Devine Scripture

Matthew 20:25

What does Matthew 20:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 20:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 20:25 means

Jesus calls all the disciples to Him, indicating a teaching moment for the entire group. He contrasts the prevailing attitudes of "the rulers of the Gentiles" who "lord it over them" and "exercise authority over them" with the principles of His kingdom. This highlights the hierarchical and power-driven nature of worldly leadership, which Jesus explicitly rejects as a model for His followers.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Jesus said to them, You see that the rulers of the Gentiles are lords over them, and their great ones have authority over them.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jesus having called them near, said, `Ye have known that the rulers of the nations do exercise lordship over them, and those great do exercise authority over them,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Jesus called them to him and said: You know that the princes of the Gentiles lord it over them; and that they that are the greater, exercise power upon them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus having called them to [him], said, Ye know that the rulers of the nations exercise lordship over them, and the great exercise authority over them.

Context

Moved by the indignation among His disciples, Jesus calls them together to address the core issue of their ambition. This verse sets up a clear contrast between the worldly model of leadership and the kingdom model He is about to present. This direct challenge to their understanding of authority is essential for the revolutionary teaching that follows.

v.24And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation concerning the two brethren.

v.25This passage

v.26Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister;

Cross references

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

  • Daniel 2:12

    For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.

  • John 13:12

    So when he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and sat down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

  • Matthew 11:29

    Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

  • Matthew 18:3

    and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.

  • Luke 22:25

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

  • 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.

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