Mark 10:39

KJV

And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they said {G2036} unto him {G846}, We can {G1410}. And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Ye shall {G4095} indeed {G3303} drink {G4095} of the cup {G4221} that {G3739} I {G1473} drink of {G4095}; and {G2532} with the baptism {G908} that {G3739} I {G1473} am baptized withal {G907} shall ye be baptized {G907}:

Complete Jewish Bible

They said to him, "We can." Yeshua replied, "The cup that I am drinking, you will drink; and the immersion I am being immersed with, you will undergo.

Berean Standard Bible

“We can,” the brothers answered. “You will drink the cup that I drink,” Jesus said, “and you will be baptized with the baptism that I undergo.

American Standard Version

And they said unto him, We are able. And Jesus said unto them, The cup that I drink ye shall drink; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:39 records Jesus' prophetic response to James and John's ambitious request for positions of honor in His kingdom. Despite their misunderstanding of His mission, Jesus affirms that they will indeed share in the "cup" of His suffering and the "baptism" of His tribulation, foreshadowing the costly nature of true discipleship and their eventual participation in His redemptive journey through hardship and sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the broader narrative of Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem and His crucifixion, a theme prominently featured in the latter half of Mark's Gospel. Immediately preceding Mark 10:39, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approach Jesus with a request to sit at His right and left hand in His glory ([Mark 10:35-37](/mark/10-35-37 "Mark 10:35-37 - James and John's Ambitious Request")). This request reveals their profound misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' coming kingdom, viewing it through a lens of earthly power and prestige rather than one of suffering and service. Jesus challenges their superficial ambition by asking if they are truly able to partake in His impending suffering, symbolized by a "cup" and a "baptism" ([Mark 10:38](/mark/10-38 "Mark 10:38 - Jesus Challenges James and John")). Their confident, albeit ignorant, affirmation "We can" then sets the stage for Jesus' prophetic declaration in verse 39, which simultaneously confirms their future suffering and corrects their understanding of glory. The subsequent verses ([Mark 10:41-45](/mark/10-41-45 "Mark 10:41-45 - Jesus Teaches True Greatness")) show Jesus using this incident to teach all the disciples about true greatness being found in humble service and sacrifice, contrasting worldly leadership with the servant leadership exemplified by the Son of Man.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, the concept of the Messiah was often intertwined with nationalistic hopes for a political deliverer who would overthrow Roman rule and establish an earthly kingdom of Israel. The disciples, including James and John, likely shared in this popular expectation, anticipating positions of power and influence in such a kingdom. Their request reflects a common cultural understanding of leadership as dominion and privilege. The metaphors of "cup" and "baptism" carry significant weight in biblical and ancient Near Eastern thought. A "cup" often symbolized one's destiny or portion, whether of joy, blessing, or, more commonly in prophetic literature, divine wrath and suffering ([Psalm 75:8](/psalm/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of God's Wrath"); [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of Trembling")). Similarly, "baptism" (from the Greek _baptizo_) in a figurative sense could denote an overwhelming experience, an immersion into a particular state or destiny, often one of trial or suffering ([Luke 12:50](/luke/12-50 "Luke 12:50 - Jesus' Baptism of Suffering")). Jesus' use of these terms would have evoked powerful images of an inescapable, overwhelming experience of suffering and judgment, far removed from the earthly glory the disciples envisioned.
* **Key Themes:** This passage contributes to several major themes in Mark's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **True Discipleship**, contrasting the disciples' worldly ambition with Jesus' call to self-denial and suffering. Jesus consistently redefines greatness in terms of humble service and sacrifice, challenging conventional notions of power ([Mark 8:34-37](/mark/8-34-37 "Mark 8:34-37 - The Call to Take Up the Cross")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Cost of Following Christ**. Jesus' prophecy makes it clear that sharing in His glory necessitates sharing in His suffering, a concept central to Christian theology. Thirdly, it speaks to the **Nature of the Kingdom of God**, emphasizing that it is not an earthly political entity but a spiritual reality established through suffering and sacrifice, culminating in the atoning work of Christ. Finally, the passage contributes to the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Prophecy**, as Jesus foretells the future experiences of James and John, demonstrating His divine foresight and the predetermined nature of His own suffering and theirs.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **drink (Greek, _pínō'_):** To imbibe (literally or figuratively). In this context, it is used figuratively to denote experiencing or partaking in something, specifically the "cup" of suffering. It implies a full and complete reception of the destiny symbolized by the cup.
