Mark 10:40

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
καθίσαι
G2523
to sit
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
#4
ἐξ
G1537
on
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#5
δεξιῶν
G1188
right hand
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
#6
μου
G3450
my
of me
#7
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
ἐξ
G1537
on
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#9
εὐωνύμων
G2176
left hand
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
#10
μου
G3450
my
of me
#11
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#12
ἔστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#13
ἐμὸν
G1699
mine
my
#14
δοῦναι
G1325
to give
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#15
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#16
οἷς
G3739
it shall be given to them for whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#17
ἡτοίμασται
G2090
it is prepared
to prepare

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Mark Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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