Mark 10:31

KJV

But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last first.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} many {G4183} that are first {G4413} shall be {G2071} last {G2078}; and {G2532} the last {G2078} first {G4413}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first!"

Berean Standard Bible

But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

American Standard Version

But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:31 encapsulates a profound paradox central to the Kingdom of God: the reversal of worldly values and status. This concise aphorism, delivered by Jesus, serves as a concluding statement to His discourse on the challenges of wealth and the true nature of discipleship, emphasizing that human perceptions of success and importance are often inverted in God's eyes, where humility, sacrifice, and service are ultimately exalted.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful statement immediately follows a pivotal encounter and subsequent teaching. Jesus has just engaged with a rich young man who, despite his desire for eternal life, was unwilling to surrender his great possessions to follow Christ, departing sorrowfully ([Mark 10:17-22](/mark/10-17-22 "Mark 10:17-22 - The Rich Young Man")). This incident prompted Jesus to teach His disciples about the extreme difficulty for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God, likening it to a camel passing through the eye of a needle ([Mark 10:23-27](/mark/10-23-27 "Mark 10:23-27 - The Camel and the Needle's Eye")). Peter, observing this, then asks what reward awaits them, who have "left everything" to follow Jesus ([Mark 10:28](/mark/10-28 "Mark 10:28 - Peter's Question About Reward")). Jesus responds with a sweeping promise of manifold blessings in this present age and eternal life in the age to come for those who make such sacrifices for His sake and the Gospel's ([Mark 10:29-30](/mark/10-29-30 "Mark 10:29-30 - Jesus' Promise of Reward")). Mark 10:31 thus functions as a climactic summary and a cautionary principle, clarifying that the promised rewards are not about status or worldly gain, but about a radical reordering of priorities and an inversion of conventional success in God's economy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, wealth was often perceived as a sign of God's blessing and favor, and the wealthy (especially those who observed the Law) held positions of honor and influence. Poverty, conversely, could be seen as a sign of divine disfavor or a consequence of sin. Social hierarchies were rigidly defined, and status was paramount. Jesus' teaching directly challenged this prevailing worldview. His emphasis on humility, service, and detachment from material possessions would have been counter-cultural and even scandalous to many. The disciples themselves, though having left much, still harbored expectations of prominent positions in a restored earthly kingdom, as evidenced by James and John's request for seats of honor later in this same chapter ([Mark 10:35-45](/mark/10-35-45 "Mark 10:35-45 - The Request of James and John")). Jesus' statement in [Mark 10:31](/mark/10-31 "Mark 10:31 - The First Shall Be Last") directly confronts these human aspirations for worldly preeminence, setting the stage for a radical redefinition of greatness within God's Kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and Jesus' broader teaching. Primarily, it highlights the **Divine Reversal of Values**, a core principle of the Kingdom of God, where conventional societal norms and human estimations of worth are turned upside down. What is esteemed by the world (wealth, power, status) is often devalued by God, while what is overlooked or despised (humility, self-sacrifice, service) is elevated. This theme is echoed throughout Jesus' ministry, as seen in His teaching that [the greatest among you shall be your servant](/mark/9-35 "Mark 9:35 - The Greatest Is the Servant of All") and that [whoever humbles himself will be exalted](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - Humility and Exaltation"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **True Discipleship and Sacrifice**. Genuine commitment to Christ involves a willingness to relinquish worldly advantages and embrace a path of humility and service, trusting in God's ultimate vindication and reward. Finally, the verse carries **Eschatological Implications**, pointing to a future judgment and the ultimate establishment of God's Kingdom where final positions will be determined, and a complete reversal of present statuses will occur. It serves as a warning against misplaced confidence in earthly achievements and a promise of vindication for those who faithfully endure for Christ's sake.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **many (Greek, _polýs'_):** This word, meaning "much" or "many," indicates that this principle of reversal is not an isolated exception but a widespread truth applicable to a significant number of people. It suggests a general rule or tendency rather than a rare occurrence, implying that many who are currently considered "first" in human society will experience this divine reordering.
* **first (Greek, _prōtos'_):** Derived from "pro" (before), this term signifies being "foremost" in time, place, order, or, critically here, importance. It denotes those who hold positions of prominence, authority, wealth, or social esteem in the eyes of the world. It speaks to human-defined status and perceived superiority.
* **last (Greek, _éschatos'_):** This superlative term means "farthest," "final," or "uttermost." In this context, it refers to those who are least esteemed, marginalized, overlooked, or considered insignificant by societal standards. It represents the lowest rung of the social ladder, contrasting sharply with "first."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But many [that are] first shall be last;":** This clause introduces the primary paradox. The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a contrast or shift in perspective from the preceding promise of reward. It highlights that many who currently enjoy high status, wealth, or human recognition—those considered "first" in the world's eyes—will find their positions inverted in God's Kingdom. Their earthly advantages will not translate into heavenly favor; indeed, they may even hinder it, leading to a position of "lastness." This is a direct challenge to the disciples' and society's understanding of success and privilege.
* **"and the last first.":** This second clause completes the chiasm and the divine reversal. It offers hope and vindication for those who are currently "last"—the humble, the poor, the marginalized, the self-sacrificing, and those who serve without worldly recognition. These individuals, often overlooked or devalued by human standards, will be elevated to positions of honor and prominence in God's economy. This part of the saying provides comfort and encouragement to those who follow Jesus faithfully, even when it means sacrificing worldly status or enduring hardship.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:31 is a masterclass in concise and impactful communication, employing several literary devices. Most prominently, it is a **Chiasmus**, structured in an A-B-B-A pattern: "first (A) shall be last (B); and the last (B') first (A')." This inverted parallelism creates a sense of balance while powerfully emphasizing the dramatic reversal being communicated. The chiastic structure also makes the saying memorable and aphoristic. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Paradox**, presenting a seemingly contradictory statement that reveals a deeper truth. The idea that "first" can become "last" and "last" become "first" defies conventional logic but illuminates the counter-cultural values of the Kingdom of God. It is also an **Aphorism** or **Proverbial Saying**, a short, pithy statement expressing a general truth, designed to be easily remembered and applied. Its brevity and profound meaning make it a powerful summary of Jesus' teaching on humility and divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:31 is a cornerstone statement that encapsulates the radical nature of the Kingdom of God, where human values are consistently inverted. It teaches that true greatness is not found in worldly power, prestige, or possessions, but in humility, self-sacrifice, and loving service. This divine reversal challenges all human systems of hierarchy and merit, emphasizing that God's perspective on worth differs fundamentally from our own. It serves as both a warning to the proud and a profound encouragement to the humble, assuring them that their faithfulness, often unseen or unrewarded in this life, will be fully recognized and exalted in the age to come. The verse underscores the importance of internal spiritual disposition over external status, highlighting that those who willingly choose the path of humility and servanthood for Christ's sake will ultimately inherit true honor and eternal life.

