Matthew 10:38 and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.

◄ Matthew 10:38 ►

New International Version
Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

New Living Translation
If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.

English Standard Version
And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Berean Standard Bible
and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.

Berean Literal Bible
And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

King James Bible
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

New King James Version
And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

New American Standard Bible
And the one who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

NASB 1995
“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

NASB 1977
“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

Amplified Bible
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.

Christian Standard Bible
And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.

American Standard Version
And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.

Contemporary English Version
And unless you are willing to take up your cross and follow me, you are not fit to be my disciples.

English Revised Version
And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whoever doesn't take up his cross and follow me doesn't deserve to be my disciple.

Good News Translation
Those who do not take up their cross and follow in my steps are not fit to be my disciples.

International Standard Version
The one who doesn't take up his cross and follow me isn't worthy of me.

Majority Standard Bible
and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.

NET Bible
And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

New Heart English Bible
And whoever does not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me.

Weymouth New Testament
and any one who does not take up his cross and follow where I lead is not worthy of me.

World English Bible
He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me isn’t worthy of me.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and whoever does not receive his cross and follow after Me, is not worthy of Me.

Berean Literal Bible
And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

Young's Literal Translation
and whoever doth not receive his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.

Smith's Literal Translation
And whoever takes not his cross, and follows after me, is not worthy of me.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And whoever does not take up his cross, and follow me is not worthy of me.

New American Bible
and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.

New Revised Standard Version
and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And everyone who does not take his cross and come after me is not worthy of me.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
and whoever does not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.

Godbey New Testament
Whosoever does not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.

Haweis New Testament
And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Mace New Testament
and he that does not take his cross, and so follow after me, is unworthy of me.

Weymouth New Testament
and any one who does not take up his cross and follow where I lead is not worthy of me.

Worrell New Testament
And whosoever does not take up his cross, and follow Me, is not worthy of Me.

Worsley New Testament
and he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Take up Your Cross
37Anyone 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; 38and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Luke 14:27
And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.

Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.

Mark 8:34
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.

Luke 9:23
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.

John 12:25-26
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.

Galatians 2:20
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.

Romans 6:6
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.

1 Peter 2:21
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:

Philippians 3:10
I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death,

2 Timothy 2:11-12
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;

Romans 8:17
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.

1 Corinthians 1:18
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.

Galatians 5:24
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Colossians 3:3
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

2 Corinthians 4:10
We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

Treasury of Scripture

And he that takes not his cross, and follows after me, is not worthy of me.

Matthew 16:24
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Matthew 27:32
And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

Mark 8:34
And when he had called the people unto him 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.

Jump to Previous

Cross Enough Follow Followeth Good Lead Receive Worthy

Jump to Next

Cross Enough Follow Followeth Good Lead Receive Worthy

Matthew 10

1. Jesus sends out his apostles, enabling them with power to do miracles;
5. giving them their charge, teaches them;
16. comforts them against persecutions;
40. and promises a blessing to those who receive them.

Berean Study Bible

and whoever
This phrase is inclusive, indicating that the call of Jesus is universal. It is not limited to a specific group but extends to all individuals. The Greek word used here, "ὅστις" (hostis), emphasizes an open invitation to anyone willing to heed the call. Historically, this reflects the early Christian mission to spread the Gospel beyond Jewish communities to Gentiles, underscoring the universal nature of Christ's message.

does not take up
The phrase "take up" comes from the Greek word "λαμβάνω" (lambanō), which means to actively receive or accept. This implies a deliberate and conscious decision to embrace the responsibilities and challenges associated with being a disciple of Christ. In the historical context, taking up one's cross was a vivid metaphor for accepting the potential for suffering and persecution, as crucifixion was a common Roman method of execution for criminals.

his cross
The "cross" is a powerful symbol of suffering, sacrifice, and redemption. In the Roman world, the cross was an instrument of shame and death, yet Jesus transforms it into a symbol of hope and salvation. The Greek word "σταυρός" (stauros) refers to this instrument of execution. For early Christians, this phrase would have resonated deeply, as many faced persecution and martyrdom. It calls believers to a life of self-denial and willingness to endure hardship for the sake of Christ.

and follow Me
To "follow" in this context, from the Greek "ἀκολουθέω" (akoloutheō), means to accompany or to be in the same way with. It suggests a continuous, active pursuit of Christ's teachings and example. Historically, following a rabbi meant living in close proximity and learning through imitation. For Christians, this means living a life that reflects the values and mission of Jesus, embodying His love, compassion, and truth in daily actions.

is not worthy of Me
The term "worthy," from the Greek "ἄξιος" (axios), implies a standard of value or merit. In this context, it suggests that true discipleship requires a commitment that aligns with the profound sacrifice and love demonstrated by Christ. Historically, this would challenge believers to evaluate their priorities and loyalties, ensuring that their devotion to Jesus surpasses all else. It is a call to a radical reorientation of one's life, placing Christ at the center.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(38) He that taketh not his cross.--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 John 3:14. 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.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 38. - Besides the parallel passage, Luke 14:27 (vide supra), cf. also (for vers. 38, 39) Matthew 16:24, 25 (parallel passages: Mark 8:34, 35; Luke 9:23, 24). .and he that taketh not; doth not take (Revised Version), which calls attention to the change to the more definite mode of expression (ο{ς... λαμβάνει). Taketh. Receives in submission when given him; contrast ἀράτω, "take up from the ground" (Matthew 16:24), and βαστάζει, "bear" (Luke 14:27). His cross. A reference to the custom (vide 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. And followeth after me. For Christ's journey ended in nothing less. Is not worthy of me. "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, bene scripsisti de me; Quam reci-pies a Me pro rue labore mercedem? Domine, non nisi Te" (Archbishop Vaughan's 'Life of St. Thomas,' frontispiece).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

anyone who
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

does not take up
λαμβάνει (lambanei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

cross
σταυρὸν (stauron)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4716: A cross.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

follow
ἀκολουθεῖ (akolouthei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 190: To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.

Me
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

is
ἔστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

worthy
ἄξιος (axios)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 514: Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable.

of Me.
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

Links

Matthew 10:38 NIV
Matthew 10:38 NLT
Matthew 10:38 ESV
Matthew 10:38 NASB
Matthew 10:38 KJV

Matthew 10:38 BibleApps.com
Matthew 10:38 Biblia Paralela
Matthew 10:38 Chinese Bible
Matthew 10:38 French Bible
Matthew 10:38 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Matthew 10:38 He who doesn't take his cross (Matt. Mat Mt)