Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

MARK 10:28KJV
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Mark 10:28 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:28 mean?

Mark 10:28 shows Peter speaking to Jesus, saying that he and the other disciples have left everything behind to follow Him. Peter is pointing out the real sacrifices they have made in order to be Jesus’ followers.

Peter is the one talking here, addressing Jesus right after Jesus has spoken about how hard it is for the rich to enter God’s kingdom. The disciples are confused and concerned about what will happen to those who have given up their livelihoods, families, and possessions to follow Jesus. Peter’s words reflect both a sense of loss and a hope for reassurance from Jesus about what their sacrifices mean.

The Greek behind Mark 10:28

  • ἀφήκαμεν (aphēkamen, “we have left”): This word means to let go, leave behind, or abandon. Peter is not just talking about a small change, but a real leaving behind of their former lives.
  • ἠκολουθήκαμέν (ēkolouthēkamen, “have followed”): This word means to go after or accompany someone. In this context, it highlights the active choice and ongoing commitment the disciples have made to be with Jesus.

Why Mark 10:28 matters

  • Mark 10:28 helps clarify that following Jesus, for the first disciples, involved real and sometimes costly decisions, not just a change in beliefs.
  • This verse sets up Jesus’ response in the following verses, where He talks about the rewards and challenges of discipleship, making Peter’s question important for understanding the whole passage.
  • Mark 10:28 reminds readers that the disciples were ordinary people who felt the weight of their choices, making their journey relatable to anyone considering what it means to follow Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“began” Greek G756 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Mark 10:47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
  • Luke 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

“followed” Greek G190 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
  • John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

“we” Greek G2249 · used in 121 verses

  • Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
  • Acts 13:32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
  • 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

“left” Greek G863 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.