Jesus summoned them, and said to them, “You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant. Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondservant of all. For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Parallel Translations
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Jesus summoned them, and said to them, “You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant.
Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondservant of all.
For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
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But Iesus called the vnto him and sayde to them: ye knowe that they which seme to beare rule amonge the gentyls raygne as lordes over them. And they that be greate amonge them exercyse auctorite over them.
So shall it not be amonge you but whosoever of you wilbe greate amonge you shalbe youre minister.
And whosoever wilbe chefe shalbe servaunt vnto all.
For even the sonne of man came not to be ministred vnto: but to minister and to geve his lyfe for the redempcion of many.
Show all 3 translations
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But Iesus called them vnto him, and sayd to them, Ye know that they which are princes among the Gentiles, haue domination ouer them, and they that be great among them, exercise authoritie ouer them.
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoeuer will be great among you, shall be your seruant.
And whosoeuer will be chiefe of you, shall be the seruant of all.
For euen the Sonne of man came not to be serued, but to serue, and to giue his life for the raunsome of many.
Examined in Scripture Analysis
Contradictions (2)
Questions where the Bible appears to say two different things, with the passages on each side set together.
Cross-references (30)
- Matthew 20:28 (v45) even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- Philippians 2:5-8 (v45) Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be…
- 2 Corinthians 8:9 (v45) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty…
- Titus 2:14 (v45) who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for…
- John 13:14 (v45) If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
Show all 30 cross-references
- John 10:15 (v45) even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.
- Matthew 23:8-12 (v43) But don’t you be called ‘Rabbi,’ for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers. Call no man on the earth your father,…
- Luke 14:11 (v43) For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
- Luke 22:26-27 (v45) But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves. For…
- Hebrews 5:8 (v45) though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered.
- Isaiah 53:10-12 (v45) Yet it pleased Yahweh to bruise him. He has caused him to suffer. When you make his soul an offering for sin, he will see his offspring. He…
- Matthew 20:26-27 (v43) It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. Whoever desires to be first among you…
- Mark 9:35 (v43) 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.”
- Luke 9:48 (v43) and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in my name receives me. Whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For whoever is…
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 (v45) For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
- 1 Peter 1:19 (v45) but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish or spot, the blood of Christ,
- Galatians 5:13 (v43) For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.
- 1 Peter 5:5-6 (v43) Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another;…
- Luke 18:14 (v43) I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who…
- Romans 12:2 (v43) Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing,…
- 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (v43) For though I was free from all, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I…
- Daniel 9:26 (v45) After the sixty-two weeks the Anointed One will be cut off, and will have nothing. The people of the prince who come will destroy the city…
- John 13:13-18 (v43) You call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also…
- John 18:36 (v43) Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be…
- Galatians 3:13 (v45) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,”
- Daniel 9:24 (v45) “Seventy weeks are decreed on your people and on your holy city, to finish disobedience, and to make an end of sins, and to make…
- Luke 22:25 (v42) He said to them, “The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’
- 1 Peter 5:3 (v42) not as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock.
- Matthew 20:25 (v42) But Jesus summoned them, and said, “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over…
- 1 Timothy 3:4-6 (v45) one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; (but how could someone who doesn’t know how to rule…
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (13 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On v42 The Magistrates according to God’s appointment, rule over their…
The Magistrates according to God’s appointment, rule over their subjects: but the Pastors are not called to rule, but to serve, according to the example of the Son of God himself, who went before them, for so much as he also was a Minister of his Father’s will.
They to whom it is decreed and appointed.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On v42 40 But to sit on my right hand and…
40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
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42 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.
Ver. 42. They which are accounted to rule] All earthly kingdoms are but shows and shadows to that of God. Οι δοκουντες, Qui videntur imperare. They do but seem to rule.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On v42 See Poole on "Mat 20:25", and following verses to…
See Poole on "Mat 20:25", and following verses to Mat 20:28, where we had the same almost verbatim. Those that think it worth the while to inquire what critical men say about that phrase, οι δοκουντες αρχειν, which we translate they which are accounted to rule, may find it in Pool’s Synopsis Criticorum. When all is said, doubtless the οι αρχοντες in Matthew, and οι δοκουντες αρχειν,, and Luke’s οι βασιλεις, signify the same persons. And our translators might as justifiably have translated those words, the rulers, as
they which are accounted to rule, which is a translation the active participle will hardly bear.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain On v42 To the end that our blessed Saviour might effectually…
To the end that our blessed Saviour might effectually quench those unhappy sparks of ambition which were kindled in his apostles’ minds, he tells them, that supremacy and dominion belong to secular princes, not to gospel-ministers, who ought to carry themselves with humility and condescension one towards another. Not that Christ directs to a parity and equality amongst his ministers, but only condemns the affectation of superiority, and the love of pre-eminency.
Learn hence, 1. That the ministers of Christ ought to be so far from affecting a domination and superiority over their brethren that in imitation of their Lord and Master, they ought to account themselves fellow servants: The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.
