare yourself for challenges in your faith and seek to support others who are struggling. Understand that enduring hardships can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. Embrace the idea that commitment to Christ may require sacrifices, but it ultimately leads to fulfillment and purpose.
What does Jesus mean by saying 'You will indeed drink the cup I drink'?
When Jesus says 'You will indeed drink the cup I drink' in Mark 10:39, He is affirming that His disciples will experience suffering similar to His own. This statement highlights the reality of their commitment to Him, indicating that following Jesus involves facing trials and challenges. It serves as a warning that discipleship is not just about sharing in His glory but also enduring the hardships that come with it.

The Book of Mark
Mark 1: John the Baptist and the Beginning of Jesus's Ministry
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness and preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People from Judaea and Jerusalem come to him, confess their sins, and are baptized in the river Jordan. John wears camel's hair and a leather belt and eats locusts and wild honey. He announces that someone stronger than he is coming after him and says he is not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals. He baptizes with water, but the one coming will baptize with the Holy Ghost.
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