Mark 8:38

KJV

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whosoever {G3739}{G302} therefore {G1063} shall be ashamed {G1870} of me {G3165} and {G2532} of my {G1699} words {G3056} in {G1722} this {G5026} adulterous {G3428} and {G2532} sinful {G268} generation {G1074}; of him {G846} also {G2532} shall {G1870} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} be ashamed {G1870}, when {G3752} he cometh {G2064} in {G1722} the glory {G1391} of his {G846} Father {G3962} with {G3326} the holy {G40} angels {G32}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For if someone is ashamed of me and of what I say in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

American Standard Version

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man also shall be ashamed of him, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 8:38 presents a profound and sobering declaration from Jesus, warning His disciples and the surrounding crowd about the eternal consequences of denying or being ashamed of Him and His teachings in the face of a morally corrupt and spiritually unfaithful world. It underscores the reciprocal nature of allegiance: just as one may disown Christ in this present age, so too will the Son of Man disown them when He returns in the full splendor and authority of His Father, accompanied by His holy angels, to execute divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This potent warning is the climax of a crucial teaching sequence in Mark's Gospel. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus had, for the first time, explicitly revealed His impending suffering, death, and resurrection ([Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Foretells His Death")). Peter's passionate, yet misguided, rebuke of Jesus, and Jesus' stern response, "Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men" ([Mark 8:33](/mark/8-33 "Mark 8:33 - Peter Rebukes Jesus")), set the stage for a deeper exposition on the nature of true discipleship. Following this, Jesus called both His disciples and the general crowd to Him, articulating the radical demands of following Him: self-denial, taking up one's cross daily, and the paradoxical truth that losing one's life for His sake and the gospel's will ultimately lead to saving it ([Mark 8:34-37](/mark/8-34-37 "Mark 8:34-37 - The Cost of Discipleship")). Verse 38 serves as the ultimate culmination of this discourse, emphasizing the eternal accountability for one's allegiance to Christ in light of His future glorious return.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' ministry was unfolding within a Jewish society under Roman occupation, a context marked by diverse religious factions (Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Zealots) and varying expectations of the Messiah. The phrase "adulterous and sinful generation" echoes Old Testament prophetic denunciations of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness, often likening idolatry and covenant-breaking to marital infidelity (e.g., [Jeremiah 3:8](/jeremiah/3-8 "Jeremiah 3:8 - Israel's Spiritual Adultery")). This description captures the prevailing moral decay and spiritual apostasy of Jesus' contemporary society, characterized by a rejection of God's truth and a pursuit of worldly values and self-preservation. Public confession of Jesus as Messiah carried significant social, religious, and even political risks, potentially leading to ostracization, excommunication from the synagogue, or even persecution. Therefore, the temptation to be "ashamed" of Jesus was a very real and pressing concern for His followers.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 8:38 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Mark and broader New Testament theology. It highlights **The Cost of Discipleship**, making it unequivocally clear that following Jesus demands courage, unwavering commitment, and a willingness to stand for His truth even in the face of opposition or social pressure. This verse directly addresses the theme of **Faithfulness vs. Denial**, warning against the profound spiritual danger of being "ashamed" of Jesus and His words, which implies a deliberate act of concealing or renouncing one's faith to avoid discomfort or persecution. Crucially, it introduces the theme of **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, portraying Jesus, the "Son of Man," not merely as a suffering servant but as the ultimate, authoritative judge. Our earthly faithfulness, or lack thereof, will directly determine how we are acknowledged by Him at His glorious return. Finally, the verse offers a vivid glimpse into the eschatological theme of **The Second Coming of Christ**, describing His future arrival "in the glory of his Father with the holy angels," thereby underscoring the majesty, authority, and ultimate triumph of His return. This future reality provides both a warning and a profound motivation for present faithfulness, as seen in parallel teachings like [Luke 9:26](/luke/9-26 "Luke 9:26 - The Son of Man's Return").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ashamed (Greek, _epaischýnomai'_):** Derived from *epi* (upon) and *aischýnomai* (to be ashamed), this verb signifies a deep sense of disgrace, embarrassment, or fear that causes one to shrink back from openly identifying with someone or something. In this context, it describes a failure to confess Christ or His teachings due to social pressure, fear of human opinion, or a desire for worldly acceptance, rather than a fleeting emotion. It implies a deliberate act of disowning or concealing one's allegiance.
