Matthew 10:38
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃς
he
G3739
ὃς
he
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
λαμβάνει
that taketh
G2983
λαμβάνει
that taketh
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
4 of 15
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σταυρὸν
cross
G4716
σταυρὸν
cross
Strong's:
G4716
Word #:
6 of 15
a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀκολουθεῖ
followeth
G190
ἀκολουθεῖ
followeth
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
ὀπίσω
after
G3694
ὀπίσω
after
Strong's:
G3694
Word #:
10 of 15
to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
Cross References
Luke 14:27And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.Mark 8:34And 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.Matthew 16:24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.John 19:17And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:Mark 10:21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
Historical Context
Crucifixion was Rome's most shameful, painful execution method for criminals and slaves. Jesus made this His discipleship metaphor before His own crucifixion, showing He knew His destiny. Condemned men carried their cross to execution—Jesus demands symbolic acceptance of this path.
Questions for Reflection
- What does taking up your cross daily look like practically in your life?
- What self-interests must die for you to follow Jesus fully?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' requirement 'he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me' uses crucifixion imagery to depict total self-denial. Taking one's cross means accepting a death sentence—willingness to die to self-will, comfort, and safety. This precedes literal crucifixion language's common usage, showing Jesus clearly predicted the cross. Following after taking the cross shows discipleship is dying to self to live for Christ.