* [Matthew 20:16](/matthew/20-16 "Matthew 20:16 - The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard")
* [Luke 13:30](/luke/13-30 "Luke 13:30 - Many Who Are Last Will Be First")
* [Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - For Everyone Who Exalts Himself Will Be Humbled")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:31 challenges us to critically examine our own aspirations and definitions of success. Do we pursue worldly recognition, wealth, or power, or are we genuinely seeking to live by the counter-cultural values of God's Kingdom? This verse calls us to embrace humility, to serve others without seeking personal gain, and to find our worth not in human accolades but in God's approval. For those who feel overlooked, marginalized, or engaged in sacrificial service that goes unnoticed, this verse offers profound encouragement, reminding us that God sees and values our faithfulness, and our ultimate reward is secure in His hands. It encourages a radical reorientation of our lives, prioritizing eternal values over temporal ones, and trusting that God's ultimate judgment will right all perceived wrongs and elevate those who have humbled themselves for His sake.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I prioritize being "first" according to worldly standards?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of success, status, and recognition?**
* **What practical steps can I take to embrace a posture of humility and service, even when it means being "last" in the eyes of the world?**

### FAQ
**Does Mark 10:31 mean that all wealthy or successful people will be condemned, and all poor or unsuccessful people will be saved?**

Answer: Not necessarily. Mark 10:31 is not a blanket condemnation of wealth or success, nor an automatic salvation for poverty. Instead, it is a statement about the *principle of divine reversal* and the *values of the Kingdom of God*. Jesus' teaching here, especially in context of the rich young ruler ([Mark 10:17-22](/mark/10-17-22 "Mark 10:17-22 - The Rich Young Man")), highlights the *danger* of wealth and worldly status becoming an idol or an obstacle to following Christ wholeheartedly. Those who are "first" are often those who rely on their own resources, power, or prestige, making it difficult to humble themselves and depend solely on God. Conversely, those who are "last" are often those who, by necessity or choice, embrace humility, dependence on God, and service to others. The verse emphasizes that God's criteria for honor and reward are fundamentally different from human criteria. It's about the heart's posture and allegiance, not merely external circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:31 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. He is the quintessential "first who became last" and "last who became first." Though eternally "first" in divine glory and preeminence as the Son of God ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")), Jesus willingly emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant, being born in human likeness, and humbling Himself even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). He, the Lord of all, came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). In His incarnation, life of humility, and sacrificial death, Jesus fully embraced the position of the "last"—the despised, the suffering, the crucified criminal. Yet, precisely because of this profound act of self-abasement, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Jesus perfectly embodies the principle: He was first, became last through humility and sacrifice, and was then supremely exalted as first, demonstrating the divine paradox that true glory is found through the path of servanthood and suffering. His journey from divine glory to humble service and back to supreme exaltation is the ultimate illustration and guarantee of the truth of [Mark 10:31](/mark/10-31 "Mark 10:31 - The First Shall Be Last") for all who follow Him.

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

Matthew 19:30

But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first.

Luke 13:30

And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

Matthew 20:16

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Romans 9:30

¶ What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

Romans 9:33

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Luke 18:11

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

Luke 18:14

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.