Devine Scripture

Luke 22:25

What does Luke 22:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 22:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 22:25 means

Jesus describes the Gentile pattern of leadership: rulers lord it over others and adopt grand titles like “Benefactors.” He exposes how authority often becomes self-serving and performative. By naming this pattern, He distances His community from it. Titles and power games do not define His kingdom. The critique is not of authority itself but of its worldly misuse. In contrast, He will soon commend humility and servanthood. The verse serves as a mirror to the disciples’ recent contention, showing them what they must not imitate. Jesus reorients their ambitions, preparing them for a cross-shaped ministry where greatness is measured not by acclaim but by costly service, reflecting the character of their Master who gives His life for others.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said, The kings of the Gentiles are lords over them, and those who have authority are given names of honour.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he said to them, `The kings of the nations do exercise lordship over them, and those exercising authority upon them are called benefactors;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them: The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that have power over them are called beneficent.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, The kings of the nations rule over them, and they that exercise authority over them are called benefactors.

Context

Jesus answers the disciples’ status dispute by first exposing the world’s way of leadership. He points to Gentile rulers and their self-exalting titles. Immediately He will command, “But ye shall not be so,” and invert the hierarchy: the greater must become as the younger; the chief as the servant. He will reinforce this by pointing to His own example as one who serves. Then He will affirm their perseverance and promise them a kingdom, blending correction with encouragement.

v.24And there arose also a contention among them, which of them was accounted to be greatest.

v.25This passage

v.26But ye shall not be so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 20:25

    But 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.

  • Mark 10:41

    And when the ten heard it, they began to be moved with indignation concerning James and John.

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