Matthew 20:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and said {G2036}, Ye know {G1492} not {G3756} what {G5101} ye ask {G154}. Are ye able {G1410} to drink {G4095} of the cup {G4221} that {G3739} I {G1473} shall {G3195} drink of {G4095}, and {G2532} to be baptized {G907} with the baptism {G908} that {G3739} I {G1473} am baptized with {G907}? They say {G3004} unto him {G846}, We are able {G1410}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Yeshua answered, "You people don't know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am about to drink?" They said to him, "We can."

Berean Standard Bible

“You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” the brothers answered.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 20:22, Jesus confronts the ambitious request of James and John, who, through their mother, seek positions of honor in His kingdom. Jesus challenges their understanding of true greatness, asking if they are prepared to share in the profound suffering and sacrificial death He is about to endure, symbolized by "the cup" and "the baptism." Despite their confident affirmation, their subsequent actions reveal a deep misunderstanding of the costly nature of authentic discipleship, foreshadowing Jesus' ultimate passion and the true path to glory through humble service and suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a significant section of Matthew's Gospel where Jesus is preparing His disciples for His impending suffering and death in Jerusalem. Immediately preceding this exchange, Jesus has just explicitly foretold His crucifixion for the third time to His disciples ([Matthew 20:17-19](/matthew/20-17-19 "Matthew 20:17-19 - Jesus Foretells His Death a Third Time")). Despite this clear prophecy, James and John (through their mother) approach Jesus with a request for positions of power in His kingdom ([Matthew 20:20-21](/matthew/20-20-21 "Matthew 20:20-21 - The Request of James and John's Mother")). This request highlights their continued earthly understanding of the Messiah's reign, contrasting sharply with Jesus' spiritual and sacrificial mission. The indignation of the other ten disciples ([Matthew 20:24](/matthew/20-24 "Matthew 20:24 - The Other Disciples' Indignation")) further sets the stage for Jesus' profound teaching on servant leadership that follows this verse ([Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25-28 "Matthew 20:25-28 - Jesus Teaches on Servant Leadership")), culminating in His declaration that He came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The disciples, like most Jews of their time, lived under Roman occupation and eagerly anticipated the arrival of a Messiah who would liberate Israel and establish an earthly kingdom. Their understanding of "kingdom" was primarily political and nationalistic, envisioning a glorious reign where positions of power and prestige would be awarded to loyal followers. The concept of a suffering Messiah was alien to their expectations, as evidenced by Peter's rebuke of Jesus earlier in the Gospel ([Matthew 16:21-23](/matthew/16-21-23 "Matthew 16:21-23 - Peter Rebukes Jesus")). The request of James and John reflects this common cultural aspiration for honor and authority within a perceived earthly hierarchy. The "cup" and "baptism" imagery, while common in biblical literature to denote destiny or suffering, would have been particularly poignant in a culture where public humiliation and execution were grim realities for those who challenged authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is pivotal in developing several overarching themes in Matthew. Firstly, it underscores the **misunderstanding of the Kingdom of God** among Jesus' closest followers, who consistently struggled to grasp its spiritual, rather than political, nature. Jesus' response gently corrects this misconception, redirecting their focus from worldly glory to the true nature of His reign. Secondly, it profoundly illustrates **the cost of discipleship**. Jesus challenges the disciples' readiness to share in His suffering, emphasizing that true greatness in His kingdom is not about status but about sacrifice and service, a theme Jesus elaborates on immediately after this exchange ([Matthew 20:26-28](/matthew/20-26-28 "Matthew 20:26-28 - True Greatness is Service")). Finally, the verse powerfully highlights **Jesus' impending passion and atoning work**. The metaphors of the "cup" and "baptism" are direct allusions to His coming suffering, death, and the divine wrath He would bear for humanity's sin, reinforcing the centrality of the cross to His mission as prophesied throughout the Old Testament and reiterated by Jesus Himself ([Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant") and [Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Foretells His Suffering")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492 (eídō), meaning "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." Jesus' statement "Ye know not what ye ask" implies a profound lack of spiritual understanding or insight on the part of James and John. They perceive only the glory and power of the kingdom, failing to "see" or comprehend the path of suffering that precedes it, a path Jesus has repeatedly revealed to them. Their ignorance is not merely intellectual but spiritual, failing to grasp the true nature of God's kingdom and the Messiah's mission.
