CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 10:38 and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/10-38.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/40_Mat_10_38.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 10:38 - Take up Your Cross" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/10-38.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/10-38.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/10.htm">Chapter 10</a> > Verse 38</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/10-37.htm" title="Matthew 10:37">◄</a> Matthew 10:38 <a href="/matthew/10-39.htm" title="Matthew 10:39">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/10.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/10.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the one who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And he who does not take his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me] is not worthy of Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And whoever doesn&#8217t take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />And unless you are willing to take up your cross and follow me, you are not fit to be my disciples. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whoever doesn't take up his cross and follow me doesn't deserve to be my disciple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Those who do not take up their cross and follow in my steps are not fit to be my disciples. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The one who doesn't take up his cross and follow me isn't worthy of me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And whoever does not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and any one who does not take up his cross and follow where I lead is not worthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me isn’t worthy of me. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and whoever does not receive his cross and follow after Me, is not worthy of Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and whoever doth not receive his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And whoever takes not his cross, and follows after me, is not worthy of me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And whoever does not take up his cross, and follow me is not worthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/10.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And everyone who does not take his cross and come after me is not worthy of me.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/10.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />and whoever does not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/10.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Whosoever does not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/10.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/10.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />and he that does not take his cross, and so follow after me, is unworthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and any one who does not take up his cross and follow where I lead is not worthy of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/10.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>And whosoever does not take up his cross, and follow Me, is not worthy of Me.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/10.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>and he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/10-38.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=2678" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/10.htm">Take up Your Cross</a></span><br><span class="reftext">37</span>Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; <span class="reftext">38</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">anyone who</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: lambanei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">does not take up</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4716.htm" title="4716: stauron (N-AMS) -- A cross. ">cross</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/190.htm" title="190: akolouthei (V-PIA-3S) -- To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.">follow</a> <a href="/greek/3694.htm" title="3694: opisō (Prep) -- Behind, after; back, backwards. From the same as opisthen with enclitic of direction; to the back, i.e. Aback."></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/514.htm" title="514: axios (Adj-NMS) -- Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable.">worthy</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">of Me.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">39</span>Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-27.htm">Luke 14:27</a></span><br />And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Matthew 16:24</a></span><br />Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/8-34.htm">Mark 8:34</a></span><br />Then Jesus called the crowd to Him along with His disciples, and He told them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-23.htm">Luke 9:23</a></span><br />Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-25.htm">John 12:25-26</a></span><br />Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. / If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-20.htm">Galatians 2:20</a></span><br />I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-6.htm">Romans 6:6</a></span><br />We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-21.htm">1 Peter 2:21</a></span><br />For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-10.htm">Philippians 3:10</a></span><br />I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-11.htm">2 Timothy 2:11-12</a></span><br />This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; / if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Romans 8:17</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18</a></span><br />For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-24.htm">Galatians 5:24</a></span><br />Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-3.htm">Colossians 3:3</a></span><br />For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-10.htm">2 Corinthians 4:10</a></span><br />We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he that takes not his cross, and follows after me, is not worthy of me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Matthew 16:24</a></b></br> Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any <i>man</i> will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/27-32.htm">Matthew 27:32</a></b></br> And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/8-34.htm">Mark 8:34</a></b></br> And when he had called the people <i>unto him</i> with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/8-18.htm">Cross</a> <a href="/matthew/10-37.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/matthew/9-19.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/hosea/12-1.htm">Followeth</a> <a href="/matthew/10-37.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/6-13.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/matthew/10-14.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/matthew/10-37.htm">Worthy</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/14-22.htm">Cross</a> <a href="/matthew/14-20.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/mark/9-38.htm">Followeth</a> <a href="/matthew/11-5.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/24-5.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/matthew/10-40.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/matthew/22-8.htm">Worthy</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/10-1.htm">Jesus sends out his apostles, enabling them with power to do miracles;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/10-5.htm">giving them their charge, teaches them;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">comforts them against persecutions;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">40. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/10-40.htm">and promises a blessing to those who receive them.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>and anyone who does not take up his cross</b><br>In the context of the first-century Roman world, the cross was a symbol of execution and shame. Crucifixion was a method used by the Romans to punish criminals and rebels, and it was a public spectacle meant to deter others from similar actions. When Jesus speaks of taking up one's cross, He is referring to a willingness to endure suffering, shame, and even death for His sake. This phrase indicates a call to self-denial and total commitment to Christ, echoing the sacrificial nature of discipleship. The cross symbolizes the burdens and trials that believers may face as they follow Jesus, and it requires a readiness to embrace these challenges.