What Does Luke 10:42 Mean in the King James?

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Luke 10:42 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

Mary chooses a share that cannot be taken from her, not a task she must keep performing.

THE MEANING

Beneath the pull of many demands, one thing is needful: receiving Jesus’ words. The good portion Mary chooses is secure; what she receives cannot be taken away from her.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

The verse undoes the belief that only visible work has lasting value: attentive receiving can be the necessary thing.

THE ROOT

μερίδα

merida

GROWS FROM

μερ-

mer-

share, portion

“part” in this verse is merida. The Greek word ⁨μερίδα⁩ (merida) names a share or portion. Its word family links that share to dividing and allotting, so Mary’s choice is more than picking the right task: she takes a portion that the verse says cannot be taken from her.

ALSO GROWS

meros: part, share

μέρος

This related noun makes clear that the “part” Mary chooses is a share, not merely a piece of work.

merizō: divide, distribute

μερίζω

The related verb shows the same word family at work in portions being divided or assigned; here, the portion Mary chooses remains hers.

THE PATTERN

A portion grounded in God’s presence outlasts what is perishable or can be taken away.

The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

Psalm 16:5 · KJVThe LORD is named as the speaker’s own portion, a share that is held secure.

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

John 6:27 · KJVThe verse contrasts what perishes with what endures, echoing Mary’s choice of a lasting good portion.

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

1 Peter 1:4 · KJVThe inheritance that does not fade mirrors the portion that cannot be taken away.

THE THREAD

The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

Psalm 16:5 · KJV

The Greek translation of this Psalm uses ⁨μερίς⁩ (meris), the same word family as ⁨μερίδα⁩ (merida), “part,” in Luke. The Psalm names the LORD as the speaker’s portion; Luke shows Mary choosing the good portion at Jesus’ feet.

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