* **cup (Greek, _potḗrion'_):** From G4221 (potḗrion), meaning "a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e. a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate." In biblical literature, the "cup" is a powerful metaphor for one's destiny, often representing suffering, divine judgment, or wrath. Jesus' question about drinking "the cup that I shall drink of" directly refers to the full measure of His impending suffering, including the agony of Gethsemane and the bearing of God's wrath against sin on the cross. This is a destiny of profound pain and sacrifice.
* **baptized (Greek, _baptízō'_):** From G907 (baptízō), 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, however, the term is used figuratively, referring not to water baptism but to being completely overwhelmed or immersed in suffering, judgment, and death. Jesus' "baptism" is His complete submersion into the depths of agony and death, a total identification with the human condition of sin and its consequences, culminating in His atoning sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jesus answered and said, ‹Ye know not what ye ask.›"**: Jesus' opening statement immediately highlights the disciples' profound spiritual ignorance. Despite their close proximity to Him and His repeated teachings, they still operate from a worldly perspective, seeking honor and position rather than understanding the true nature of His kingdom, which is founded on suffering and self-sacrifice. Their request reveals a fundamental disconnect between their expectations and God's divine plan.
* **"‹Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of,›"**: This rhetorical question challenges James and John to consider the true cost of their ambition. The "cup" is a powerful biblical metaphor for suffering, particularly divine wrath and judgment (e.g., [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")). Jesus is asking if they are prepared to endure the immense, unique suffering that awaits Him, which includes bearing the sins of the world and experiencing separation from the Father.
* **"‹and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?›"**: Complementing the "cup" imagery, "baptism" here refers not to water baptism but to being overwhelmed or immersed in suffering and death. This is Jesus' "baptism" into the agony of the cross, a complete submersion into the depths of human sin and divine judgment. He asks if they are ready to be fully identified with Him in this ultimate act of self-sacrifice.
* **"They say unto him, ‹We are able.›"**: The disciples' quick and confident reply, "We are able," reveals their continued naiveté and spiritual blindness. They genuinely believe they possess the strength and readiness for such a path, yet they have no true comprehension of the magnitude of suffering Jesus describes. Their answer underscores their ambition but also their lack of foresight regarding the trials that would indeed come their way, albeit not in the same unique, atoning manner as Jesus'.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 20:22 is rich with **Metaphor**, primarily through the images of "the cup" and "the baptism." The "cup" symbolizes Jesus' impending suffering and the divine wrath He would bear, a common biblical motif for destiny or portion. The "baptism" metaphorically represents His complete immersion into suffering and death, signifying His atoning work on the cross. These metaphors are not merely illustrative but are central to understanding the nature of Jesus' mission and the cost of discipleship. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' words directly allude to His crucifixion and the path of suffering that His true followers would also encounter. Furthermore, a subtle **Irony** is present in the disciples' confident "We are able," contrasting sharply with their later actions (e.g., fleeing in Gethsemane, [Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Matthew 26:56 - Disciples Flee")) and their initial misunderstanding of Jesus' kingdom. This highlights the gap between human presumption and divine reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal exchange in Matthew 20:22 profoundly illuminates the nature of Christ's mission and the true character of discipleship. It reveals that the path to glory in God's kingdom is not through worldly power or prestige, but through humble service and sacrificial suffering, mirroring the very journey of the Messiah. Jesus' "cup" and "baptism" are not merely personal trials but are intrinsically linked to His atoning work—His bearing of divine wrath and His complete immersion in the consequences of human sin. The disciples' naive ambition underscores the universal human tendency to seek comfort and honor, contrasting sharply with the divine call to self-denial and cross-bearing. True identification with Christ means being willing to share in His sufferings, understanding that such a path is paradoxical to worldly wisdom but leads to ultimate spiritual triumph and participation in His eternal glory.

