Matthew 16:24
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Original Language Analysis
Τότε
Then
G5119
Τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 23
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 23
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
θέλει
man will
G2309
θέλει
man will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
10 of 23
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ὀπίσω
after
G3694
ὀπίσω
after
Strong's:
G3694
Word #:
11 of 23
to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
ἐλθεῖν
come
G2064
ἐλθεῖν
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
13 of 23
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
15 of 23
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀράτω
take up
G142
ἀράτω
take up
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
17 of 23
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σταυρὸν
cross
G4716
σταυρὸν
cross
Strong's:
G4716
Word #:
19 of 23
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 #:
20 of 23
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 #:
21 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 10:38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.Luke 14:27And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.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.2 Timothy 3:12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.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.Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.Colossians 1:24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: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:1 Thessalonians 3:3That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.Mark 15:21And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.
Historical Context
Roman crucifixion was public, shameful execution reserved for rebels and slaves. Condemned prisoners carried their crossbeam to execution sites. Jesus' original audience understood this literally - discipleship might mean martyrdom. Within decades, Christians faced literal cross-bearing (Peter crucified upside down, tradition says). The command challenged disciples who wanted messianic triumph without suffering. Self-denial contradicted honor-shame culture valuing self-assertion and family loyalty. Early Christians embraced martyrdom, fulfilling literal cross-bearing.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean practically to deny yourself in daily life?
- How does 'taking up your cross' differ from merely enduring life's difficulties?
- In what specific areas is Jesus calling you to costly discipleship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus defines discipleship costs: 'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me' (Greek: εἴ τις θέλει ὀπίσω μου ἐλθεῖν, ἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι, 'if anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me'). Three imperatives:
The cross wasn't yet crucifixion symbol but Roman execution method. Jesus demands radical self-surrender, anticipating His own death.