Mark 10:31

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Commentary on Mark 10:31

The verse "But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last first" serves as a powerful summary of Jesus' teachings on divine paradox and the values of the Kingdom of God. It concludes a significant dialogue between Jesus and His disciples, particularly Peter, regarding the challenges of wealth and the rewards of discipleship.

Context

This statement immediately follows Jesus' assurance to His disciples that those who have left everything to follow Him will receive manifold blessings in this life and eternal life in the age to come (Mark 10:29-30). This conversation was prompted by the departure of a rich young ruler who could not part with his great possessions to follow Jesus. Jesus then taught about the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom (Mark 10:23-27), leading Peter to ask what the disciples would gain since they had left all. Thus, Mark 10:31 acts as a concluding thought, emphasizing that worldly status and human perception of success are often inverted in God's eyes.

Key Themes

  • Divine Reversal of Values: The core message is that God's kingdom operates on principles contrary to worldly systems. What society exalts – wealth, power, prestige – may be diminished, while what is overlooked or scorned – humility, service, sacrifice – will be elevated.
  • Humility and Service: This verse implicitly champions humility. Those who are "last" often represent the humble, the servants, or those who faithfully serve without seeking worldly recognition. Jesus often taught that to be first, one must be last and servant of all.
  • True Discipleship and Reward: For those who make sacrifices for the sake of the Gospel, this verse offers reassurance. Their present "lastness" in the eyes of the world will lead to being "first" in God's eternal plan. It underscores the reward of genuine commitment to Christ, contrasting with the rich young ruler's inability to sacrifice.
  • Eschatological Judgment: While applicable in the present, the saying also points to a future judgment where ultimate positions will be determined, and a final reversal of status will occur.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "first shall be last; and the last first" (Greek: πρῶτοι ἔσχατοι ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι - prōtoi eschatoi eschatoi prōtoi) is a powerful and memorable aphorism. It is often structured as a chiasmus (an A-B-B-A pattern), which naturally emphasizes the dramatic reversal being communicated. This saying is found in various forms across the Gospels, including Matthew 19:30 and Matthew 20:16, often concluding parables about the Kingdom of Heaven or discussions on discipleship.

Practical Application

Mark 10:31 challenges believers to re-evaluate their priorities and aspirations. It encourages a life of humility, selfless service, and radical commitment to God's kingdom, rather than the pursuit of worldly status or accumulation. For those who feel overlooked, marginalized, or make significant sacrifices for their faith, this verse offers profound encouragement, reminding them that God sees and values their faithfulness, and their ultimate reward is secure. It calls us to embody the principle of God's reversal of status for the humble.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 19:30 (9 votes)

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

  • Luke 13:30 (6 votes)

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

  • Matthew 20:16 (6 votes)

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

  • Romans 9:30 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.