* **Generation (Greek, _geneá'_):** This term refers to a specific period of time or the people living within that period. Here, "this adulterous and sinful generation" refers to the contemporary society of Jesus' day, characterized by its moral corruption, spiritual unfaithfulness, and rejection of divine truth. It is a generation that has turned away from God, much like ancient Israel was described as "adulterous" for its idolatry.
* **Glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From the base of *dokeō* (to seem, to think), *dóxa* denotes splendor, majesty, honor, or praise, often referring to the visible manifestation of God's presence and power. When Jesus speaks of coming "in the glory of his Father," it evokes images of divine majesty, omnipotence, and the radiant presence of God, emphasizing His inherent divinity and ultimate authority as the returning King and Judge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words":** This opening clause sets the condition for the subsequent consequence. The shame described is not merely a private feeling but implies a public reluctance or refusal to identify with Jesus and His teachings. "My words" encompasses the entirety of Jesus' message, His commands, and His claims, which were often counter-cultural and challenging to the prevailing norms of the "adulterous and sinful generation." To be ashamed suggests a compromise of faith driven by fear of human disapproval or persecution.
* **"in this adulterous and sinful generation;":** This phrase defines the hostile environment in which discipleship is tested. "Adulterous" (Greek: *moichalís*) metaphorically describes spiritual infidelity to God, echoing Old Testament prophetic language for Israel's unfaithfulness. "Sinful" (Greek: *hamartōlós*) underscores the moral depravity and rebellion against God's law. Together, they characterize a society deeply entrenched in sin and opposed to divine truth, making the confession of Christ particularly challenging and costly.
* **"of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed,":** This clause presents the severe, reciprocal consequence. If one denies Christ on earth, Christ will deny them in heaven. The title "Son of Man" (Greek: *ho huios tou anthrōpou*) is Jesus' preferred self-designation, highlighting both His true humanity and His divine authority, especially as the eschatological judge from [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Comes"). For the Son of Man to be "ashamed" of someone implies a public disavowal and rejection at the final judgment, signifying exclusion from His kingdom.
* **"when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.":** This final clause describes the majestic and awe-inspiring context of the Son of Man's return. "In the glory of his Father" emphasizes the divine splendor and authority with which Jesus will appear, reflecting the very majesty of God. The presence "with the holy angels" further underscores the cosmic scale and divine authority of this event, as angels often accompany divine manifestations and serve as agents of God's judgment (e.g., [Matthew 25:31](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31 - The Son of Man's Glorious Return")). This vivid imagery contrasts sharply with Jesus' humble first advent and highlights the ultimate accountability awaiting all humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 8:38 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, creating a stark contrast between two reciprocal actions: human shame of Jesus versus Jesus' shame of humanity. This parallelism underscores the direct and inescapable consequence of one's allegiance. The phrase "adulterous and sinful generation" employs **Metaphor** and **Prophetic Language**, likening the spiritual unfaithfulness and moral decay of Jesus' contemporary society to the marital infidelity often used in the Old Testament to describe Israel's idolatry. This evokes a sense of deep spiritual corruption. The self-designation "Son of Man" is a significant **Messianic Title** drawn from [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion"), which functions as an **Allusion**, subtly yet powerfully asserting Jesus' divine authority as the coming judge and king. Finally, the description of His return "in the glory of his Father with the holy angels" utilizes vivid **Imagery** to paint a majestic and awe-inspiring picture of the Second Coming, contrasting His humble first advent with His future cosmic dominion and judicial power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 8:38 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the radical demands of discipleship and the eschatological reality of Christ's return. It profoundly connects the present act of confessing or denying Christ with future eternal consequences, emphasizing that true faith is not merely an internal belief but an outward allegiance, especially in a world hostile to God's truth. The verse highlights the ultimate authority of Jesus as the Son of Man, who will return in divine glory to judge humanity, underscoring the gravity of our choices today. It serves as a powerful call to courageous faithfulness, reminding believers that the temporary discomfort or persecution for Christ's sake pales in comparison to the eternal affirmation or rejection by the Lord Himself.