* [Mark 10:38-39](/mark/10-38-39 "Mark 10:38-39 - The Parallel Account in Mark")
* [Luke 12:50](/luke/12-50 "Luke 12:50 - Jesus' Baptism of Suffering")
* [Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 20:22 serves as a timeless mirror for every believer, prompting us to critically examine our motives for following Christ. Are we drawn by the promise of blessings, comfort, or perceived status within a spiritual community, or are we genuinely prepared to embrace the full scope of discipleship, which includes sharing in Christ's sufferings? Jesus' challenge to James and John reminds us that true greatness in God's kingdom is measured not by earthly accolades or positions of power, but by a willingness to deny oneself, take up one's cross, and follow Him in sacrificial service. This may manifest as enduring persecution, facing social ostracism for our faith, sacrificing personal comfort for the sake of the Gospel, or simply bearing the burdens of others with compassion. The "cup" and "baptism" for us are not the atoning work of Christ, but our participation in the suffering that comes from living a Christ-like life in a fallen world. It calls us to a radical reorientation of our values, prioritizing humble service and obedience over self-promotion and worldly ambition, knowing that our ultimate reward is found in Christ alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my deepest motivations for following Jesus? Do I seek comfort and recognition, or am I prepared for sacrifice and service?**
* **In what ways might I be seeking "the right hand and the left hand" in my own life or spiritual journey, rather than embracing the path of humility?**
* **What "cups" of suffering or "baptisms" of trial might God be calling me to embrace for the sake of the Gospel or the benefit of others?**
* **How does my understanding of true greatness align with Jesus' teaching on servant leadership in the verses that follow?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "the cup that I shall drink of"?**

Answer: In biblical imagery, a "cup" often symbolizes one's destiny or portion, particularly in relation to divine judgment or intense suffering. When Jesus speaks of "the cup that I shall drink of," He is referring to the full measure of suffering, agony, and divine wrath that He, as the sinless Son of God, would endure as He bore the sins of humanity on the cross. This imagery is powerfully echoed in His prayer in Gethsemane, where He asks the Father, "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")). It signifies His unique, atoning suffering on behalf of all mankind.

**What does Jesus mean by "the baptism that I am baptized with"?**

Answer: This phrase does not refer to water baptism, but to a figurative "immersion" or "overwhelming" in suffering and death. Just as water baptism signifies identification, Jesus' "baptism" refers to His complete identification with humanity's sin and its consequences, leading to His death on the cross. It speaks of His total submersion into the depths of agony, judgment, and ultimately, His atoning sacrifice. Luke's Gospel also records Jesus speaking of a "baptism" He must undergo, referring to His impending suffering and death ([Luke 12:50](/luke/12-50 "Luke 12:50 - Jesus' Baptism of Suffering")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 20:22 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' ultimate act of self-giving on the cross. The "cup" and "baptism" He speaks of are not merely prophetic statements of His suffering, but direct allusions to the very core of His redemptive mission. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly drank the cup of God's wrath and was immersed in the baptism of suffering and death, not for His own sin, but for the sin of the world ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His agonizing experience in Gethsemane, where He prayed for "this cup" to pass ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")), underscores the immense weight of the sin He was about to bear. His crucifixion was the ultimate "baptism" into death, a complete submersion that broke the power of sin and death ([Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - Baptized into Christ's Death")). Through His suffering and death, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), fulfilling the ancient prophecies of the Suffering Servant ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant")). Thus, His "cup" and "baptism" were not an end, but the means by which He secured eternal life and reconciliation for all who believe, inviting His followers not to share in His atoning work, but to participate in the fellowship of His sufferings as they follow Him ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and the Fellowship of His Sufferings")).

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 22:42

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

Matthew 26:42

He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

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?

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.

Matthew 26:39

And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou [wilt].

Romans 8:26

¶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

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: