Mark 9:41

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Mark 9:41 offers a profound assurance from Jesus, declaring that even the smallest act of kindness—giving a cup of water—performed for His followers "in my name" and "because ye belong to Christ," will certainly receive an eternal reward. This verse encapsulates the divine recognition of sincere, Christ-motivated service, emphasizing that no genuine expression of love and support for those identified with Him goes unnoticed or uncompensated by God. It serves as a powerful encouragement for disciples to extend hospitality and care, knowing their efforts are eternally significant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant teaching segment in Mark's Gospel where Jesus has been instructing His disciples on the true nature of greatness and discipleship, often contrasting worldly values with kingdom principles. Immediately preceding [Mark 9:41](/mark/9-41 "Mark 9:41 - The Cup of Water Reward"), Jesus addresses the disciples' dispute about who is the greatest ([Mark 9:33-34](/mark/9-33-34 "Mark 9:33-34 - Disciples Dispute Greatness")), teaching them humility and the importance of receiving others, especially children, in His name ([Mark 9:35-37](/mark/9-35-37 "Mark 9:35-37 - Receiving a Child in Jesus' Name")). He then warns against causing "little ones" to stumble and speaks graphically about the severity of sin and the necessity of radical commitment to Him, even to the point of self-sacrifice ([Mark 9:42-50](/mark/9-42-50 "Mark 9:42-50 - Warnings Against Causing to Stumble and Radical Discipleship")). In this flow, [Mark 9:41](/mark/9-41 "Mark 9:41 - The Cup of Water Reward") acts as a positive counterpoint, assuring those who support His disciples, even in the most humble ways, that their efforts will not go unrewarded, thus balancing the stern warnings with a promise of divine recompense for faithful service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, and particularly in first-century Jewish society, hospitality was not merely a social custom but a moral and religious imperative. Providing water, especially in the arid climate of Palestine, was a fundamental act of care and a life-sustaining gesture. Travelers often relied on the kindness of strangers for basic provisions. To offer a "cup of water" was the simplest, most accessible, and yet profoundly meaningful act of hospitality, available even to the poorest. The phrase "in my name" (G1722 *en* G3686 *ónoma* G3450 *moû*) carried significant weight, implying an act done by the authority of Christ, with His character, and for His sake. It was not merely a general act of charity but one specifically motivated by identification with Jesus and His mission, recognizing that those receiving the water "belong to Christ" (G2075 *esté* G5547 *Christós*). This context elevates a simple physical act to a profound spiritual one, demonstrating allegiance and love for the Lord.
* **Key Themes:** [Mark 9:41](/mark/9-41 "Mark 9:41 - The Cup of Water Reward") contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It highlights the **value of seemingly small acts** when performed with the right motivation, demonstrating that God sees and rewards even the most humble expressions of love and service. This underscores the theme of **discipleship as practical service**, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to active, compassionate engagement. The phrase "because ye belong to Christ" emphasizes the **identification of believers with Jesus**, implying that service rendered to His followers is service rendered to Him, a theme powerfully echoed in [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These"). Furthermore, the promise "he shall not lose his reward" speaks to the **certainty of divine recompense** for faithful service, assuring believers that their labor in the Lord is never in vain and points to an eternal perspective on earthly deeds.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **en (Greek, _en'_):** This preposition, translated "in," denotes a fixed position (in place, time, or state) or instrumentality. In the phrase "in my name," it signifies acting *by means of* or *in the sphere of* Christ's authority, character, and purpose. It's not just a verbal invocation but an alignment of one's actions with Christ's identity and mission.
* **ónoma (Greek, _ónoma'_):** Translated "name," this word refers to more than just a label; it encompasses one's authority, character, reputation, and very essence. To do something "in my name" means to do it as Christ's representative, embodying His nature, and for the advancement of His kingdom.
* **misthós (Greek, _misthós'_):** This word means "pay for service," "hire," "wages," or "reward." It can be positive or negative. Here, it refers to the positive recompense or remuneration for service rendered. The promise is that this "reward" will certainly not be lost, indicating a guaranteed, divinely appointed return for acts of faithful service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink":** This clause introduces the specific act of kindness. The "cup of water" is a hyperbole for the smallest, most basic, and universally accessible act of hospitality. It emphasizes that no act of genuine care, however simple or inexpensive, is too insignificant to be noticed by God. The "you" refers to Jesus' disciples, those who are His followers.
* **"in my name, because ye belong to Christ":** This is the crucial qualifier, defining the motivation and identity behind the act. "In my name" means acting by Christ's authority and embodying His character, for His sake. "Because ye belong to Christ" (literally, "because you are of Christ") clarifies that the recipients are identified with Jesus, emphasizing a spiritual kinship and ownership. The act is rewarded not as general philanthropy, but as an expression of love and allegiance to Christ through His people.
* **"verily I say unto you":** This is Jesus' solemn affirmation, introduced by the Greek word *amēn* (amen). It underscores the absolute truth and certainty of the promise that follows. It's a divine guarantee, lending weighty authority to His words.
* **"he shall not lose his reward":** This is the divine promise. The double negative ("shall not lose") emphasizes the absolute certainty of the reward. It assures that any act of service, however small, performed with the specified motivation, will be acknowledged and compensated by God, implying an eternal and spiritual recompense that cannot be forfeited.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 9:41 employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in "a cup of water," which represents the smallest, most common, and least costly act of hospitality, yet it is elevated to a deed worthy of eternal reward. This emphasizes that God values the heart and motivation more than the magnitude of the deed. **Emphasis** is achieved through Jesus' solemn declaration, "verily I say unto you" (Greek: *amḗn legō hymin*), which serves as an authoritative pronouncement, drawing the listener's attention to the absolute truth and certainty of the promise. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** between the humility and simplicity of the act (a cup of water) and the profound, eternal significance of the promised reward. This highlights God's disproportionate grace and generosity in valuing even the most humble service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 9:41 deeply connects to the biblical theology of divine justice and recompense, illustrating that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek and serve Him, particularly through acts of love towards His people. It underscores the profound truth that genuine service, motivated by love for Christ and extended to those who bear His name, is never in vain. This verse affirms the principle of identification: when we serve a follower of Christ, we are, in essence, serving Christ Himself, making every act of kindness a direct expression of devotion to the Lord. It also speaks to the nature of the Kingdom of God, where humility and service are elevated above worldly notions of power and status, and where even the smallest acts of faith-filled love yield eternal dividends.

