Mark 10:30

KJV

But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G3362} he shall receive {G2983} an hundredfold {G1542} now {G3568} in {G1722} this {G5129} time {G2540}, houses {G3614}, and {G2532} brethren {G80}, and {G2532} sisters {G79}, and {G2532} mothers {G3384}, and {G2532} children {G5043}, and {G2532} lands {G68}, with {G3326} persecutions {G1375}; and {G2532} in {G1722} the world {G165} to come {G2064} eternal {G166} life {G2222}.

Complete Jewish Bible

who will not receive a hundred times over, now, in the `olam hazeh, homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and lands -- with persecutions! -- and in the `olam haba, eternal life.

Berean Standard Bible

will fail to receive a hundredfold in the present age—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, along with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.

American Standard Version

but he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:30 concludes Jesus' profound promise to His disciples, assuring them that those who sacrifice earthly possessions and familial ties for His sake and the Gospel's will receive an abundant return in this present age, encompassing spiritual family and provision, albeit accompanied by persecutions, and ultimately inherit eternal life in the age to come. This verse highlights the paradox of Christian discipleship: present blessings intertwined with hardship, culminating in ultimate, everlasting reward.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 10:30 is the climax of Jesus' response to Peter's question in [Mark 10:28](/mark/10-28 "Mark 10:28 - Peter's Question") ("Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee") which immediately follows the challenging encounter with the [rich young ruler](/mark/10-17-22 "Mark 10:17-22 - The Rich Young Ruler"). The ruler, despite his earnest desire for eternal life, was unable to part with his great wealth to follow Jesus, departing sorrowfully ([Mark 10:22](/mark/10-22 "Mark 10:22 - The Rich Young Ruler's Sorrow")). This stark contrast sets the stage for Jesus' teaching on the true cost and immense reward of discipleship. Peter's question, prompted by this event, seeks clarification on the disciples' own standing, having indeed "left all." Jesus' answer, beginning in [Mark 10:29](/mark/10-29 "Mark 10:29 - Jesus' Promise of Reward"), affirms that no sacrifice made for the Kingdom will go unrewarded, culminating in the detailed promise of Mark 10:30.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, family and land were paramount for identity, security, and inheritance. To "leave all" would have meant severing deep-seated ties and abandoning economic stability, a radical act of faith. The concept of "houses, brethren, sisters, mothers, children, and lands" represented the core of one's social and economic existence. Furthermore, the term "persecutions" was not theoretical; early followers of Jesus, particularly in the Roman Empire, faced significant social ostracism, economic hardship, and even physical violence for their allegiance to Christ, as evidenced by historical accounts and New Testament epistles. Jesus' promise, therefore, was not merely spiritual but addressed the tangible losses and real dangers disciples would face.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader New Testament theology. It reinforces the theme of **Radical Discipleship**, emphasizing that following Jesus demands a willingness to surrender everything ([Mark 8:34-37](/mark/8-34-37 "Mark 8:34-37 - The Cost of Discipleship")). It also highlights **Divine Recompense**, assuring believers that God generously rewards faithfulness, often in unexpected ways ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). Crucially, the inclusion of "with persecutions" introduces the theme of **Suffering and Glory**, a recurring motif in Mark, where the path to glory often involves suffering, mirroring Jesus' own journey to the cross ([Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Foretells His Death")). Finally, the promise of "eternal life" underscores the ultimate, **Eschatological Hope** that transcends all temporal blessings and trials, pointing to the consummation of God's Kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hundredfold (Greek, _hekatontaplasíōn'_):** This term, derived from "one hundred" and "to mold or form," signifies an abundant, overflowing return, far exceeding a simple one-to-one replacement. It conveys a sense of generous divine recompense, not merely a literal mathematical increase, but a superabundant spiritual and relational blessing.
* **persecutions (Greek, _diōgmós'_):** From the verb "to pursue" or "to chase," this word denotes active hostility, harassment, or affliction directed against someone. Its inclusion here is crucial, indicating that the promised blessings are not a guarantee of an easy life, but rather are received *amidst* or *alongside* significant opposition and suffering for one's faith.
* **eternal life (Greek, _aiṓnios zōḗ'_):** This phrase combines "age" or "world" (aiṓn) with "life" (zōḗ). "Aiṓn" can refer to a specific period or to perpetuity. "Aiṓnios" describes that which pertains to the age to come, or that which is perpetual. "Zōḗ" refers to life in its fullest, spiritual sense, often contrasted with mere biological existence. Together, "eternal life" signifies not merely unending existence, but a quality of life that is divine, belonging to the age of God's full reign, characterized by fellowship with God and participation in His kingdom, beginning now and consummated in the future.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time":** This clause introduces the core promise of abundant return. The "hundredfold" signifies a superabundant blessing, far beyond what was given up. "Now in this time" (Greek: _nŷn en toútōi kairōi_) emphasizes that these blessings are not solely reserved for the afterlife but are experienced in the present age, within the earthly pilgrimage of the believer.
* **"houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands":** This list directly counters the things the disciples (and the rich young ruler) might have given up. It speaks to the new, expansive family and provision found within the community of believers—the church. Believers gain spiritual "houses" (places of belonging), "brethren, sisters, mothers, and children" (a supportive spiritual family), and "lands" (provision and belonging in the broader Kingdom).
* **"with persecutions":** This critical phrase acts as a significant qualifier. It means that the abundant blessings are not offered *instead* of hardships, but *alongside* them. Discipleship, while richly rewarded, is not a path free from opposition, suffering, or trials from the world. This serves as a realistic expectation for those who follow Christ.
* **"and in the world to come eternal life":** This final clause presents the ultimate, crowning reward. "The world to come" (Greek: _aiōni tōi erchomenōi_) refers to the eschatological age, the future consummation of God's Kingdom. "Eternal life" is not merely endless existence but a qualitative, divine life that begins now through faith and is fully realized in the presence of God in eternity, encompassing perfect fellowship, joy, and peace.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:30 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the "hundredfold" promise, which is not meant as a literal mathematical calculation but as an emphatic declaration of God's superabundant generosity. This exaggeration underscores the vastness of divine recompense for earthly sacrifice. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition** by placing the promise of abundant blessings ("houses, brethren... lands") directly alongside the reality of "persecutions." This creates a striking contrast that highlights the paradoxical nature of Christian discipleship, where joy and suffering coexist. Furthermore, the progression from "now in this time" to "in the world to come" demonstrates **Climax**, building from present, tangible (though spiritualized) rewards to the ultimate, eternal blessing of "eternal life," emphasizing its preeminence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:30 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of God's economy, where earthly sacrifice for the Kingdom is met with divine generosity that transcends human calculation. It affirms that God is not indebted to anyone, yet He delights to bless those who prioritize His will above all else. This verse also underscores the reality that the blessings of discipleship are often communal and relational, found within the new spiritual family of the church, which provides a rich tapestry of support and belonging that can surpass even biological ties. The inclusion of "persecutions" is a vital theological corrective, preventing a prosperity gospel interpretation and aligning with the consistent New Testament teaching that suffering is an expected, and even sanctifying, aspect of following Christ. Ultimately, the promise of eternal life grounds all temporal blessings and trials in the ultimate hope of God's everlasting Kingdom.

