And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.

MATTHEW 20:24KJV
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Matthew 20:24 (KJV)

What does Matthew 20:24 mean?

Matthew 20:24 describes how the other ten disciples became angry when they heard that two of their fellow disciples had asked for special positions of honor with Jesus. The verse highlights the tension and jealousy that arose among the group because of this request.

In this scene, Jesus is traveling with His twelve disciples. The mother of James and John (the "two brethren") had just asked Jesus to grant her sons the highest places in His coming kingdom. When the other ten disciples ("the ten") heard about this, they felt upset and indignant toward James and John, showing that even close followers of Jesus struggled with rivalry and ambition.

The Greek behind Matthew 20:24

  • ἠγανάκτησαν (ēganaktēsan, "indignation"): This Greek word means to be greatly displeased or offended. It often carries a sense of strong emotional reaction, not just mild annoyance. The use of this word shows that the disciples' feelings were intense, not just casual irritation.
  • δύο (duo, "two") and ἀδελφοῖς (adelphois, "brethren"): The Greek terms clarify that the anger was specifically directed at the two brothers, James and John, emphasizing the personal nature of the conflict within the group.

Why Matthew 20:24 matters

  • Matthew 20:24 helps readers see that even Jesus’ closest followers were not immune to jealousy and competition, making their struggles relatable.
  • The verse sets up Jesus’ teaching that follows, where He addresses the true nature of greatness and leadership among His disciples.
  • Understanding the strong reaction of the ten disciples gives context to the lesson Jesus teaches about humility and serving others, which is a key theme in the surrounding passage.

Where else these words appear

“indignation” Greek G23 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 21:15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
  • Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
  • Mark 14:4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?

“ten” Greek G1176 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
  • Luke 15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
  • Acts 25:6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

“two” Greek G1417 · used in 124 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Mark 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
  • John 6:9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?