Mark 9:41

For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

For {G1063} whosoever {G3739}{G302} shall give {G4222} you {G5209} a cup {G4221} of water {G5204} to drink {G4222} in {G1722} my {G3450} name {G3686}, because {G3754} ye belong {G2075} to Christ {G5547}, verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, he shall {G622} not {G3364} lose {G622} his {G846} reward {G3408}.

Indeed, whoever gives you even a cup of water to drink because you come in the name of the Messiah -- yes! I tell you that he will certainly not lose his reward.

Indeed, if anyone gives you even a cup of water because you bear the name of Christ, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.

For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink, because ye are Christ’s, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Commentary on Mark 9:41 (KJV)

Mark 9:41 offers a profound assurance from Jesus regarding the eternal value of even the smallest acts of kindness shown to His followers. This verse stands as a comforting promise, highlighting the significance of sincere service motivated by faith.

Context

This verse concludes a section in Mark's Gospel where Jesus has been teaching His disciples about true greatness, humility, and the nature of discipleship. Following a dispute among the disciples about who was the greatest (Mark 9:34), Jesus took a child and taught them about receiving others in His name (Mark 9:37). He then warned against causing others to stumble and emphasized the seriousness of commitment to Him. Mark 9:41 serves as a positive counterpoint, reassuring those who support His disciples, even in the most humble ways, that their efforts will not go unrewarded.

Key Themes

  • The Value of Small Acts: Jesus speaks of a "cup of water," a very simple, readily available, and inexpensive act of hospitality. This illustrates that God values not just grand gestures but also the most basic and humble expressions of care. It underscores that no act of genuine kindness, however small, is insignificant in God's eyes.
  • Motivation is Key: The crucial qualifier is "in my name, because ye belong to Christ." The reward is not for general philanthropy, but for acts done specifically out of recognition, love, and reverence for Jesus Christ and His followers. This speaks to the heart's posture and the spiritual motivation behind the good deed.
  • Certainty of Reward: The phrase "he shall not lose his reward" is an absolute promise from Jesus. It assures believers that every act of service performed for Christ's sake, no matter how minor, is noted and will receive an eternal recompense. This reward is spiritual and often eternal, contrasting with fleeting earthly recognition.
  • Identification with Christ's Followers: By serving those who "belong to Christ," one is implicitly serving Christ Himself. This theme is powerfully echoed in Jesus' teaching about serving "the least of these my brethren" in Matthew 25:40.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "in my name" (Greek: en tō onomati mou) signifies acting by Christ's authority, embodying His character, and doing it for His sake or because of a personal relationship with Him. It's more than just uttering a name; it implies a deep connection and alignment with Christ's purposes. Similarly, "because ye belong to Christ" (Greek: hoti Christou este) means "because you are of Christ," emphasizing ownership and identification with Him.

Practical Application

Mark 9:41 encourages believers to engage in practical acts of service within the Christian community and beyond, knowing that such deeds are deeply valued by God. It reminds us that:

  • Every Act Matters: No act of kindness, however humble, is overlooked when done for Christ.
  • Motives are Paramount: Our service should flow from a genuine love for Christ and His people, not for human praise or personal gain.
  • Mutual Support: The verse fosters a spirit of mutual care and hospitality among those who share faith in Christ. It encourages believers to look out for and support one another, recognizing that when we serve a fellow believer, we are serving Christ Himself.
  • Future Hope: The promise of "reward" provides immense encouragement, reminding us that our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 10:42

    And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

  • Matthew 25:40

    And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.

  • Romans 8:9

    But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

  • Romans 14:15

    But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:23

    But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

  • John 19:25

    Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the [wife] of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

  • John 19:27

    Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own [home].
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