Mark 10:38

KJV

But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Ye know {G1492} not {G3756} what {G5101} ye ask {G154}: can ye {G1410} drink {G4095} of the cup {G4221} that {G3739} I {G1473} drink of {G4095}? and {G2532} be baptized {G907} with the baptism {G908} that {G3739} I {G1473} am baptized with {G907}?

Complete Jewish Bible

But Yeshua answered, "You don't know what you're asking! Can you drink the cup that I am drinking? or be immersed with the immersion that I must undergo?"

Berean Standard Bible

“You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the cup I will drink, or be baptized with the baptism I will undergo?”

American Standard Version

But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I drink? or to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 10:38, Jesus confronts the ambitious request of James and John, who sought positions of glory in His kingdom, by challenging their understanding of true discipleship. He reveals that the path to glory for Him, and for His followers, involves a profound immersion in suffering and sacrifice, symbolized by a "cup" and a "baptism," thereby correcting their worldly perception of His messianic mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct response to the audacious request made by James and John, the sons of Zebedee, in [Mark 10:37](/mark/10-37 "Mark 10:37 - James and John's Request for Glory"). They ask to sit at Jesus' right and left hand in His glory, indicating a profound misunderstanding of the nature of His kingdom and His impending suffering. This episode immediately follows Jesus' third prediction of His passion, death, and resurrection in [Mark 10:32-34](/mark/10-32-34 "Mark 10:32-34 - Jesus Predicts His Passion a Third Time"), which the disciples clearly failed to grasp. The subsequent reaction of the other ten disciples ([Mark 10:41](/mark/10-41 "Mark 10:41 - The Other Disciples' Indignation")) highlights the pervasive struggle among them to comprehend Jesus' servant leadership model, culminating in Jesus' teaching on servanthood and ransom in [Mark 10:42-45](/mark/10-42-45 "Mark 10:42-45 - Jesus Teaches on Servant Leadership").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism was deeply steeped in messianic expectation, often envisioning a political Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and establish an earthly kingdom with Jerusalem as its capital. The disciples, sharing this common cultural framework, likely anticipated a glorious, triumphant reign where they, as Jesus' closest followers, would hold positions of power and prestige. Their request reflects this deeply ingrained hope for national restoration and personal elevation. They struggled to reconcile Jesus' teachings on suffering and humility with their preconceived notions of a conquering king, failing to grasp the spiritual, redemptive, and suffering nature of His true kingdom, which would be inaugurated through His death and resurrection, not through political conquest.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **misunderstanding of discipleship**, revealing the disciples' persistent struggle to grasp the true nature of following Jesus, which involves self-denial and suffering rather than earthly power. Secondly, it highlights the **cost of following Christ**, emphasizing that genuine discipleship requires a willingness to share in Jesus' suffering and sacrifice, not merely His future glory. Jesus' questions serve as a stark reminder that His path to glory is through the cross, a path His followers are also called to walk. Thirdly, it functions as a subtle yet profound **prophecy of suffering**, with Jesus alluding to His impending passion and death, which He had already foretold in [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Predicts His Death") and [Mark 9:31](/mark/9-31 "Mark 9:31 - Jesus Predicts His Death Again"). The "cup" and "baptism" become powerful metaphors for the agony and immersion in suffering He was about to endure for humanity's salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, a primary verb meaning "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." Jesus' statement "Ye know not what ye ask" indicates a profound lack of spiritual discernment on the part of James and John. They "see" only the outward glory and power they desire, but do not "know" or comprehend the immense suffering and sacrifice that must precede it, both for Jesus and for those who truly follow Him. Their request stems from ignorance of the true nature of the Messiah's mission and the cost of kingdom participation.
* **cup (Greek, _potḗrion'_):** From G4221, a neuter noun meaning "a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e. a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate." In biblical imagery, a "cup" often symbolizes a person's destiny or allotted portion, particularly one of suffering, wrath, or judgment. For Jesus, this cup represents the full measure of suffering He would endure, including the agony of Gethsemane, the betrayal, the trial, the crucifixion, and the bearing of the world's sin and God's wrath against it.
* **baptized (Greek, _baptízō'_):** From G907, a verb meaning "to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism." Here, Jesus uses "baptism" metaphorically to signify an overwhelming immersion in suffering, affliction, and ultimately death. It speaks of being completely submerged or overwhelmed by trials and tribulations, specifically His impending agony and death on the cross.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask":** Jesus immediately addresses the core issue: James and John's profound ignorance regarding the nature of His kingdom and the path to glory. Their request for preeminence stems from a worldly perspective, completely missing the spiritual and sacrificial essence of discipleship. They desire the crown without understanding the cross that precedes it.
* **"can ye drink of the cup that I drink of?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question. The "cup" symbolizes the intense suffering and divine wrath that Jesus, as the sin-bearer, would fully experience. It refers to His passion, His Gethsemane agony, and His atoning death on the cross. Jesus challenges them: are you truly prepared to endure such a destiny, to partake in the very depth of suffering that awaits Me?
* **"and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?":** This second rhetorical question reinforces the first, using another vivid metaphor. The "baptism" here signifies an overwhelming immersion in suffering, affliction, and death. Jesus is asking if they are willing to be completely submerged in the trials and tribulations that He is about to undergo, a "baptism" of agony that would culminate in His death and burial. Both metaphors point to the same reality: the path to true glory in God's kingdom is through profound suffering and self-sacrifice.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:38 employs several potent **Literary Devices**. The most prominent are **Metaphor** and **Rhetorical Question**. Jesus uses the **Metaphor** of "the cup" and "the baptism" to represent His impending suffering and death. The "cup" is a common biblical image for one's allotted destiny, often involving divine judgment or intense suffering (e.g., [Psalm 75:8](/psalms/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of God's Wrath"), [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of Trembling")). The "baptism" here is not water baptism but a metaphorical immersion in overwhelming suffering (as seen in [Luke 12:50](/luke/12-50 "Luke 12:50 - Jesus' Baptism of Suffering")). These metaphors powerfully convey the depth and nature of the agony Jesus was about to face. The entire verse is structured as a series of **Rhetorical Questions**, "can ye drink of the cup...?" and "and be baptized with the baptism...?" These questions are not posed to elicit a literal "yes" or "no" answer, but to provoke deep introspection and reveal the disciples' ignorance. They serve to highlight the stark contrast between the disciples' worldly ambitions and the true, sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission and the path of discipleship. There is also an element of **Irony**, as James and John's ambitious request for glory is met with a challenge to embrace suffering, revealing the ironic truth that true glory in God's kingdom comes through self-denial.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:38 is a profound theological statement on the nature of discipleship and the kingdom of God. It shatters the common misconception that following Christ leads primarily to earthly power and prestige, redirecting focus to the path of suffering and self-sacrifice. Jesus' questions reveal that genuine participation in His kingdom is not about receiving honor, but about sharing in His mission, which, for Him, involved bearing the weight of sin and experiencing profound agony. For believers, this means a willingness to endure hardship, persecution, and self-denial for the sake of the Gospel, understanding that our suffering for Christ's sake is a form of fellowship with Him and a prelude to future glory. It underscores that the cross is central to both Christ's work and the believer's journey.

