Devine Scripture

Luke 22:24

What does Luke 22:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 22:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 22:24 means

A contention arises among the disciples over which of them is considered greatest. The timing is painfully ironic—immediately after Jesus spoke of betrayal and sacrificial death, they jockey for status. This exposes the world’s values clinging to their hearts and reveals how pride can intrude even at a sacred table. Jesus will answer this by redefining greatness as humble service. The dispute reminds us that sanctification is a process; even apostles need correction. It also highlights Jesus’ patience; He will not abandon them for their blindness. Instead, He will point to His own example as the One who serves. Their argument becomes a teaching moment that frames Christian leadership under the cross, not over people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And there arose also a contention among them, which of them was accounted to be greatest.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And there arose also a contention among them, which of them was accounted to be greatest.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And there was an argument among them about which of them was the greatest.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And there happened also a strife among them--who of them is accounted to be greater.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And there was also a strife amongst them, which of them should seem to be the greater.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And there was also a strife among them which of them should be held to be [the] greatest.

Context

Following the anxious questioning about a betrayer, the disciples swing to self-exaltation. This prompts Jesus to contrast Gentile rulers who flaunt authority with His kingdom ethic of servanthood. He will then affirm the disciples’ perseverance with Him, promise them a share in His kingdom, and speak specifically to Simon about Satan’s demand to sift them and His intercession. The section moves from rebuke to reassurance to warning, shaping their understanding for the trials ahead.

v.23And they began to question among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

v.24This passage

v.25And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles have lordship over them; and they that have authority over them are called Benefactors.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4

    Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

  • 1 Peter 5:5

    Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.

  • Romans 12:10

    In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;

  • James 4:5

    Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?

  • Philippians 2:3

    doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself;

  • Matthew 20:20

    Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshipping him, and asking a certain thing of him.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 22

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 22.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 22:24.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary