Bible Strands
Mark 10:40
But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to James and John immediately after they claim they can endure his coming suffering. He addresses their request for positions of honor while the other ten disciples are present.
The words — The Greek καθίσαι (kathisai) translates literally to "to sit," combined with ἐκ δεξιῶν (ek dexiōn) for "at the right hand." Jesus uses these exact phrases to name the specific places of honor his disciples are asking for.
The thread — The same limitation on granting honor appears in Matthew 20:23. The idea of divinely prepared places extends to Matthew 25:34, which describes a kingdom prepared for the blessed, and John 17:24, which points to a future glory the Father gives.
Why it lands — The text states that Jesus does not grant these seats and that they belong to those prepared for them. A reader must stop demanding status and recognize that placement in glory depends on divine preparation, not human ambition.
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 to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
Cross-references
- Matthew 20:23 “You will indeed drink My cup,” Jesus said. “But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom My Father has prepared them.”
- Matthew 25:34 Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
- John 17:24 Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
- John 17:2 For You granted Him authority over all people, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him.
- Hebrews 11:16 Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.