And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,

MARK 10:32KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 10:32 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:32 mean?

Mark 10:32 describes Jesus and his disciples traveling toward Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way. The disciples are amazed and afraid as they follow him, and Jesus takes the twelve aside to explain what will soon happen to him.

In this scene, Jesus is going ahead of his followers, showing determination as they approach Jerusalem. The disciples’ amazement and fear suggest they sense something serious is about to happen, even if they do not fully understand it. Jesus then gathers the twelve closest disciples to prepare them for the events he knows are coming.

The Greek behind Mark 10:32

  • προάγω (proago, "went before them"): This word means to go ahead or lead the way. Mark emphasizes Jesus’ deliberate leadership, showing he is not being dragged to Jerusalem but is purposefully heading there.
  • ἐθαμβοῦντο (ethambounto, "were amazed"): This word carries a sense of being struck with awe or astonishment, not just mild surprise. The disciples’ reaction shows the tension and seriousness of the moment.
  • ἐφοβοῦντο (ephobounto, "were afraid"): This word means to be afraid or fearful. The disciples’ fear hints at their uncertainty and anxiety about what Jerusalem might bring for Jesus and themselves.

Why Mark 10:32 matters

  • Mark 10:32 highlights Jesus’ courage and sense of purpose as he leads his disciples toward Jerusalem, knowing what awaits him there.
  • The verse shows the disciples’ mixed emotions—amazement and fear—which sets the stage for Jesus’ next words about his coming suffering.
  • This moment connects to the larger story in Mark, where Jesus repeatedly prepares his followers for the reality of his mission, even as they struggle to grasp it.

Where else these words appear

“amazed” Greek G2284 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
  • Mark 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
  • Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

“happen” Greek G4819 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
  • Acts 20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
  • 1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

“before” Greek G4254 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
  • Matthew 28:7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
  • Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

“took” Greek G3880 · used in 50 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Mark 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
  • Acts 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.