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Matthew 20:22

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 20:22 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I am about to drink? They say unto him, We are able.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I am about to drink? They say unto him, We are able.
Matthew 20:22 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
19and shall deliver him unto the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify: and the third day he shall be raised up.
20Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshipping [him], and asking a certain thing of him.
21And he said unto her, What wouldest thou? She saith unto him, Command that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy kingdom.
22But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I am about to drink? They say unto him, We are able.
23He saith unto them, My cup indeed ye shall drink: but to sit on my right hand, and on [my] left hand, is not mine to give; but [it is for them] for whom it hath been prepared of my Father.
24And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation concerning the two brethren.
25But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
← Matthew 20:21Matthew 20:23 →
← Full Chapter 20 Matthew Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But Jesus answered, and said, etc.] To her two sons, ye know not what ye ask. They were ignorant of the nature of Christ’s kingdom, which is spiritual, and not of this world: or they would never have asked such a question, or sued for that which will never be enjoyed by any and supposing that Christ’s kingdom had been such as they imagined, yet in asking for honours and riches, they might not know what they asked for; they might promise themselves much pleasure and happiness in the enjoyment of them, and yet, if indulged with them, might be disappointed, and find unexpected troubles and uneasiness. It would have been much more proper and seasonable, on hearing of Christ’s being mocked,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See also Mark 10:35-45. Matthew 20:20 Then came to him give mother of Zebedee’s children ... - This was probably Salome, Mark 15:40; Mark 16:1. With her sons - The names of these sons were James and John, Mark 10:35 Mark says they came and made the request. That is, they made it, as appears from Matthew, through the medium of their mother; they requested her to ask it for them. It is not improbable that she was an ambitious woman, and was desirous to see her sons honored. Worshipping him - Showing him respect; respectfully saluting him. In the original, kneeling. See the notes at Matthew 8:2. Matthew 20:21 Grant that these my two sons may sit ... - They were still looking for a temporal…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Ye know not what is implied in being advanced in my kingdom, and necessarily prerequired thereto. All who share in my kingdom must first share in my sufferings. Are you able and willing to do this? Both these expressions, The cup, the baptism, are to be understood of his sufferings and death. The like expressions are common among the Jews. Matthew 20:23”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“20:22 The cup refers to Jesus’ duty, calling, and destiny (see 26:39; John 18:11; see also Ps 75:8; Isa 51:17, 22; Rev 16:19).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Ye know not: Mar 10:38; Rom 8:26; Jam 4:3 the cup: Mat 26:39, Mat 26:42; Psa 75:3; Jer. 25:15-38; Mar 14:36; Luk 22:42; Joh 18:11 baptized with the: Mar 10:39; Luk 12:50 We: Mat 26:35, Mat 26:56; Pro 16:18 Matthew 20:23”
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Related study paths

Read Matthew 20 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification