Bible Strands
Mark 10:21
Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said to him, “There is one thing you lack: Go, sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses a wealthy young man who has just declared he has kept all the commandments since his youth. He speaks this command immediately after the man asks what he must do to inherit eternal life.
The words — ἐμβλέψας (emblepsas) means “having looked,” and ἠγάπησεν (ēgapēsen) translates to “he loved.” These verbs describe Jesus’ direct gaze and affectionate regard before issuing the command.
The thread — The text commands selling possessions for heavenly treasure, which runs parallel to Matthew 6:19 and Luke 18:22. The warning against misplaced devotion aligns with Revelation 2:4’s rebuke for abandoning first love.
Why it lands — The text states the man must sell everything, give to the poor, and follow Jesus to gain treasure in heaven. The reader must decide whether to prioritize material security or immediate obedience to Christ’s call.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
Cross-references
- Matthew 6:19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
- Revelation 2:4 But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love.
- Luke 18:22 On hearing this, Jesus told him, “You still lack one thing: Sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
- 1 Timothy 6:17 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.
- Luke 10:42 But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.”
- Acts 2:45 Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.
- James 2:10 Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
- 1 Peter 1:4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,
- Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
- Luke 12:33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.