* [Matthew 10:32-33](/matthew/10-32-33 "Confessing Christ Before Men")
* [Luke 9:26](/luke/9-26 "Parallel Warning on Being Ashamed")
* [2 Timothy 2:12](/2_timothy/2-12 "If We Deny Him, He Will Also Deny Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 8:38 stands as a timeless challenge to every follower of Christ, urging us to examine the depth and sincerity of our commitment. In an increasingly pluralistic and often secularized world, the pressure to conform, to remain silent, or even to deny aspects of biblical truth can be immense. This verse calls us beyond a private faith to a public, courageous confession of Jesus and His teachings, regardless of social cost or personal discomfort. It compels us to consider whether our desire for human approval outweighs our allegiance to Christ. The ultimate question posed by this passage is not merely "Do I believe in Jesus?" but "Am I willing to identify with Him and His words, even when it is unpopular, ridiculed, or costly?" Our faithfulness in the present, though seemingly small, is profoundly significant in the light of Christ's glorious return and the final judgment. This passage reminds us that our eternal destiny is intertwined with our willingness to stand unashamed for the One who was not ashamed to die for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life or in what social contexts do I feel tempted to be ashamed of Jesus or His words?**
* **What fears or desires for acceptance might be preventing me from boldly confessing Christ?**
* **How does the promise of Jesus' glorious return, as the Son of Man and Judge, motivate me to live more faithfully today?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to more openly and unashamedly identify with Jesus and His teachings?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "this adulterous and sinful generation"?**

Answer: This phrase is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic language, where Israel's unfaithfulness to God's covenant was often metaphorically described as spiritual adultery (e.g., [Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - Israel as an Adulterous Wife")). In Mark 8:38, Jesus uses it to characterize the prevailing moral and spiritual condition of His contemporary society. It refers to a generation that has turned away from God, rejected His truth, and is deeply entrenched in sin and rebellion against His will. It signifies a profound spiritual apostasy and a lack of fidelity to God, making it a challenging environment for those who would follow Jesus.

**What does it mean for the Son of Man to be "ashamed" of someone?**

Answer: For Jesus, the "Son of Man," to be "ashamed" of someone carries profound and eternal implications. It signifies a public disavowal and rejection at the final judgment. Just as a person might deny or disown Jesus on earth to avoid social pressure or persecution, Jesus declares that He will reciprocally deny or disown them when He returns in the full glory and authority of His Father. This is not merely a feeling of embarrassment on Jesus' part, but a judicial act of exclusion from His eternal kingdom and blessings. It underscores the critical importance of confessing and remaining faithful to Christ in this life, as our allegiance here directly impacts our standing before Him in the life to come, as also taught in [Matthew 10:32-33](/matthew/10-32-33 "Matthew 10:32-33 - Confess or Deny").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 8:38, while a stern warning, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself. He is the one who, far from being ashamed, perfectly embodied unwavering faithfulness to God and His word, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Jesus, the Son of Man, willingly endured shame and rejection for our sake, despising the shame of the cross for the joy set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). His willingness to suffer and die, rather than be ashamed of His mission or His Father's will, becomes the foundation for our own ability to stand unashamed. Moreover, the promise of His glorious return "in the glory of his Father with the holy angels" is the very hope that empowers believers to endure. It reminds us that the One who demands our unashamed confession is the same One who will return as sovereign King and righteous Judge, vindicating those who have faithfully confessed Him and bringing them into His eternal glory ([Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - When Christ, Who is Our Life, Appears")). Thus, this verse not only warns of judgment but also points to the Christ who makes our unashamed confession possible through His grace and who will ultimately usher His faithful ones into His glorious presence.

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 12:8

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

Luke 12:9

But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

Romans 1:16

¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

James 4:4

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

1 John 2:23

Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [(but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.]

Luke 9:26

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and [in his] Father's, and of the holy angels.

Matthew 10:32

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.