Mark 10:40
New International Version
but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

New Living Translation
But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.”

English Standard Version
but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

Berean Standard Bible
But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

Berean Literal Bible
But to sit at My right hand or at My left hand is not Mine to give, but it is to those for whom it has been prepared.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.”

New American Standard Bible
But to sit on My right or on My left is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

NASB 1995
“But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

NASB 1977
“But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

Amplified Bible
But to sit on My right or left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared [by My Father].”

Berean Annotated Bible
But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom \Mine to grant, but for whom/ they have been prepared.

Christian Standard Bible
But to sit at my right or left is not mine to give; instead, it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to give; instead, it is for those it has been prepared for.”

American Standard Version
but to sit on my right hand or on my left hand is not mine to give; but it is for them for whom it hath been prepared.

Contemporary English Version
But it isn't for me to say who will sit at my right side and at my left. This is for God to decide."

English Revised Version
but to sit on my right hand or on my left hand is not mine to give: but it is for them for whom it hath been prepared.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But I don't have the authority to grant you a seat at my right or left. Those positions have already been prepared for certain people."

Good News Translation
But I do not have the right to choose who will sit at my right and my left. It is God who will give these places to those for whom he has prepared them."

International Standard Version
But it's not up to me to grant you a seat at my right or my left. Those positions have already been prepared for others."

NET Bible
but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give. It is for those for whom it has been prepared."

New Heart English Bible
but to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give, but for whom it has been prepared."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
but as to sitting at my right hand or at my left, that is not mine to give: it will be for those for whom it is reserved."
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
But to sit at My right and left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

World English Bible
but to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give, but for whom it has been prepared.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but to sit on My right and on My left is not Mine to give, but—to those for whom it has been prepared.”

Berean Literal Bible
But to sit at My right hand or at My left hand is not Mine to give, but it is to those for whom it has been prepared.”

Young's Literal Translation
but to sit on my right and on my left, is not mine to give, but -- to those for whom it hath been prepared.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And to sit from my right hand, and from my left is not mine to give; but for whom it has been prepared.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But to sit on my right hand, or on my left, is not mine to give to you, but to them for whom it is prepared.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But to sit at my right, or at my left, is not mine to give to you, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

New American Bible
but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

New Revised Standard Version
but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But to sit at my right and at my left, that is not mine to give; except to those for whom it is prepared.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“But for you to sit at my right and at my left is not mine to give, except to those for whom it is prepared.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But to sit on my right hand and on my left, is not mine to give; but it shall be given to those for whom it is prepared.

Godbey New Testament
but to sit on my right, and on my left, is not mine to give, but is for those for whom it has been prepared.

Haweis New Testament
but to sit on my right-hand, and on my left, is not mine to give; but to those for whom it is prepared.

Mace New Testament
or on my left, is not in my power to grant, except to those for whom it was designed.

Weymouth New Testament
but as to sitting at my right hand or at my left, that is not mine to give: it will be for those for whom it is reserved."

Worrell New Testament
but to sit on My right hand, or on My left, is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared."

Worsley New Testament
but to sit on my right hand and on my left, is not mine to give, but for whom it is prepared.

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Request of James and John
39“We can,” the brothers answered. “You will drink the cup that I drink,” Jesus said, “and you will be baptized with the baptism that I undergo. 40But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” 41When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John.…

Cross References
But to sit at My right or left

Matthew 20:21
“What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.”

Matthew 25:33
He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left.

Psalm 110:1
A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”
is not Mine to grant.

Matthew 20:23
“You will indeed drink My cup,” Jesus said. “But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom My Father has prepared them.”

John 3:27
John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.

John 5:19
So Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does.
These seats belong to those

Matthew 19:28
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Revelation 3:21
To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Luke 22:30
so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
for whom they have been prepared.”

Matthew 25:34
Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

John 14:2-3
In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? / And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.

1 Corinthians 2:9
Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Luke 22:29-30
And I bestow on you a kingdom, just as My Father has bestowed one on Me, / so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Acts 1:7
Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.

Romans 8:17
And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Ephesians 1:20-21
which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, / far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.


Treasury of Scripture

But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not my to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.

Matthew 20:23
And 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 25:34
Then 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:

John 17:2,24
As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him…

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Mark 10
1. Jesus disputes with the Pharisees concerning divorce;
13. blesses the children that are brought unto him;
17. resolves a rich man how he may inherit everlasting life;
23. tells his disciples of the danger of riches;
28. promises rewards to those who forsake all for the gospel;
32. foretells his death and resurrection;
35. bids the two ambitious suitors to think rather of suffering with him;
46. and restores to Bartimaeus his sight.












But to sit at My right or left

James and John sought the highest places of honor beside Jesus when He entered His glory. They still expected a visible kingdom marked by earthly rank and authority, while Jesus was preparing them for suffering, service, and the cross. Mark later records two criminals crucified at Jesus’ right and left, showing the cost associated with being near Him in His kingdom.

Mat 20:21 “What do you want?” He inquired. She answered,…
Mat 25:33 He will place the sheep on His right and the goats…
Psa 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord:…

is not Mine to grant.

Jesus did not distribute kingdom honors in response to personal ambition or human claims. In His earthly ministry, He carried out the Father’s will and upheld the Father’s established purpose.

Mat 20:23 “You will indeed drink My cup,” Jesus said.…
Jhn 3:27 John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him…
Jhn 5:19 So Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son……

These seats belong to those

Honor in God’s kingdom is not gained through self-promotion, family connection, or status among the disciples. God appoints each place according to His wisdom and righteousness.

Mat 19:28 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal…
Rev 3:21 To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right…
Luk 22:30 so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom…

for whom they have been prepared.”

The Father has already determined those who will receive these places. His purposes are certain, and His rewards are given according to His perfect knowledge and plan.

Mat 25:34 Then the King will say to those on His right,…
Jhn 14:2-3 In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so,…
1Co 2:9 No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, responding to a request from James and John about positions of honor in His kingdom.

2. James and John
The sons of Zebedee, two of Jesus' disciples, who asked for positions of honor in Jesus' glory.

3. The Disciples
The group of Jesus' followers who were present during this teaching moment.

4. The Kingdom of God
The spiritual realm over which God reigns, and the focus of Jesus' teachings and mission.

5. The Prepared Seats
Symbolic of the places of honor in God's kingdom, determined by God's sovereign will.
Teaching Points
Sovereignty of God
God's authority and sovereignty determine the roles and honors in His kingdom, not human ambition.

Humility and Servanthood
True greatness in God's kingdom is found in humility and serving others, following Jesus' example.

Preparedness and Faithfulness
Believers are called to be faithful and prepared for the roles God has assigned them, trusting in His perfect plan.

Eternal Perspective
Focus on eternal rewards and God's purposes rather than earthly recognition and status.

Trust in God's Plan
Trust that God has a specific plan and purpose for each believer, and that His preparation is perfect.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Mark 10:40?

2. How does Mark 10:40 illustrate Jesus' submission to the Father's will?

3. What does Mark 10:40 teach about God's sovereignty in assigning roles?

4. How can we apply Jesus' humility in Mark 10:40 to our lives?

5. How does Mark 10:40 connect with Philippians 2:5-8 on Christ's humility?

6. How should Mark 10:40 influence our understanding of leadership and servanthood?

7. What does Mark 10:40 reveal about God's sovereignty in assigning places of honor in heaven?

8. How does Mark 10:40 challenge the concept of predestination versus free will?

9. Why does Jesus say certain positions are "prepared" in Mark 10:40?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 10?


(40) But it shall be given to them.--Better, omitting the interpolated words, is not Mine to give, but to those for whom it has been prepared. Our Lord disclaims, not the power to give, but that of giving arbitrarily, otherwise than His Father willed.

Verse 40. - But to sit on my right hand or on my left hand is not mine to give; but it is for them for whom it hath been prepared. The Arians gathered from this that our Lord was not of one substance with the Father. But this arose from a misunderstanding of the words. For the antithesis is not here between Christ and the Father; but between James and John on the one side ambitiously seeking the pre-eminence, and those on the ether side to whom it ought of right to be given. St. Jerome wisely says, "Our Lord does not say, 'Ye shall not sit,' lest he should put to shame these two. Neither does he say, 'Ye shall sit,' lest the others should be envious. But by holding out the prize to all, he animates all to contend for it." Our Lord is also careful to point out that he who humbles himself shall be exalted. But Christ is the Giver, not indeed by way of favor to any one who asks, but according to the eternal and unalterable principles laid down by the Father. That Christ is the Giver is plain from St. Luke (Luke 22:29). "I appoint unto you a kingdom, even as my Father appointed unto me."

Mark 10:40 shows that places of honor beside Christ are real, priceless, and already assigned by the Father. Jesus, operating in willing submission, reminds us that greatness is God-given, not self-claimed. Our task is simple: serve humbly, remain faithful, and trust the One who has prepared every reward long before we even began the race.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

to sit
καθίσαι (kathisai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2523: Another form for kathezomai; to seat down, i.e. Set; intransitively, to sit; figuratively, to settle.

at
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

My
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

right
δεξιῶν (dexiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 1188: On the right hand, right hand, right. From dechomai; the right side or hand.

or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

[My] left
εὐωνύμων (euōnymōn)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2176: From eu and onoma; properly, well-named, i.e. The left; neuter as adverbial, at the left hand.

is
ἔστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

Mine
ἐμὸν (emon)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Neuter 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1699: My, mine. From the oblique cases of ego; my.

to grant.
δοῦναι (dounai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

[These places belong] to those for whom
οἷς (hois)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

they have been prepared.”
ἡτοίμασται (hētoimastai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2090: To make ready, prepare. From hetoimos; to prepare.


Additonal Resources
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NT Gospels: Mark 10:40 But to sit at my right hand (Mar Mk Mr)

Mark 10:39
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