Mark 9:35 Meaning and Explanation
“And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Sitting down, Jesus teaches the Twelve that whoever desires to be first must be last of all and servant of all.
What Does Mark 9:35 Mean?
Jesus sits down, the teacher's posture for a weighty word, and calls the Twelve: if any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. He does not crush the desire for greatness; He turns it upside down and gives it a new road.
In His kingdom the way up is down. Greatness is measured by how many one serves, not how many one commands, and the standard is finally Himself, who came not to be ministered unto, but to minister (Mark 10:45). Servant of all leaves no room to choose worthy recipients. The nearest unglamorous act of service is the open door to the only greatness God honors.
Mark 9:35 in the Original Language
diakonos (διάκονος), 'servant' -- one who serves others, attending to their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 9:35
What does Mark 9:35 mean?
Sitting down, Jesus teaches the Twelve that whoever desires to be first must be last of all and servant of all.