* [Matthew 20:22](/matthew/20-22 "Matthew 20:22 - Parallel Account of James and John's Request")
* [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ, Suffering with Him")
* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and the Fellowship of His Sufferings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:38 serves as a timeless challenge to every follower of Jesus, urging us to deeply examine our motives for discipleship. Are we drawn to Christ for the promise of comfort, prosperity, or social status, or are we prepared to embrace the full scope of what it means to walk in His footsteps, which often includes hardship, sacrifice, and even suffering for the sake of the Gospel? This verse calls us to align our desires with God's will, understanding that true honor in the kingdom comes through humility and service, not through self-seeking ambition. It reminds us that the cross is not merely an historical event but a pattern for our lives, inviting us to daily deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, trusting that even in suffering, God is at work, conforming us to the image of His Son and preparing us for eternal glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my true motivations for following Jesus? Am I seeking personal gain or a deeper commitment to His mission, even if it involves sacrifice?**
* **In what ways might I be asking for "glory" without understanding the "cup" or "baptism" of suffering that accompanies true discipleship?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater willingness to embrace hardship or self-denial for the sake of Christ and His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jesus' references to "cup" and "baptism" in this verse?**

Answer: Jesus' references to "the cup that I drink of" and "the baptism that I am baptized with" are powerful metaphors for His impending suffering, death, and the divine wrath He would endure as the sin-bearer. The "cup" in biblical imagery often represents a person's destiny or allotted portion, particularly one of suffering or judgment, as seen in passages like [Psalm 75:8](/psalms/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of God's Wrath") and [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of Trembling"). For Jesus, this cup represents the full agony of His passion, including Gethsemane and the cross, where He would bear the sins of the world. The "baptism" similarly refers not to water baptism but to an overwhelming immersion in suffering, affliction, and ultimately death. Jesus uses this metaphor elsewhere, stating, "I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!" in [Luke 12:50](/luke/12-50 "Luke 12:50 - Jesus' Baptism of Suffering"). Both metaphors underscore the immense, overwhelming nature of the suffering Jesus was about to face, which was necessary for the redemption of humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:38 profoundly points to Christ's unique and ultimate fulfillment of the "cup" of suffering and the "baptism" of death. Jesus' question to James and John was not merely rhetorical; it foreshadowed the very path He was about to tread. The "cup" He would drink was the cup of God's wrath against sin, which He alone could fully drain, as evidenced by His agonizing prayer in Gethsemane, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). This cup represents the full measure of divine judgment for sin, a burden no human could bear. Similarly, the "baptism" He was to be baptized with was His complete immersion into death, burial, and the depths of human suffering, culminating in His atoning sacrifice on the cross. This was the ultimate act of obedience and love, through which He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). While believers are called to share in Christ's sufferings ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in His Sufferings")) through persecution, self-denial, and perseverance, our suffering is never redemptive or atoning. It is Christ's solitary drinking of the cup and His unique baptism into death that secured our salvation, making Him the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer of Faith")). His journey through suffering to glory is the prototype for all who follow Him, yet His atoning work remains exclusively His own.

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 12:50

But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

John 18:11

Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

Psalms 75:8

For in the hand of the LORD [there is] a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring [them] out, [and] drink [them].

Matthew 20:21

And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

Matthew 20:22

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

Isaiah 51:22

Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God [that] pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, [even] the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:

Luke 22:42

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.