Bible Strands
Mark 10:31
But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the Twelve while traveling toward Jerusalem, immediately after describing the future blessings and persecutions of his followers. He speaks this statement to clarify the unexpected nature of his kingdom's economy.
The words — The Greek terms πρῶτοι (prōtoi) and ἔσχατοι (eschatoi) literally translate to "first" and "last," structuring the verse around a direct inversion of status.
The thread — Jesus repeats this exact reversal in Matthew 19:30, Matthew 20:16, and Luke 13:30.
Why it lands — The text states that human rankings will be overturned, requiring readers to pursue obedience without calculating personal merit or seniority. It demands acceptance that divine reward operates outside conventional measures of worth.
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
But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
Cross-references
- Matthew 19:30 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
- Matthew 20:16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
- Luke 13:30 And indeed, some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.”
- Romans 9:30 What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith;
- Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
- Matthew 8:11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
- Matthew 21:31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.
- Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
- Luke 7:29 All the people who heard this, even the tax collectors, acknowledged God’s justice. For they had received the baptism of John.
- Luke 7:40 But Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, Teacher,” he said.