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.

MARK 10:21KJV
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Mark 10:21 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:21 mean?

Mark 10:21 shows Jesus looking at a man, loving him, and telling him that he still lacks one thing: he should sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and then follow Jesus to have treasure in heaven. Jesus invites the man to take up his cross and become his follower, highlighting the cost and commitment involved.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a wealthy man who has just asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus’ response is personal and compassionate—he sees the man’s sincerity but also what holds him back. The instruction to sell everything and give to the poor is not a general rule for everyone, but a specific challenge to this man, whose wealth is his main obstacle to wholehearted discipleship.

The Greek behind Mark 10:21

  • ἐμβλέψας (emblepsas, "beholding"): This word means more than just looking; it often carries the sense of looking intently or with deep attention. Here, it shows Jesus’ personal and caring focus on the man.
  • ἠγάπησεν (ēgapēsen, "loved"): This is the verb form of agapē, meaning a deep, self-giving love. Mark is the only Gospel writer to mention that Jesus loved the man in this story, emphasizing the warmth and genuine care behind Jesus’ challenge.
  • σταυρόν (stauron, "cross"): The word refers to a literal cross, but in this context, it points to accepting hardship or sacrifice as part of following Jesus. It signals that discipleship may involve real cost.

Why Mark 10:21 matters

  • Mark 10:21 clarifies that Jesus’ call to the rich man is rooted in love, not condemnation or harshness; Jesus genuinely wants what is best for him.
  • The verse highlights that following Jesus may require giving up what is most precious to us, especially if it stands in the way of full commitment.
  • This moment connects to the larger theme in Mark 10 about the difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom of God, setting up the conversation about wealth, sacrifice, and true treasure.

Where else these words appear

“come” Greek G1204 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
  • John 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
  • Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you,(but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

“beholding” Greek G1689 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Mark 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
  • John 1:36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

“lackest” Greek G5302 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
  • 1 Corinthians 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
  • 2 Corinthians 12:11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

“treasure” Greek G2344 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
  • Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.