* **cup (Greek, _potḗrion'_):** A drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e. a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate. Here, the "cup" is a profound metaphor for Jesus' impending Passion, His suffering, and the full weight of divine judgment for sin that He would bear. For James and John, it signifies their share in the trials and persecutions that would come with following Christ.
* **baptized (Greek, _baptízō'_):** 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. While the literal meaning refers to water immersion, Jesus uses it here in a figurative sense, signifying a complete engulfment or overwhelming experience of suffering and death, much like being submerged in a flood of trials.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said unto him, We can."**: This clause reveals the disciples' confident, yet ultimately naive, affirmation of their ability to endure whatever Jesus might face. Their "can" is born of ambition and a lack of full understanding of the immense suffering Jesus is describing. They believe they are capable of achieving the glory they seek, without fully grasping the prerequisite suffering.
* **"And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of;"**: Jesus responds not with rebuke for their ambition, but with a profound prophecy. The "cup" here refers to His unique destiny of suffering and death, specifically His atoning sacrifice on the cross, which involves bearing the wrath of God against sin. Jesus declares that James and John will, in their own measure, partake of a similar experience of suffering and trial, though not in the same atoning capacity. The word "indeed" (Greek _men_) emphasizes the certainty of this future reality.
* **"and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:"**: This parallel statement reinforces the previous metaphor. The "baptism" Jesus refers to is not water baptism, but a complete immersion into suffering, agony, and death. It speaks of being overwhelmed by the trials and tribulations associated with His mission. Jesus prophesies that James and John will also experience a similar overwhelming immersion into suffering for His sake, confirming that their path of discipleship will involve significant hardship and persecution, mirroring His own journey.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:39 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily through the images of the "cup" and "baptism." The "cup" symbolizes Jesus' impending suffering and sacrificial death, a common biblical motif for destiny or divine judgment. Similarly, "baptism" is used metaphorically to represent an overwhelming experience of suffering, distinct from water baptism. These metaphors powerfully convey the intensity and nature of the trials Jesus would face and those His disciples would share. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus explicitly predicts the future suffering of James and John, which was literally fulfilled in their lives (James' martyrdom in [Acts 12:2](/acts/12-2 "Acts 12:2 - James' Martyrdom"), and John's persecution and exile in [Revelation 1:9](/revelation/1-9 "Revelation 1:9 - John's Exile on Patmos")). Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** in the disciples' confident "We can," as they assent to a future they do not yet comprehend, unknowingly embracing a path of suffering rather than the earthly glory they sought.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:39 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian discipleship, revealing that the path to true glory in God's kingdom is inextricably linked to suffering and sacrifice, mirroring the journey of Christ Himself. It challenges the human tendency to seek honor and power, redirecting focus to the self-emptying love and service that define Jesus' ministry. The "cup" and "baptism" represent not only physical hardship but also the spiritual identification with Christ's mission, which includes bearing reproach, enduring persecution, and dying to self. This verse serves as a sober reminder that while the ultimate atoning work of Christ is unique, believers are called to participate in His sufferings, thereby sharing in His victory and future glory.

