Mark 10:29

KJV

And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and said {G2036}, Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, There is {G2076} no man {G3762} that {G3739} hath left {G863} house {G3614}, or {G2228} brethren {G80}, or {G2228} sisters {G79}, or {G2228} father {G3962}, or {G2228} mother {G3384}, or {G2228} wife {G1135}, or {G2228} children {G5043}, or {G2228} lands {G68}, for my {G1700} sake {G1752}, and {G2532} the gospel's {G2098},

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said, "Yes! I tell you that there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the Good News,

Berean Standard Bible

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for My sake and for the gospel

American Standard Version

Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children, or lands, for my sake, and for the gospel’s sake,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 10:29, Jesus delivers a profound declaration affirming the radical demands and assured rewards of discipleship. Following the departure of the rich young ruler, Jesus responds to Peter's query about the disciples' sacrifices by outlining the comprehensive nature of what one might relinquish—family, home, and possessions—all "for my sake, and the gospel's." This verse underscores the supreme priority of Christ and His mission, setting the stage for the subsequent promise of abundant recompense, both in this life and the life to come.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the poignant narrative of the rich young ruler in [Mark 10:17-27](/mark/10-17-27 "Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler"). The ruler, unable to part with his vast wealth to follow Jesus, departs sorrowfully, prompting Jesus's teaching on the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God. The disciples, astonished by this teaching, ask, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus assures them that "with God all things are possible." It is in this atmosphere of awe and uncertainty about radical discipleship that Peter, speaking for the disciples, declares in [Mark 10:28](/mark/10-28 "Peter's Declaration of Sacrifice") that they have indeed "left all and followed you." Jesus's response in verse 29, and the subsequent promise in [Mark 10:30](/mark/10-30 "The Promise of Hundredfold Reward"), directly addresses Peter's statement, validating their sacrifice and clarifying the nature of the promised reward.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, family ties were paramount, forming the bedrock of social, economic, and religious identity. To "leave" father, mother, brethren, sisters, wife, or children was an immense cultural and social transgression, often leading to ostracization and loss of inheritance. Land ownership was also deeply significant, representing security, status, and a connection to ancestral heritage, particularly in a society where tribal land allocations were still remembered. Jesus's call to forsake these fundamental pillars of life would have been shocking and counter-cultural, emphasizing a radical reorientation of loyalty from earthly allegiances to the Kingdom of God. This was a direct challenge to the prevailing societal norms, highlighting the exclusive and all-encompassing nature of true discipleship.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 10:29 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader New Testament theology. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Radical Discipleship**, where following Jesus demands a reordering of all priorities, even above the most cherished human relationships and possessions. This echoes Jesus's earlier calls to "take up his cross and follow me" ([Mark 8:34](/mark/8-34 "The Cost of Discipleship")). The verse also highlights the **Cost of Following Jesus**, making explicit the potential sacrifices involved, which can include material loss and relational strain. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **Mission-Driven Sacrifice**, emphasizing that these relinquishments are not for personal asceticism but "for my sake, and the gospel's," underscoring the intrinsic link between devotion to Christ's person and participation in His redemptive mission. This commitment to the **Kingdom of God** supersedes all earthly allegiances, laying the groundwork for the promise of eternal life and spiritual family in [Mark 10:30](/mark/10-30 "The Promise of Eternal Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amēn'_):** This word, transliterated directly into English as "Amen," is a strong affirmation of truth and certainty. When Jesus prefaces His statements with "Verily I say unto you," it signals that what follows is an absolute, undeniable truth, carrying the full weight of His divine authority. It commands attention and underscores the solemnity and profundity of the declaration.
* **left (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This verb carries a range of meanings, including "to send forth," "to forgive," "to forsake," "to lay aside," and "to leave." In this context, it signifies a deliberate act of abandonment, relinquishment, or separation from something previously held or cherished. It implies a conscious choice to detach from earthly comforts, relationships, or possessions, not necessarily in a literal, permanent sense for all, but certainly in terms of ultimate allegiance and priority.
* **gospel's (Greek, _euangélion'_):** Derived from a word meaning "good message," "euangélion" refers to the "good news" or "gospel" of God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ. In this verse, it signifies the divine message of salvation, the Kingdom of God, and the mission to proclaim it. To leave things "for the gospel's sake" means to make sacrifices that directly contribute to the advancement, spread, and embodiment of this good news in the world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you,"**: This opening phrase establishes the authority and solemnity of Jesus's subsequent declaration. His use of "Verily" (Amen) underscores the absolute truth and certainty of His words, demanding the disciples' full attention and belief in the profound promise and challenge He is about to deliver.
* **"There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands,"**: This clause enumerates the comprehensive list of earthly attachments that disciples might be called to "leave." The list moves from material possessions (house, lands) to the most intimate familial relationships (brethren, sisters, father, mother, wife, children). The inclusion of "wife" is particularly striking, as it was highly unusual in that culture for a man to leave his wife, highlighting the extreme nature of this call to radical devotion. The phrase "no man" emphasizes the universal principle at play, though the application may vary for individuals.
* **"for my sake, and the gospel's,"**: This crucial concluding phrase provides the singular, dual purpose for any such sacrifice. It clarifies that the relinquishment is not for its own sake (e.g., asceticism) but is entirely Christocentric and missional. "For my sake" points to personal devotion and allegiance to Jesus Himself, while "and the gospel's" links this devotion to the advancement of God's redemptive plan and the proclamation of the good news. This dual purpose elevates the sacrifice from a mere loss to a purposeful act of worship and participation in God's Kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:29 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, seen in the extensive and comprehensive list of things one might leave: "house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands." While some individuals might literally forsake all these, the sweeping nature of the list serves to emphasize the absolute and all-encompassing nature of the commitment required, rather than prescribing a universal literal abandonment for every believer. This exaggeration highlights the reordering of ultimate loyalties. The repeated use of "or" throughout the list is an example of **Polysyndeton**, which serves to emphasize each item individually, creating a sense of cumulative weight and thoroughness, stressing that no earthly attachment, however dear, is to take precedence over Christ. Finally, Jesus's prefatory phrase, "**Verily I say unto you**," is a form of **Authoritative Declaration**, lending immense weight and certainty to His words, signaling a truth of divine origin and absolute reliability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:29 presents a radical call to discipleship that challenges the default human inclination to prioritize self, family, and possessions. It underscores the absolute sovereignty of Christ and the supreme value of His Kingdom, demanding an unreserved commitment that transcends even the most fundamental human allegiances. This call is not merely about giving up things, but about a reorientation of the heart's ultimate loyalty, recognizing that true life and security are found only in Christ and His mission. It sets the stage for understanding that while the cost may be high, the spiritual and eternal rewards promised in the subsequent verse far outweigh any earthly sacrifice.

* [Matthew 10:37](/matthew/10-37 "Jesus' Call to Prioritize Him Above Family")
* [Luke 14:26](/luke/14-26 "The Cost of Discipleship in Luke")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Paul's Renunciation of Earthly Gain for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:29 challenges believers across all generations to examine the true objects of their ultimate loyalty and affection. While not every follower of Christ is called to physically abandon their family or possessions, the spirit of this verse demands a willingness to do so if Christ's call requires it. It compels us to ask: What are the "houses, lands, and family" in my life that compete with my devotion to Jesus and the advancement of His gospel? This could manifest as prioritizing career over ministry opportunities, allowing family expectations to hinder obedience to God's specific calling, or hoarding material resources rather than deploying them for Kingdom purposes. True discipleship means holding all things loosely, with Christ as the supreme treasure and His mission as the ultimate priority. It encourages us to cultivate a heart posture of radical availability to God, ready to follow wherever He leads, confident that any sacrifice made for Him is never in vain but leads to abundant life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "house, family, or lands" in my life do I cling to more tightly than my devotion to Christ and His gospel?**
* **In what practical ways can I reorder my priorities to demonstrate that Christ and His mission are truly paramount in my life?**
* **How does the promise of reward (even if not explicitly stated in this verse, but implied by its context) motivate or challenge my willingness to make sacrifices for Christ?**

### FAQ
**Does Jesus literally command all believers to abandon their families and possessions?**

Answer: While Jesus's words in [Mark 10:29](/mark/10-29 "Jesus' Promise to Those Who Sacrifice") can be interpreted as a literal call for some, particularly those called to specific missionary or vocational ministry roles that necessitate such separation, the primary emphasis is on the **priority of allegiance**. Jesus is not universally commanding the abandonment of family or property for every believer. Rather, He is highlighting that nothing—not even the most fundamental human relationships or material security—should take precedence over one's commitment to Him and the gospel. The phrase serves as a hyperbole to underscore the radical, all-encompassing nature of true discipleship, where one's ultimate loyalty is to Christ alone. It's about a willingness to surrender these things if God calls, and a reordering of the heart's affections, ensuring that Christ holds the supreme place.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:29 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus is the supreme example of one who "left" everything—not merely house, family, or lands, but the very glory of heaven—"for our sake, and the gospel's." As [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "The Humiliation of Christ") profoundly states, He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." He left the comfort and majesty of His divine abode to enter a broken world, ultimately laying down His life on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for the "gospel's" sake, securing salvation for humanity ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God's Love in Giving His Son")). Therefore, the call to radical discipleship in [Mark 10:29](/mark/10-29 "Jesus' Call to Radical Discipleship") is not an arbitrary demand, but an invitation to participate in the very pattern of Christ's self-giving love. Our sacrifices for Him and His mission are a reflection of His own foundational sacrifice, enabling us to walk in His footsteps and share in His redemptive work, anticipating the glorious inheritance promised to those who follow Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 9:23

And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with [you].

Matthew 5:10

Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:11

Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Mark 8:35

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

Hebrews 11:24

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

Hebrews 11:26

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Genesis 12:1

¶ Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: