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<!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>Mark 9:35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/mark/9-35.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/41_Mrk_09_35.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Mark 9:35 - The Greatest in the Kingdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all." /><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/mark/9-35.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/mark/9-35.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="/mark/">Mark</a> > <a href="/mark/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 35</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="/ad15.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="/mark/9-34.htm" title="Mark 9:34">◄</a> Mark 9:35 <a href="/mark/9-36.htm" title="Mark 9:36">►</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">Verse<a href="/bsb/mark/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/mark/9.htm">New International Version</a> Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, &#8220Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/mark/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” <a href="/esv/mark/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” <a href="/bsb/mark/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.” <a href="/blb/mark/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And having sat down, He called the Twelve, and He says to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he will be last of all and servant of all." <a href="/kjv/mark/9.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/mark/9.htm">New King James Version</a> And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” <a href="/nasb_/mark/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” <a href="/nasb/mark/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, &#8220If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/mark/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.” <a href="/lsb/mark/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” <a href="/amp/mark/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Sitting down [to teach], He called the twelve [disciples] and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all [in importance] and a servant of all.” <a href="/csb/mark/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Sitting down, he called the Twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last and servant of all.” <a href="/hcsb/mark/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Sitting down, He called the Twelve and said to them, &#8220If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.&#8221 <a href="/asv/mark/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he sat down, and called the twelve; and he saith unto them, If any man would be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all. <a href="/cev/mark/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> After Jesus sat down and told the twelve disciples to gather around him, he said, "If you want the place of honor, you must become a slave and serve others!" <a href="/erv/mark/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he sat down, and called the twelve; and he saith unto them, If any man would be first, he shall be last of all, and minister of all. <a href="/gwt/mark/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He sat down and called the twelve apostles. He told them, "Whoever wants to be the most important person must take the last place and be a servant to everyone else." <a href="/gnt/mark/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> Jesus sat down, called the twelve disciples, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must place himself last of all and be the servant of all." <a href="/isv/mark/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> So he sat down, called the Twelve, and told them, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." <a href="/msb/mark/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ?If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.? <a href="/net/mark/9.htm">NET Bible</a> After he sat down, he called the twelve and said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." <a href="/nheb/mark/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And he sat down, and called the twelve; and he said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all, and servant of all." <a href="/wbt/mark/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith to them, If any man desireth to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. <a href="/wey/mark/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then sitting down He called the Twelve, and said to them, "If any one wishes to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." <a href="/web/mark/9.htm">World English Bible</a> He sat down and called the twelve; and he said to them, “If any man wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/mark/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and having sat down He called the Twelve, and He says to them, “If any wills to be first, he will be last of all, and minister of all.” <a href="/blb/mark/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And having sat down, He called the Twelve, and He says to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he will be last of all and servant of all." <a href="/ylt/mark/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and having sat down he called the twelve, and he saith to them, 'If any doth will to be first, he shall be last of all, and minister of all.' <a href="/slt/mark/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And having sat down, he called the twelve, and says to them, If any wish to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/mark/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And sitting down, he called the twelve, and saith to them: If any man desire to be first, he shall be the last of all, and the minister of all. <a href="/cpdv/mark/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And sitting down, he called the twelve, and he said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be the last of all and the minister of all.” <a href="/nabre/mark/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” <a href="/nrsvce/mark/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/mark/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Jesus sat down, and he called the twelve and said to them, He who wishes to be first, let him be the last of every man, and the minister of every man. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And Yeshua sat down and he called the twelve and he said to them, “He who wants to be first shall be last, and the servant of every person.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/mark/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And he sat down and called the twelve, and said to them: If any one desires to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all. <a href="/godbey/mark/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And sitting down, He called the twelve; and says to them, <FR>If any one wishes to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/mark/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And when he was seated, he called the twelve, and saith to them, If any man desires to be the first, let him be last of all, and servant of all. <a href="/mace/mark/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> then sitting down, he address'd himself to the twelve, saying, he that would be the first, must be the last of all, and the servant of all. <a href="/wey/mark/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then sitting down He called the Twelve, and said to them, "If any one wishes to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." <a href="/worrell/mark/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, sitting down, He called the twelve, and saith to them, <FR>"If any one wishes to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/mark/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> So He sat down and called the twelve, and saith unto them, <FR>If any <Fr>one<FR> would be first, let him be last of all, and servant of all.