Matthew 20:22

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.

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}.

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."

“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.

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

Commentary on Matthew 20:22 KJV

Matthew 20:22 records a pivotal exchange between Jesus and two of His disciples, James and John, highlighting their misunderstanding of His kingdom and the true cost of following Him. This verse is central to understanding the nature of discipleship and Jesus' impending sacrifice.

Context

This verse immediately follows the ambitious request made by the mother of James and John (the sons of Zebedee) on behalf of her sons. She asks Jesus for them to sit at His right and left hand in His kingdom (Matthew 20:21). This request reveals a worldly view of power and position, contrasting sharply with Jesus' mission of humility and sacrifice. The other ten disciples were indignant at this request, leading to Jesus' subsequent teaching on servant leadership.

Key Themes

  • Misunderstanding of the Kingdom: The disciples, like many at the time, still expected an earthly, political kingdom where positions of power would be granted. Jesus' response gently corrects this misconception, redirecting their focus from worldly glory to spiritual reality.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: Jesus challenges James and John directly about their readiness to share in His suffering. True greatness in His kingdom is not about status but about sacrifice and service, a theme He elaborates on in the verses that follow (Matthew 20:28).
  • Jesus' Impending Passion: The "cup" and "baptism" are powerful metaphors for Jesus' coming suffering, death, and atonement. He knows the immense pain and divine wrath He must endure, and He questions if they are prepared for such a destiny.

Linguistic Insights

  • "The cup that I shall drink of" (τὸ ποτήριον ὃ ἐγὼ μέλλω πίνειν - *to potērion ho egō mellō pinein*): In biblical literature, a "cup" often symbolizes one's destiny or portion, frequently referring to divine judgment or intense suffering. Jesus uses this imagery again in Gethsemane, praying for "this cup" to pass from Him, symbolizing the full measure of His sacrificial death and bearing the sins of humanity.
  • "The baptism that I am baptized with" (τὸ βάπτισμα ὃ ἐγὼ βαπτίζομαι - *to baptisma ho egō baptizomai*): This refers not to water baptism, but to being overwhelmed or immersed in suffering, judgment, and death. It speaks of Jesus' complete immersion into the agony of the cross. Luke also records Jesus referring to a "baptism" He must undergo, signifying His suffering and death (Luke 12:50).

Practical Application

This verse challenges believers today to examine their own motives for following Christ. Do we seek personal gain, honor, or comfort, or are we willing to embrace the call to sacrifice and service? Discipleship often involves sharing in Christ's sufferings (Romans 8:17), which may manifest as persecution, hardship, or simply bearing the burdens of others. True greatness in God's kingdom is measured by humble service and a willingness to lay down one's life, just as Jesus did.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 22:42 (10 votes)

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

  • Matthew 26:42 (10 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (6 votes)

    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: