And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

MATTHEW 20:23KJV
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Matthew 20:23 (KJV)

What does Matthew 20:23 mean?

Matthew 20:23 records Jesus telling James and John that they will indeed share in his suffering ("drink of my cup" and "be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with"), but the honor of sitting at his right and left hand in his kingdom is not his to grant; it is reserved for those chosen by God the Father. Jesus makes it clear that such positions are not given by personal request or favoritism, but by God's decision.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to a request from the mother of James and John (and the two disciples themselves) who asked for her sons to have places of highest honor beside Jesus in his kingdom. Jesus uses the images of "cup" and "baptism" to speak about the suffering and challenges he will face, which his followers will also experience. He emphasizes that ultimate authority over such honors belongs to God the Father, not even to himself as the Son.

The Greek behind Matthew 20:23

  • "Cup" (ποτήριον, potērion): In Greek, this word often symbolizes a person's fate or experience, especially suffering. Here, Jesus uses it to refer to the suffering he will endure, which his followers will also share.
  • "Baptized" (βαπτίζω, baptizō) and "baptism" (βάπτισμα, baptisma): These words mean to immerse or undergo something fully. Jesus is speaking of being overwhelmed by suffering, not just the ritual act of baptism.
  • "Prepared" (ἡτοίμασται, hētoimastai): This word means something has been made ready in advance. Jesus stresses that the places of honor are already set by God’s plan, not given out on request.

Why Matthew 20:23 matters

  • Matthew 20:23 clarifies that following Jesus involves sharing in his hardships, not just seeking glory or special status.
  • The verse shows that honors in God's kingdom are not given by favoritism or personal ambition, but by God's sovereign choice.
  • This response from Jesus connects to the larger theme in Matthew 20, where true greatness is defined by humility and service, not by seeking high positions.

Where else these words appear

“left” 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 27:38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
  • Mark 15:27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

“baptism” Greek G908 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
  • Acts 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

“cup” Greek G4221 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
  • Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

“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.