Mark Chapter 10 · Verse 40
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.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καθίσαι
to sit
G2523
καθίσαι
to sit
Strong's:
G2523
Word #:
3 of 17
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
ἐξ
on
G1537
ἐξ
on
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
δεξιῶν
right hand
G1188
δεξιῶν
right hand
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
5 of 17
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξ
on
G1537
ἐξ
on
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
εὐωνύμων
left hand
G2176
εὐωνύμων
left hand
Strong's:
G2176
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, well-named (good-omened), i.e., the left (which was the lucky side among the pagan greeks); neuter as adverbial, at the left hand
δοῦναι
to give
G1325
δοῦναι
to give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
14 of 17
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
Matthew 20:23And 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 25:34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:Hebrews 11:16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.John 17:2As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Historical Context
This response would have shocked James and John. In ancient patronage systems, powerful individuals dispensed positions to loyal followers, family members, or highest bidders. Jesus rejects this worldly model entirely—God's kingdom operates on radically different principles. Positions aren't negotiated, earned through political maneuvering, or granted through family connections, but prepared by God for those who faithfully serve. This teaching challenged not only the disciples' personal ambition but the entire cultural framework of honor, status, and social advancement.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' statement that positions are 'prepared' by God rather than earned through ambition reshape your understanding of kingdom service?
- What does this teaching reveal about God's sovereignty in spiritual gifts, callings, and responsibilities within the church?
- How do you respond when others receive positions, recognition, or opportunities you desired—with envy or trust in God's sovereign purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
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 (τὸ δὲ καθίσαι ἐκ δεξιῶν μου ἢ ἐξ εὐωνύμων οὐκ ἔστιν ἐμὸν δοῦναι, ἀλλ᾽ οἷς ἡτοίμασται, to de kathisai ek dexiōn mou ē ex euōnymōn ouk estin emon dounai, all' hois hētoimastai). Jesus affirms divine sovereignty in kingdom appointments—positions of honor aren't dispensed through human favoritism, nepotism, or presumption, but according to the Father's eternal purposes.
The phrase "not mine to give" has sparked theological discussion. Does this limit Jesus' authority? Reformed theology understands this as Jesus speaking in His mediatorial office as incarnate Son—kingdom positions aren't arbitrary gifts Jesus dispenses based on personal preference, but divinely determined according to the Father's will. Matthew's parallel (20:23) adds "but for them for whom it is prepared of my Father," clarifying the Father's sovereign role.
The verb ἡτοίμασται (hētoimastai, "has been prepared") uses the perfect tense, indicating completed action with ongoing results—God has already determined kingdom positions according to His eternal counsel. This doesn't eliminate human responsibility but emphasizes that greatness in God's kingdom isn't achieved through self-promotion but through faithful service according to divine calling.