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/mark/9-35.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=2988" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/mark/9.htm">The Greatest in the Kingdom</a> …34But they were silent, for on the way they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. 35<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2523.htm" title="2523: kathisas (V-APA-NMS) -- Another form for kathezomai; to seat down, i.e. Set; intransitively, to sit; figuratively, to settle.">Sitting down,</a> <a href="/greek/5455.htm" title="5455: ephōnēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- From phone; to emit a sound; by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation.">Jesus called</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1427.htm" title="1427: dōdeka (Adj-AMP) -- Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen.">Twelve</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">said,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: Ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">“If</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">anyone</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelei (V-PIA-3S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">wants</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">to be</a> <a href="/greek/4413.htm" title="4413: prōtos (Adj-NMS) -- First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.">first,</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estai (V-FIM-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">he must be</a> <a href="/greek/2078.htm" title="2078: eschatos (Adj-NMS) -- Last, at the last, finally, till the end. A superlative probably from echo; farthest, final.">the last</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantōn (Adj-GMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">of all</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1249.htm" title="1249: diakonos (N-NMS) -- Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor.">the servant</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantōn (Adj-GMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">of all.” </a> 36Then He had a little child stand among them. Taking the child in His arms, He said to them,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/20-26.htm">Matthew 20:26-28</a> It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— / just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” <a href="/luke/22-26.htm">Luke 22:26-27</a> But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. / For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves. <a href="/john/13-12.htm">John 13:12-17</a> When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you? / You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. / So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. ... <a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-7</a> Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. <a href="/matthew/23-11.htm">Matthew 23:11-12</a> The greatest among you shall be your servant. / For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. <a href="/luke/9-48.htm">Luke 9:48</a> And He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.” <a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5-6</a> 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.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Matthew 18:4</a> Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a> Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. <a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Romans 12:10</a> Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19</a> Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13</a> For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. <a href="/ephesians/5-21.htm">Ephesians 5:21</a> Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. <a href="/proverbs/15-33.htm">Proverbs 15:33</a> The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor. <a href="/proverbs/18-12.htm">Proverbs 18:12</a> Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he sat down, and called the twelve, and said to them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.If.<a href="/mark/10-42.htm">Mark 10:42-45</a> But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them… <a href="/proverbs/13-10.htm">Proverbs 13:10</a> Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.<a href="/jeremiah/45-5.htm">Jeremiah 45:5</a> And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/9-30.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/matthew/27-43.htm">Desireth</a> <a href="/mark/9-12.htm">First</a> <a href="/mark/9-30.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/mark/5-23.htm">Last</a> <a href="/matthew/25-44.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/mark/6-40.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-4.htm">Seating</a> <a href="/mark/1-2.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/mark/6-22.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/mark/8-19.htm">Twelve</a> <a href="/mark/8-35.htm">Wants</a> <a href="/mark/8-35.htm">Wishes</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/10-35.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/luke/5-39.htm">Desireth</a> <a href="/mark/10-6.htm">First</a> <a href="/mark/9-39.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/mark/10-31.htm">Last</a> <a href="/mark/10-43.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/mark/10-46.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/john/19-13.htm">Seating</a> <a href="/mark/10-43.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/mark/10-40.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/mark/10-32.htm">Twelve</a> <a href="/mark/10-43.htm">Wants</a> <a href="/mark/10-43.htm">Wishes</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 9</div>1. <a href="/mark/9-1.htm">Jesus is transfigured.</a> 11. <a href="/mark/9-11.htm">He instructs his disciples concerning the coming of Elijah;</a> 14. <a href="/mark/9-14.htm">casts forth a deaf and mute spirit;</a> 30. <a href="/mark/9-30.htm">foretells his death and resurrection;</a> 33. <a href="/mark/9-33.htm">exhorts his disciples to humility;</a> 38. <a href="/mark/9-38.htm">bidding them not to prohibit such as are not against them, </a> 42. <a href="/mark/9-42.htm">nor to give offense to any of the faithful.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/mark/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/mark/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Sitting down In the cultural context of the time, a rabbi or teacher would often sit down to teach, signifying authority and readiness to impart wisdom. This act of sitting down indicates that Jesus is about to deliver an important lesson to His disciples. It reflects a common practice in Jewish teaching where the teacher assumes a seated position to convey significant teachings.Jesus called the Twelve The Twelve refers to the twelve apostles, who were chosen by Jesus to be His closest followers and to carry on His mission. This calling together of the Twelve underscores the importance of the message He is about to share. It highlights the intimate relationship between Jesus and His disciples and the special role they play in His ministry. The number twelve is significant, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and indicating the foundation of a new covenant community.and said This phrase introduces the direct teaching of Jesus, emphasizing the authoritative nature of His words. In the Gospels, when Jesus speaks, it is often to reveal deeper truths about the Kingdom of God and to challenge existing cultural norms.