<p><b>and follow Me</b><br>Following Jesus implies a continuous, active pursuit of His teachings and example. It involves a personal relationship with Christ, characterized by obedience and imitation of His life. In the Gospels, Jesus often called His disciples to leave their former lives and follow Him, signifying a radical transformation and reorientation of priorities. This call to follow is not merely about physical proximity but about aligning one's life with the values and mission of Jesus. It is a call to discipleship that demands loyalty and perseverance, as seen in passages like <a href="/luke/9-23.htm">Luke 9:23</a>, where Jesus emphasizes the need to take up the cross daily.<p><b>is not worthy of Me</b><br>The concept of worthiness here is tied to the idea of being fit or suitable for the kingdom of God. Jesus sets a high standard for discipleship, indicating that those who are unwilling to bear the cost of following Him are not aligned with His mission. This statement challenges believers to evaluate their commitment and priorities, as true discipleship requires placing Jesus above all else, including personal comfort and security. The notion of worthiness is also reflected in other parts of Scripture, such as <a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Matthew 16:24-25</a>, where Jesus speaks of losing one's life for His sake to truly find it. This phrase underscores the seriousness of the call to follow Christ and the transformative nature of genuine faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples, providing them with instructions and expectations for discipleship.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a></b><br>The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all who choose to follow Him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_cross.htm">The Cross</a></b><br>A symbol of suffering, sacrifice, and the cost of discipleship, reflecting the Roman method of execution and the ultimate sacrifice Jesus would make.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_cross.htm">Understanding the Cross</a></b><br>The cross is not just a symbol of suffering but a call to self-denial and total commitment to Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/daily_commitment.htm">Daily Commitment</a></b><br>Taking up the cross is a daily decision, requiring ongoing dedication and perseverance in following Jesus.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/sacrificial_living.htm">Sacrificial Living</a></b><br>True discipleship involves sacrifice, prioritizing Christ above personal desires and comforts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/worthy_of_christ.htm">Worthy of Christ</a></b><br>To be worthy of Christ, one must embrace the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_suffering.htm">Transformation through Suffering</a></b><br>Embracing the cross leads to spiritual growth and transformation, aligning us more closely with Christ's character.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'a_sword'.htm">What did Jesus mean by bringing a sword?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_losing_life.htm">What did Jesus mean by "lose your life for my sake"?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_jesus_say_he_brings_a_sword.htm">If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, why does He say, "I have not come to bring peace, but a sword" (Matthew 10:34)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/accept_jesus_as_your_savior.htm">Will you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(38) <span class= "bld">He that taketh not his cross.</span>--The words were hardly a specific announcement of the manner of our Lord's death, though they imply, interpreted by events, a distinct prevision of it, such as that which we trace in <a href="/john/3-14.htm" title="And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:">John 3:14</a>. To the disciples they would recall the sad scene which Roman rule had made familiar to them, the procession of robbers or rebels, each carrying the cross on which he was to suffer to the place of execution. They would learn that they were called to a like endurance of ignominy and suffering. When they saw their Master Himself carrying His own cross, the words would come back to their minds with a new significance.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 38.</span> - Besides the parallel passage, <a href="/luke/14-27.htm">Luke 14:27</a> (<span class="accented">vide supra</span>), cf. also (for vers. 38, 39) <a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Matthew 16:24, 25</a> (parallel passages: <a href="/mark/8-34.htm">Mark 8:34, 35</a>; <a href="/luke/9-23.htm">Luke 9:23, 24</a>). .<span class="cmt_word">and he that taketh not</span>; <span class="accented">doth not take</span> (Revised Version), which calls attention to the change to the more definite mode of expression (<span class="greek">ο{ς</span>... <span class="greek">λαμβάνει</span>)<span class="accented">. Taketh.</span> Receives in submission when given him; contrast <span class="greek">ἀράτω</span>, "take up from the ground" (<a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Matthew 16:24</a>), and <span class="greek">βαστάζει</span>, "bear" (<a href="/luke/14-27.htm">Luke 14:27</a>). <span class="cmt_word">His cross</span>. A reference to the custom (<span class="accented">vide</span> Meyer) of criminals carrying their cross before they were crucified upon it. If, therefore, the figure may be pressed, the reference here is to the bearing of trials, even though they are such as point forward to greater trials in the future. Observe the torture and the ignominy of the trials that Christ expects his followers to be prepared for. <span class="cmt_word">And followeth after me</span>. For Christ's journey ended in nothing less. <span class="cmt_word">Is not worthy of me</span>. "And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for God proved them, and found them worthy of himself" (Wisd. 3:5). Compare the reply of St. Thomas Aquinas to our Lord in vision after he had completed his "Summa:" "Thoma, <span class="accented">bene scripsisti de me</span>; <span class="accented">Quam reci-pies a Me pro rue labore mercedem</span>? <span class="accented">Domine</span>, <span class="accented">non nisi Te"</span> (Archbishop Vaughan's 'Life of St. Thomas,' frontispiece). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/10-38.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">anyone who</span><br /><span class="grk">ὃς</span> <span class="translit">(hos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">does not take up</span><br /><span class="grk">λαμβάνει</span> <span class="translit">(lambanei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">his</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cross</span><br /><span class="grk">σταυρὸν</span> <span class="translit">(stauron)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4716.htm">Strong's 4716: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cross. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">follow</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀκολουθεῖ</span> <span class="translit">(akolouthei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_190.htm">Strong's 190: </a> </span><span class="str2">To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Me</span><br /><span class="grk">μου</span> <span class="translit">(mou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔστιν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ouk)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">worthy</span><br /><span class="grk">ἄξιος</span> <span class="translit">(axios)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_514.htm">Strong's 514: </a> </span><span class="str2">Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Me.</span><br /><span class="grk">μου</span> <span class="translit">(mou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/10-38.htm">Matthew 10:38 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/10-38.htm">Matthew 10:38 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/10-38.htm">Matthew 10:38 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/10-38.htm">Matthew 10:38 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/10-38.htm">Matthew 10:38 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/10-38.htm">Matthew 10:38 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/10-38.htm">Matthew 10:38 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/10-38.htm">Matthew 10:38 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/10-38.htm">Matthew 10:38 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/10-38.htm">Matthew 10:38 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/10-38.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 10:38 He who doesn't take his cross (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/10-37.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 10:37"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 10:37" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/10-39.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 10:39"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 10:39" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>