New International Version But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” New Living Translation But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” English Standard Version But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Berean Standard Bible But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” Berean Literal Bible But many first will be last, and the last, first.” King James Bible But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. New King James Version But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” New American Standard Bible But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.” NASB 1995 “But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.” NASB 1977 “But many who are first, will be last; and the last, first.” Legacy Standard Bible But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.” Amplified Bible But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.” Berean Annotated Bible But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. Christian Standard Bible But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Holman Christian Standard Bible But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” American Standard Version But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. Contemporary English Version But many who are now first will be last, and many who are now last will be first. English Revised Version But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. GOD'S WORD® Translation But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first." Good News Translation But many who are now first will be last, and many who are now last will be first." International Standard Version But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first." NET Bible But many who are first will be last, and the last first." New Heart English Bible But many who are first will be last; and the last first." Webster's Bible Translation But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. Weymouth New Testament But many who are now first will be last, and the last, first." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” World English Bible But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand many first will be last, and the last first.” Berean Literal Bible But many first will be last, and the last, first.” Young's Literal Translation and many first shall be last, and the last first.' Smith's Literal Translation And many first shall be last; and the last first. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut many that are first, shall be last: and the last, first. Catholic Public Domain Version But many of the first shall be last, and the last shall be first.” New American Bible But many that are first will be last, and [the] last will be first.” New Revised Standard Version But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleMany who are first shall be last, and the last first. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But many are first who shall be last, and the last first.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut many that are first shall be last; and the last first. Godbey New Testament Haweis New Testament But many first, will be last; and the last, first. Mace New Testament but they that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first. Weymouth New Testament But many who are now first will be last, and the last, first." Worrell New Testament Worsley New Testament Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Rich Young Man…30will fail to receive a hundredfold in the present age—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, along with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. 31But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” 32As they were going up the road to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were amazed, but those who followed were afraid. Again Jesus took the Twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him:… Cross References But many who are first Matthew 19:30 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. Luke 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” will be last, Luke 1:52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble. Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. and the last Luke 13:30 And indeed, some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.” 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, will be first.” Matthew 20:16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” 1 Samuel 2:7-8 The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. Matthew 19:30 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. Luke 13:30 And indeed, some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.” Matthew 20:16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. James 4:6 But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Proverbs 3:34 He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble. Treasury of Scripture But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. Matthew 8:11,12 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven… Matthew 19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. Jump to Previous First Great LastJump to Next First Great LastMark 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 many who are first Jesus speaks after the rich man refused to leave his possessions and after Peter recalled what the disciples had left behind. Wealth, authority, religious reputation, and public honor often placed people among the honored in Israel, yet such advantages could become obstacles when they fostered self-reliance rather than faith in God. Mat 19:30 But many who are first will be last, and the last… will be last, God’s final judgment will expose the true condition of every heart. Those who sought prominence, trusted riches, or expected reward because of status may discover that earthly distinction carried no lasting value. The kingdom does not measure greatness by influence or possessions, but by humble obedience to Christ. Luk 1:52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones,… and the last Those considered insignificant by the world often included the poor, the afflicted, sinners who repented, and disciples who accepted loss for Jesus’ sake. The Lord welcomed such people because they came to Him in need and faith. His ministry repeatedly displayed God’s concern for the humble and the overlooked. Luk 13:30 And indeed, some who are last will be first… will be first.” God will honor faithful servants in His kingdom, not because suffering or poverty earns salvation, but because grace produces humble trust and persevering obedience. The saying also warns Christ’s disciples against claiming superiority over others. True greatness belongs to those who follow the Son of Man in the way of service, sacrifice, and dependence upon God. Mat 20:16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the nature of the Kingdom of God and the reversal of worldly values. 2. Disciples The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, who are learning about the cost of discipleship and the rewards in God's Kingdom. 3. The Rich Young Ruler Earlier in Mark 10, Jesus encounters a rich young man, which sets the context for this teaching about the first and the last. 4. The Kingdom of God The central theme of Jesus' teaching, emphasizing the values and priorities of God's reign. 5. The Worldly Order The societal norms and values that prioritize wealth, status, and power, which Jesus contrasts with the values of the Kingdom. Teaching Points Reversal of Worldly ValuesIn God's Kingdom, the values of the world are turned upside down. Success is not measured by wealth or status but by humility and service. Humility and Servanthood Followers of Christ are called to adopt a posture of humility, serving others rather than seeking to be served. Eternal Perspective Believers are encouraged to focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary, worldly gains. Trust in God's Justice The promise that the last will be first assures us of God's ultimate justice and fairness, even when it seems absent in the world. Encouragement for the Marginalized This teaching offers hope and encouragement to those who feel overlooked or undervalued in society. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Mark 10:31?2. How does Mark 10:31 challenge our understanding of worldly success and status? 3. What does "first will be last" teach about humility in Christian leadership? 4. How can we apply Mark 10:31 to our daily interactions with others? 5. Which other Bible verses emphasize the reversal of worldly and spiritual priorities? 6. How does Mark 10:31 encourage us to prioritize God's kingdom over earthly achievements? 7. What does "But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first" mean? 8. How does Mark 10:31 challenge societal views on success and status? 9. What historical context influenced the message of Mark 10:31? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 10? What Does Mark 10:31 Mean But many- Mark’s verse begins with a surprising conjunction, “But,” signaling a reversal of expectations set by the world (cf. Mark 10:29-30). - “Many” reminds us that Christ’s words apply broadly, not to a rare few. He is exposing a pattern, not an exception. - Cross reference: In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus also speaks of “many” entering the broad road to destruction, underscoring the widespread nature of misplaced confidence. Who are first - “First” points to those who appear successful, influential, or privileged in earthly terms—social rank, wealth, religious pedigree (Mark 10:23-24). - Jesus has just encountered the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22); that encounter illustrates how outward advantage can hide an inward lack. - Cross references: Luke 14:7-11 (guests choosing places of honor); 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (“not many mighty, not many noble”). Will be last - Christ states plainly that earthly prominence can end in heavenly diminishment. - This is not divine favoritism but justice: self-promotion crowds out dependence on grace (James 4:6). - Examples: Luke 16:19-31 (the rich man and Lazarus), where tables turn after death. And the last - “The last” identifies those overlooked—poor, persecuted, childlike (Mark 10:13-16). - They may seem insignificant now, yet their humble trust pleases God (Isaiah 57:15; 1 Corinthians 1:27-28). - Note how Jesus elevates children, widows, and sinners who freely acknowledge need (Luke 18:13-14). Will be first - Future reversal is certain: “So the last will be first” (Matthew 20:16). - Rewards promised: “You will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:14). - The principle is grace-based: God crowns what He first gives—faith, endurance, obedience (2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:10). - Believers are called to serve now, trusting God to honor them later (1 Peter 5:6). summary Mark 10:31 teaches a divine reversal: positions of earthly privilege do not guarantee heavenly reward, and positions of earthly obscurity do not preclude it. Christ redefines greatness around humble dependence on Him. Pursue servant-hearted faithfulness today, confident that God will set all accounts right when His kingdom comes in fullness. (31) Many that are first shall be last.—It will be noted that St. Mark omits the parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard, which follows in St. Matthew as an illustration of the truth.Verse 31. - But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. Most fitly does our Lord add this weighty sentence to what has just gone before. For thus he places himself, his grace, and his gospel in direct opposition to the corrupt teaching of the scribes and Pharisees. Perhaps the disciples thought within themselves, "How can it come to pass that we, the poor, the unlearned, the despised, are to sit upon thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel, amongst whom are men far our superiors in station, in learning, and in authority, such as are the scribes and Pharisees, and that rich young ruler just mentioned." Our Lord here teaches them that the future will reveal great changes - that some who are first here will be last there, and some who seem last here will be first there. The disciples, and others like them, who, having forsaken all and followed Christ, seemed to be last in this world, will be first in the world to come - most dear to Christ, the King of Heaven, in their lives; most like to him in their zeal for his cause.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Butδὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. many [who are] πολλοὶ (polloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 4183: Much, many; often. first πρῶτοι (prōtoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 4413: First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost. will be ἔσονται (esontai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. last, ἔσχατοι (eschatoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2078: Last, at the last, finally, till the end. A superlative probably from echo; farthest, final. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. last ἔσχατοι (eschatoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2078: Last, at the last, finally, till the end. A superlative probably from echo; farthest, final. [will be] first.” πρῶτοι (prōtoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 4413: First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost. Additonal Resources Mark 10:31 Blue Letter BibleMark 10:31 Bible Gateway Mark 10:31 Bible.com Mark 10:31 NIV |
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