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.

MARK 10:40KJV
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Mark 10:40 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:40 mean?

Mark 10:40 records Jesus telling his disciples that granting the honor of sitting at his right and left hand in his glory is not his to give, but will be given to those for whom it has been prepared. Jesus is explaining that such positions of honor are determined by God’s purpose, not by personal request or favoritism.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to James and John, who had just asked for the highest places next to him in his kingdom. Jesus makes it clear that these places are not his to assign, highlighting that God alone decides who receives certain honors. This statement shifts the disciples’ focus away from ambition and toward God’s greater plan, reminding them that true greatness is not about status but about God’s will.

The Greek behind Mark 10:40

  • The word "prepared" (ἡτοίμασται, hētoimastai) means "made ready" or "set in place." This emphasizes that the places of honor have already been determined by God, not left open for negotiation.
  • The phrase "not mine to give" uses the Greek word ἐμὸν (emon, "mine") and οὐκ (ouk, "not"), stressing that Jesus himself does not claim the authority to grant these positions, pointing to a distinction between his role and the Father's authority.

Why Mark 10:40 matters

  • Mark 10:40 clarifies that spiritual rewards and positions are not given based on personal ambition or human standards, but according to God’s own preparation and purpose.
  • This verse helps correct misunderstandings about authority and greatness among Jesus’ followers, showing that even Jesus submits to the Father’s will in these matters.
  • Mark 10:40 fits into a larger conversation where Jesus teaches about humility and service, contrasting worldly ideas of power with God’s way of honoring people.

Where else these words appear

“hand” Greek G2176 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 20:21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
  • Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
  • Mark 15:27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

“prepared” Greek G2090 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Luke 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
  • John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

“sit” Greek G2523 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
  • Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
  • Acts 13:14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

“hand” Greek G1188 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,