* [Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross")
* [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ through Suffering")
* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:39 stands as a powerful and enduring challenge to our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. It confronts our often-superficial desires for comfort, recognition, and worldly success within our faith journey, reminding us that true discipleship involves a costly commitment. Just as James and John were called to participate in Christ's suffering, so too are believers today called to embrace self-denial, humility, and potentially hardship for the sake of the Gospel. This doesn't necessarily mean physical martyrdom for all, but it certainly implies a willingness to forsake personal ambition, endure criticism, face opposition, and sacrifice personal comfort for the advancement of God's kingdom. It calls us to align our aspirations not with earthly glory, but with the servant heart of Christ, finding our greatest honor in sharing His mission, even when it leads to the "cup" of tribulation or the "baptism" of overwhelming trials. Our willingness to embrace this path reflects the authenticity of our commitment and deepens our fellowship with Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cup" or "baptism" might Jesus be calling me to drink or be immersed in today, in my personal walk of faith?**
* **How does my understanding of "glory" or "honor" align with or diverge from Jesus' teaching on suffering and service in this passage?**
* **Am I willing to embrace hardship or sacrifice for the sake of Christ and His kingdom, even if it means foregoing personal comfort or ambition?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus' use of "cup" and "baptism" in this verse?**

Answer: Jesus uses "cup" and "baptism" as powerful metaphors for His impending suffering, death, and the divine judgment He would bear for humanity's sins. The "cup" (Greek _potḗrion_) often symbolizes one's destiny or lot, particularly in the Old Testament, where it frequently represents God's wrath or judgment ([Psalm 75:8](/psalm/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of God's Wrath")). For Jesus, this refers to the immense anguish of Gethsemane and the atoning work on the cross. The "baptism" (Greek _baptízō_) is not water baptism but signifies an overwhelming immersion into suffering and death, a complete engulfment in the trials and agony of His atoning work ([Luke 12:50](/luke/12-50 "Luke 12:50 - Jesus' Baptism of Suffering")). By stating James and John would share in these, Jesus prophesies that they too would experience significant suffering and persecution for their faith, though not in the unique atoning capacity of Christ.

**Were James and John wrong to ask for positions of honor?**

Answer: While their request revealed a fundamental misunderstanding of Jesus' kingdom and was rooted in ambition, Jesus did not directly rebuke them for the *desire* to be close to Him. Instead, He corrected their *conception* of how such honor is achieved. Their error lay in seeking earthly power and prestige rather than understanding that true greatness in God's kingdom comes through humble service and sacrificial suffering, following Jesus' own example ([Mark 10:42-45](/mark/10-42-45 "Mark 10:42-45 - Jesus Teaches True Greatness")). Jesus redirected their ambition towards the costly reality of discipleship.

**How was Jesus' prophecy to James and John fulfilled?**

Answer: Jesus' prophecy was literally fulfilled in the lives of James and John. James became the first apostle to be martyred, killed by the sword under King Herod Agrippa I, as recorded in [Acts 12:2](/acts/12-2 "Acts 12:2 - James' Martyrdom"). John, though not martyred, endured significant persecution for his faith, including exile to the island of Patmos "for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ" ([Revelation 1:9](/revelation/1-9 "Revelation 1:9 - John's Exile")). His long life was characterized by enduring hardship and opposition for the sake of the Gospel, demonstrating his participation in the "cup" and "baptism" of suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:39 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' unique and unparalleled suffering as the Lamb of God. The "cup" Jesus drank was the full measure of divine wrath against sin, a burden no other human could bear, as evidenced by His agony in Gethsemane ([Mark 14:36](/mark/14-36 "Mark 14:36 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). His "baptism" was the complete immersion into death and separation from God on the cross, the ultimate act of atonement for humanity's sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). While James and John, and indeed all believers, are called to participate in a measure of Christ's suffering through persecution and self-denial ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")), their suffering is a *participation* in His, not a contribution to His unique redemptive work. Jesus' suffering was substitutionary, bearing the penalty for sin, and His resurrection from this "cup" and "baptism" of death secured victory over sin and death for all who believe ([Romans 6:3-5](/romans/6-3-5 "Romans 6:3-5 - Baptized into Christ's Death and Resurrection")). Thus, the fulfillment of this verse points to Christ as the one who fully drank the cup of wrath and was immersed in the baptism of death, thereby opening the way for His followers to share in His suffering and ultimately, His eternal glory ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ through Suffering")).

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

Revelation 1:9

¶ I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Acts 12:2

And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

Matthew 10:25

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more [shall they call] them of his household?

Mark 14:36

And he said, Abba, Father, all things [are] possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

Mark 14:31

But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

John 17:14

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

Colossians 1:24

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: