But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

MARK 10:31KJV
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Mark 10:31 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:31 mean?

Mark 10:31 means that those who seem most important or successful now may end up with the lowest place, while those who seem least important may be given the highest place. Jesus is teaching that God’s way of valuing people is often the opposite of how people see things.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples after a conversation about wealth and entering God’s kingdom. The disciples are surprised by Jesus’ teaching that riches can be a barrier to entering the kingdom. Here, Jesus sums up his point: in God’s kingdom, human status and achievement do not guarantee honor or reward. The verse challenges the usual assumptions about who is “first” and “last” in God’s eyes.

The Greek behind Mark 10:31

  • πρῶτοι (prōtoi, “first”): This word refers to those who are prominent, important, or ahead in some way. Jesus uses it to describe people who seem to have the advantage in life.
  • ἔσχατοι (eschatoi, “last”): This word means those who are at the end, least, or lowest in rank. Jesus is highlighting that those who seem overlooked or unimportant may actually be honored by God.
  • πολλοί (polloi, “many”): The use of “many” shows that this reversal is not rare or exceptional, but something that will happen to a significant number of people.

Why Mark 10:31 matters

  • Mark 10:31 corrects the idea that outward success, wealth, or status automatically means someone is favored by God.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s values are different from human values, and that humility and faithfulness matter more than position or achievement.
  • This saying ties together Jesus’ teaching in the surrounding verses, showing that following him may mean giving up what the world calls “first place,” but that God sees and rewards differently.

Where else these words appear

“last” Greek G2078 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
  • John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
  • 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

“first” Greek G4413 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
  • John 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
  • 1 Timothy 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.