* [Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - Reward for Receiving Disciples")
* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Will Not Forget Your Work")
* [1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Labor in the Lord Not in Vain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 9:41 serves as a profound encouragement for every believer, reminding us that our acts of service, no matter how seemingly insignificant, are deeply valued by God when performed with a heart aligned with Christ. It challenges us to look for opportunities to extend kindness, hospitality, and support to others, especially those within the body of Christ, recognizing that in doing so, we are ministering directly to Jesus. This verse liberates us from the pressure of needing to perform grand gestures to gain divine favor, instead focusing on the sincerity of our motives and the love that fuels our actions. It fosters a spirit of selfless generosity and mutual care within the Christian community, assuring us that our labor of love will yield an eternal reward, far surpassing any earthly recognition or material gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cup of water" acts of service, however small, can I offer to those who belong to Christ in my daily life?**
* **How does the motivation "in my name, because ye belong to Christ" transform ordinary acts of kindness into spiritually significant deeds?**
* **In what ways might I be overlooking opportunities to serve because I deem them too insignificant, and how does this verse challenge that perspective?**
* **How does the promise of an unfailing "reward" encourage me to persevere in service, even when it feels unnoticed or unappreciated by others?**

### FAQ

**What does "in my name" truly mean in this verse?**

Answer: "In my name" (Greek: *en tō onomati mou*) signifies more than just uttering Jesus' name. It means acting by His authority, embodying His character, and doing something for His sake or because of a personal relationship with Him. It implies that the deed is performed out of allegiance to Christ, reflecting His values and furthering His purposes. It's an act of identification with Jesus, done as His representative or out of love for Him.

**Does this verse imply that we earn our salvation through good deeds?**

Answer: No, this verse does not teach salvation by works. Christian theology consistently affirms that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, as articulated in passages like [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Mark 9:41 speaks to the rewards for faithful service *after* one has already become a follower of Christ ("because ye belong to Christ"). It highlights God's gracious recognition and recompense for acts of love and obedience performed by those who are already His, demonstrating that our labor in the Lord is never in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Labor in the Lord Not in Vain")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 9:41 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself, who perfectly exemplified the principle of humble service and the promise of divine reward. Jesus, though God, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")), culminating in His ultimate act of service on the cross, where He gave His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His entire earthly ministry was an embodiment of giving a "cup of water" in the most profound sense, offering spiritual life and refreshment to a thirsty world. The promise of "he shall not lose his reward" is perfectly fulfilled in Christ's resurrection and exaltation "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named" ([Ephesians 1:21](/ephesians/1-21 "Ephesians 1:21 - Christ's Exaltation")). Furthermore, Jesus identifies so closely with His followers that service to them is service to Him, as seen in His teaching about serving "the least of these my brethren" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")). Thus, Mark 9:41 not only encourages Christ-like service but also points to Christ as both the perfect Servant and the ultimate Rewarder, ensuring that all who are "in Him" and serve "in His name" will share in His eternal glory.

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

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].