“If anyone wants to be first The desire to be first or greatest was a common human ambition, even among the disciples, as seen in their earlier discussions about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus addresses this natural human inclination by redefining what it means to be first in the context of His Kingdom. This teaching contrasts with worldly views of power and status.he must be the last of all Jesus introduces a radical reversal of values, where greatness is not measured by status or power but by humility and selflessness. Being "last of all" implies a willingness to put others before oneself, a concept that is countercultural both in the ancient world and today. This teaching echoes the Beatitudes, where the meek and humble are blessed.and the servant of all.” The call to be a servant of all is a central theme in Jesus' teachings and is exemplified in His own life and ministry. Jesus Himself is the ultimate servant, as seen in His sacrificial death on the cross. This phrase connects to other scriptural teachings on servanthood, such as <a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-7</a>, where Paul describes Jesus taking the form of a servant. It also fulfills the prophetic imagery of the Suffering Servant in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>. The concept of servanthood is foundational to Christian discipleship, emphasizing love, humility, and service to others as the true path to greatness in God's Kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about true greatness in the Kingdom of God. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_twelve_disciples.htm">The Twelve Disciples</a> The group of Jesus' closest followers, who are being instructed on the nature of leadership and service. 3. <a href="/topical/c/capernaum.htm">Capernaum</a> Although not mentioned in this specific verse, the context of the chapter indicates that this teaching took place in a house in Capernaum, a significant location in Jesus' ministry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/true_greatness_in_the_kingdom.htm">True Greatness in the Kingdom</a> Jesus redefines greatness, contrasting worldly views with Kingdom values. True greatness is found in humility and service. <a href="/topical/s/servant_leadership.htm">Servant Leadership</a> Leadership in the Christian context is not about power or position but about serving others selflessly, following Jesus' example. <a href="/topical/h/humility_as_a_virtue.htm">Humility as a Virtue</a> Embrace humility as a core Christian virtue. It requires putting others' needs before our own and seeking to serve rather than be served. <a href="/topical/p/practical_servanthood.htm">Practical Servanthood</a> Look for everyday opportunities to serve others, whether in the church, community, or home. Small acts of service can have a significant impact. <a href="/topical/c/counter-cultural_living.htm">Counter-Cultural Living</a> As Christians, we are called to live counter-culturally, valuing service and humility over ambition and self-promotion.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_mark_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Mark 9</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_being_a_servant_to_all.htm">What defines being a servant to all?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_serving_everyone.htm">What defines being a servant to everyone?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_the_satanic_bible.htm">What defines the Satanic Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_today's_progressive_christianity.htm">What defines being a servant to all?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/mark/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 35. - And he sat down, and called the twelve. He sat down, with the authority of the great Teacher, to inculcate solemnly a fundamental principle of the Christian life. If any man would be first he shall be last of all, and minister of all. These words are capable of two interpretations. They might be regarded as analogous to our Lord's words elsewhere, "He that exalteth himself shall be abased;" as though they indicated the penalty which attaches to unworthy ambition. But it is surely far more natural to regard them as pointing out the way to real greatness, namely, by humble service for Christ's sake. <a href="/commentaries/mark/9-35.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Sitting down, καθίσας (kathisas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2523.htm">Strong's 2523: </a> Another form for kathezomai; to seat down, i.e. Set; intransitively, to sit; figuratively, to settle. [Jesus] called ἐφώνησεν (ephōnēsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5455.htm">Strong's 5455: </a> From phone; to emit a sound; by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Twelve δώδεκα (dōdeka) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1427.htm">Strong's 1427: </a> Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. said, λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “If Εἴ (Ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. anyone τις (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. wants θέλει (thelei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. to be εἶναι (einai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. first, πρῶτος (prōtos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4413.htm">Strong's 4413: </a> First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost. he must be ἔσται (estai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. [the] last ἔσχατος (eschatos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2078.htm">Strong's 2078: </a> Last, at the last, finally, till the end. A superlative probably from echo; farthest, final. of all πάντων (pantōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. [the] servant διάκονος (diakonos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1249.htm">Strong's 1249: </a> Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor. of all.” πάντων (pantōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/9-35.htm">Mark 9:35 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/mark/9-35.htm">Mark 9:35 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/mark/9-35.htm">Mark 9:35 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/mark/9-35.htm">Mark 9:35 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/mark/9-35.htm">Mark 9:35 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/9-35.htm">Mark 9:35 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/9-35.htm">Mark 9:35 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/9-35.htm">Mark 9:35 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/mark/9-35.htm">Mark 9:35 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/mark/9-35.htm">Mark 9:35 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/mark/9-35.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 9:35 He sat down and called the twelve (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/9-34.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 9:34"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 9:34" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/9-36.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 9:36"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 9:36" /></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>