Mark 10:40 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The seats at his right and left are not his to give; they belong to those for whom they are prepared.
What Does Mark 10:40 Mean?
Jesus draws a quiet boundary around the request. The places of honor are not granted by asking first or standing closest; they shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. He does not say the seats are empty, only that they are appointed.
Honors in the kingdom are prepared, not procured; there is no patronage at that throne. Even here Jesus models the humility he has been teaching, deferring the assignment of glory rather than dispensing favors. We can leave the seating of heaven to the Father and tend to the serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 10:40
What does Mark 10:40 mean?
The seats at his right and left are not his to give; they belong to those for whom they are prepared.