Luke 22:27
What does Luke 22:27 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 22:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 22:27 means
Jesus asks who is greater, the one reclining at table or the one serving, and answers according to common custom: the one reclining. Then He overturns expectation by saying, “but I am in the midst of you as he that serveth.” The Lord of glory chooses the servant’s place. This living example puts flesh on His teaching: He does not merely define humility; He embodies it. The disciples are to pattern themselves after Him. His service culminates at the cross, where He gives His life. The verse reveals the heart of Christian leadership—presence, humility, and sacrificial care. It also comforts the weak: their Lord is not distant but among them, washing feet, bearing griefs, and soon carrying sins.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For which is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am in the midst of you as he that serveth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For which is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am in the midst of you as he that serveth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For which is greater, the guest who is seated at a meal or the servant who is waiting on him? is it not the guest? but I am among you as a servant.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for who is greater? he who is reclining (at meat), or he who is ministering? is it not he who is reclining (at meat)? and I--I am in your midst as he who is ministering.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For which is greater, he that sitteth at table or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at table? But I am in the midst of you, as he that serveth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For which [is] greater, he that is at table or he that serves? [Is] not he that is at table? But I am in the midst of you as the one that serves.
Context
Having defined leadership as servanthood, Jesus anchors the command in His own example. This strengthens His rebuke while assuring the disciples of His gracious presence. Next, He will commend them for staying with Him in His temptations and confer upon them a kingdom, promising future table fellowship and thrones judging the twelve tribes. The sequence moves from correction to commendation to eschatological promise, balancing present lowliness with future honor.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 20:28
even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
- 2 Corinthians 8:9
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich.
- John 13:5
Then he poureth water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
- Luke 17:7
But who is there of you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say unto him, when he is come in from the field, Come straightway and sit down to meat;
- Philippians 2:7
but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;
- Luke 12:37
Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and shall come and serve them.
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