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Observe, 2. That such ministers as do love and affect pre-eminence and superiority are most unfit for it; and they deserve it best who seek it least.
3. That the dignity and honour which the ministers of Christ should chiefly, yea only affect, is in another world; and the way to be greatest and highest there, is to be low and humble, mean in our own eyes, and little in our own esteem. See note on Mat 20:28.
William Burkitt's Expository Notes on the New Testament (1700–1703) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv42–45 For even the son of man,.... That is, Christ…
For even the son of man,.... That is, Christ himself; a name by which he frequently goes both in the Old and New Testament to the arguments before produced, Christ adds his own example, to teach his disciples humility and lowliness of mind and to check their ambitious views and desires:
came not to be ministered unto: not but that he was ministered unto even by the angels of God; who ministered to him in the wilderness, after he had been tempted by Satan; and he was also ministered unto by some women out of their substance; but these show the low estate he was in to stand in need of such ministrations: here the sense is that he did not appear as an earthly prince, with a fine equipage, a large retinue and attendance,
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but to minister; to be a servant, as he is in his mediatorial office and capacity: he was sent, and came as the servant of the Lord; and he ministered, in his prophetic office, the Gospel unto men; and went about in the form of a servant, doing good, ministering medicine both to the souls end bodies of men: but the great work he came about, was the work of man's redemption; which he willingly and cheerfully undertook, diligently and faithfully prosecuted, and has completely finished; to which respect is had in the next clause:
and to give his life a ransom for many; even for all the elect of God, to redeem them from sin, Satan, and the law; and secure them from the wrath of God, and eternal death; and this he has done, by laying down his life as the ransom price for them; See Gill on Mat 20:28.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On v45 A ransom for many - Even for as many…
A ransom for many - Even for as many souls as needed such a ransom, 2 Cor. v, 15.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv42–43 Who seem to rule over the Gentiles, &c. See…
Who seem to rule over the Gentiles, &c. See Matthew xx. 25, and Luke xxii. 25. (Witham)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv42, 45 42. which] Commonly used at the time our translation…
42. which] Commonly used at the time our translation was made for the relative “who,” and applied to persons, from the A.-S. hwilc, Mœso-Goth. hwêleiks, literally, who-like. Comp. Latimer’s Sermons, p. 331, “Whosoever loveth God, will love his neighbour, which is made after the image of God.” See Bible Word-Book, p. 528.
are accounted] = those “who profess to exercise rule,” those who have the reputation of being governors. “Qui censentur imperare; i. e. quos gentes habent et agnoscunt, quorum imperio pareant.” Beza.
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exercise lordship] The word is used in an unfavourable sense. It is applied in Act_19:16 to the man possessed with an evil spirit prevailing against and overcoming the seven sons of Sceva. St Peter himself uses it in his first Epistle (Mar_5:3), recalling possibly this very incident, where he warns the elders of the Church “not to be lords over God’s heritage,” or as it is in the margin, “to overrule.” The preposition in the original is emphatic, and gives the force of oppressive, tyrannical rule, where the ruler uses his rights for the diminution of the ruled and the exaltation of himself. The same unfavourable sense attaches to the word rendered “exercise authority,” which only occurs here and in the parallel in Mat_20:25.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv42–43 (42) Exercise lordship. . . . exercise authority.—On the…
(42) Exercise lordship. . . . exercise authority.—On the force of the two words, see Note on Mat_20:25.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv42, 43, 45 In these words our Lord does not find fault…
In these words our Lord does not find fault with that power or authority, whether civil or ecclesiastical, which is exercised by princes or bishops; for this is necessary in every state, and so is sanctioned by Divine and human law. What he condemns is the arbitrary and tyrannical exercise of such power, which the princes of the Gentiles were accustomed to.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v45 Or, soul. Cf. Isa 53:10; Isa 53:12 (Greek -…
life
Or, soul. Cf. Isa 53:10; Isa 53:12 (Greek - ἀπόλλυμι," the soul or the essential life, not as commonly, "zoe," the active life).
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v43 But it shall not be this way among you
But it shall not be this way among you
This refers back to the previous verse about the Gentile rulers. This can be stated clearly. AT: "But do not be like them" (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
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become great
"be highly respected"
to be first
This is a metaphor for being the most important. AT: "to be the most important" (See: Metaphor)
For the Son of Man did not come to be served
This can be translated in active form. AT: "For the Son of Man did not come to have people serve him" (See: Active or Passive)
to be served, but to serve
"to be served by people, but to serve people"
for many
"for many people"
translationWords
servant
Son of Man
servant
life
ransom
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv42, 45 10:42-44 The unbelieving world (the rulers in this world)…
10:42-44 The unbelieving world (the rulers in this world) thinks that leadership means lording it over others. Just as Jesus’ role as Messiah and Son of God meant suffering and death (8:31; 9:31; 10:32-34, 45), being his follower involves serving others, not ruling over them (9:35; John 10:11).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.