And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

MATTHEW 10:38KJV
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Matthew 10:38 (KJV)

What does Matthew 10:38 mean?

Matthew 10:38 means that anyone who is not willing to accept hardship or sacrifice for following Jesus, and does not actively follow him, is not considered worthy to be his disciple. Jesus sets a clear expectation that following him may come with personal cost.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples as he sends them out to share his message. The phrase about "taking up his cross" would have been striking, since a cross (Greek: σταυρός, stauros) was a Roman instrument of execution. Jesus is warning that true discipleship involves self-denial and a readiness to face suffering or rejection for his sake.

The Greek behind Matthew 10:38

  • σταυρός (stauros) — "cross": This word refers to a literal cross, the Roman tool for execution. For Jesus’ listeners, this image would have been shocking and signaled the seriousness of the commitment he was describing.
  • ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō) — "followeth": This word means to go after or accompany someone. Here, it implies an ongoing, active choice to walk in Jesus’ footsteps, not just a one-time decision.
  • ἄξιος (axios) — "worthy": This word means deserving or fit. Jesus is saying that without this willingness to endure hardship, a person does not measure up to what it means to be his follower.

Why Matthew 10:38 matters

  • Matthew 10:38 clears up the idea that following Jesus is always easy or comfortable; it highlights that real discipleship may involve real sacrifice.
  • This verse emphasizes personal responsibility—each person must "take up" their own cross, not rely on someone else’s commitment.
  • In the context of Matthew 10, Jesus is preparing his followers for opposition and hardship, making it clear that loyalty to him comes before personal comfort or safety.

Where else these words appear

“cross” Greek G4716 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
  • Galatians 5:11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

“after” Greek G3694 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • John 12:19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

“worthy” Greek G514 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

“followeth” Greek G190 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • 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?