Mark 10:42

But Jesus called them [to him], and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

But {G1161} Jesus {G2424} called {G4341} them {G846} to him, and saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Ye know {G1492} that {G3754} they which are accounted {G1380} to rule {G757} over the Gentiles {G1484} exercise lordship {G2634} over them {G846}; and {G2532} their {G846} great ones {G3173} exercise authority {G2715} upon them {G846}.

But Yeshua called them to him and said to them, "You know that among the Goyim, those who are supposed to rule them become tyrants, and their superiors become dictators.

So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them.

And Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they who are accounted to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great ones exercise authority over them.

Commentary

Mark 10:42 presents Jesus' direct response to the ambitious request of James and John, who had sought positions of ultimate power in His coming kingdom (see Mark 10:37). Jesus calls all twelve disciples together to address this worldly understanding of leadership.

Context

Immediately preceding this verse, the sons of Zebedee, James and John, asked Jesus for the most prominent seats, one on His right hand and one on His left, in His glory. This request revealed a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of Christ's kingdom and the type of authority that would characterize it. Jesus uses this moment to teach a profound lesson about true greatness, contrasting it sharply with the prevalent models of power in the world. He gathers His disciples to correct their misguided ambitions and set a new standard for leadership within His community.

Key Themes

  • Contrast in Leadership: Jesus highlights the stark difference between worldly leadership and the principles of His Kingdom. He describes how Gentile rulers—those outside the covenant community—wield their power.
  • Abuse of Authority: The phrases "exercise lordship" and "exercise authority" carry connotations of a domineering, often oppressive, and self-serving use of power. Worldly leaders frequently seek to control and benefit from those under their rule, rather than serving them.
  • Worldly Ambition vs. Kingdom Values: This verse serves as a crucial setup for Jesus' radical redefinition of leadership, challenging the disciples' ingrained notions of status and power. He is preparing them for a different path, one of service, not domination, as articulated in the verses that follow (see Mark 10:43-45).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses two distinct Greek verbs to describe the Gentile rulers' actions, providing deeper insight into the nature of worldly power:

  • "Exercise lordship" comes from kyrieuousin (κυριεύουσιν), meaning "to be lord over" or "to rule as a master." It emphasizes dominion and mastery, where the leader is the master and the subjects are subordinates.
  • "Exercise authority" is from katexousiazousin (κατεξουσιάζουσιν), which denotes exercising authority over, often with a sense of forceful or oppressive control. The prefix kata- intensifies the verb, suggesting a 'downward' exertion of power, perhaps even subjugation or exploitation. These terms collectively paint a picture of power used for self-aggrandizement and control, rather than for the good of those being led.

Practical Application

This verse, though descriptive of Gentile rule, serves as a powerful warning against adopting worldly models of leadership within the Christian community. It challenges believers, especially those in positions of influence, to reject the temptation to "lord it over" others or to seek power for personal gain. Instead, followers of Christ are called to a different standard: one of humility, service, and self-sacrifice, mirroring the example of Jesus Himself. This principle applies to all areas of life, from church leadership to family dynamics and professional interactions, calling us to serve rather than to be served, just as Jesus demonstrated by washing His disciples' feet.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 5:3 (5 votes)

    Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

  • Luke 22:25 (3 votes)

    And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

  • Matthew 20:25 (2 votes)

    But Jesus called them [unto him], and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.