Marriage and children
Mark 10:1–16FocusFaithfulness and reception
Connection to the wholeJesus answers questions about marriage and receives children, challenging assumptions about relationships and access to the kingdom.
interpretation Mark 10:17
KJVAnd when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
Read it in context
Wealth and following
Start reading at Mark 10:17 (Mark 10:17 to Mark 10:31).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The rich man's departure prompts teaching about the difficulty wealth can create and about God's ability and the disciples' sacrifice.
- 10:17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
- 10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
- 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
- 10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
- 10:21 Then 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.
- 10:22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
- 10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
- 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
- 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
- 10:26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
- 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
- 10:28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
- 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
- 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
- 10:31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 10:1–10:52): Jesus answers Pharisees, instructs disciples, receives children, and answers a wealthy man. James and John request places of honor; Bartimaeus calls to Jesus near Jericho. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Wealth and following. Read Mark 10:17 through Mark 10:31 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The rich man's departure prompts teaching about the difficulty wealth can create and about God's ability and the disciples' sacrifice. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Wealth and following (Mark 10:17 to Mark 10:31). Start reading at Mark 10:17. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 10:17, Mark 10:31, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
The rich ruler's question
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- running Mark 9:25 Matt 28:8 John 20:2-4
- kneeled Mark 1:40 Dan 6:10 Matt 17:14
- Good Mark 12:14 John 3:2
- what John 6:28 Acts 2:37 Acts 9:6 Acts 16:30 Rom 10:2-4
- eternal John 5:39 John 6:27,40 Rom 2:7 Rom 6:23 1 John 2:25
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 10
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
FocusPossessions, sacrifice, and reward
Connection to the wholeThe rich man's departure prompts teaching about the difficulty wealth can create and about God's ability and the disciples' sacrifice.
interpretation The road to the cross
Mark 10:32–45FocusService and the ransom
Connection to the wholeJesus' detailed passion prediction contrasts with a request for honour; He makes service and His own self-giving the measure of greatness.
interpretation Bartimaeus receives sight
Mark 10:46–52FocusPersistent faith
Connection to the wholeThe healing near Jericho concludes the journey section with a man who receives sight and follows Jesus in the way.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation The expanding ministry
Mark 3:7–8:26FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.