* [Matthew 19:29](/matthew/19-29 "Matthew 19:29 - Parallel Promise of Reward")
* [Luke 18:29-30](/luke/18-29-30 "Luke 18:29-30 - Luke's Parallel Account")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:30 challenges us to evaluate our attachments and priorities. Are we holding onto earthly comforts, possessions, or even familial expectations in a way that hinders our full devotion to Christ and His Gospel? This verse assures us that any genuine sacrifice made for the Kingdom's advance is not a loss but an investment that yields immeasurable returns, both in the present and in eternity. It calls us to embrace the spiritual family of the church as a tangible expression of God's provision and belonging, recognizing that in Christ, we gain far more than we could ever lose. Simultaneously, it grounds our expectations in reality, reminding us that the Christian life is not devoid of challenges. We are called to endure persecutions with joy, knowing that they are part of the path to ultimate glory and that our ultimate reward—eternal life—is secure. This verse encourages radical faith, generous giving of self, and resilient endurance, all rooted in the certainty of God's faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "houses, brethren, sisters, mothers, children, or lands" might Jesus be calling me to "leave" or re-prioritize for the sake of the Gospel today?**
* **In what ways have I already experienced the "hundredfold" return of spiritual family and provision within the body of Christ?**
* **How do I reconcile the promise of blessing with the reality of "persecutions" in my own life or in the lives of believers globally?**
* **Does the promise of "eternal life" truly motivate my present-day choices and sacrifices?**

### FAQ
**Does "hundredfold" mean I will literally get 100 times more money or property?**

Answer: No, the "hundredfold" (Greek: _hekatontaplasíōn_) is best understood as **hyperbole**, a literary device used to emphasize the superabundant generosity of God. It does not promise a literal, mathematical increase in material possessions. Instead, it points to a vastly greater return in spiritual, relational, and communal blessings. Those who leave biological family for the Gospel often find a much larger and deeper spiritual family in the church, and those who give up material security often experience God's provision in unexpected ways, often through the generosity of fellow believers. The emphasis is on a qualitative, not merely quantitative, increase, encompassing a richness of life and belonging that far surpasses what was surrendered.

**Why does Jesus include "with persecutions" if He's promising blessings?**

Answer: The inclusion of "with persecutions" (Greek: _metá diōgmós_) is a crucial and realistic qualifier. It serves to manage expectations and provide a balanced view of discipleship. Jesus never promised an easy life free from hardship for His followers; rather, He consistently taught that the path of following Him would involve suffering and opposition, just as He himself would suffer ([Mark 8:34](/mark/8-34 "Mark 8:34 - Take Up Your Cross")). This phrase highlights that the blessings are not a *replacement* for trials but are experienced *alongside* them. It prepares believers for the reality that living a godly life in a fallen world will inevitably bring conflict and opposition ([2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")). The presence of persecution does not negate God's blessings; rather, it often deepens faith, refines character, and demonstrates the true value of the spiritual rewards.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:30 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ Himself, who perfectly embodied the principle of radical sacrifice leading to ultimate glory. Jesus, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Poverty")). He "left all"—His heavenly glory and divine prerogatives—to enter human existence, ultimately sacrificing His life on the cross. In doing so, He received the ultimate "hundredfold" return: resurrection, exaltation to the right hand of God ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")), and the establishment of His church, a vast spiritual family composed of believers from every tribe and nation ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation")). His journey was undeniably "with persecutions," enduring rejection, suffering, and crucifixion ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant")). Yet, through His perfect obedience and sacrifice, He secured "eternal life" not only for Himself but for all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Thus, Mark 10:30 is not merely a promise *to* disciples, but a reflection of the pattern established *by* the Master Himself, inviting believers to participate in His self-giving life and His glorious inheritance.

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

Luke 18:30

Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,

2 Corinthians 6:10

As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and [yet] possessing all things.

James 1:12

Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Malachi 3:10

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].

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.

Matthew 5:12

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.