Matthew 20:26
What does Matthew 20:26 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 20:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 20:26 means
Jesus directly admonishes His disciples, declaring, "Not so shall it be among you." He then establishes a radical principle of kingdom greatness: "whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister." This teaching fundamentally reverses worldly values, asserting that true leadership and significance in God's kingdom are found not in exercising power over others, but in humble, self-sacrificing service, setting the standard for all who follow Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister;
KJV
King James Version · 1611But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let it not be so among you: but if anyone has a desire to become great among you, let him be your servant;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but not so shall it be among you, but whoever may will among you to become great, let him be your ministrant;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752It shall not be so among you: but whosoever is the greater among you, let him be your minister.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890It shall not be thus amongst you, but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your servant;
Context
Following the contrast with Gentile rulers, this verse introduces Jesus' counter-cultural teaching on greatness within His kingdom. It directly establishes the principle of ministry (service) as the path to true greatness, setting a foundational standard for His disciples. This verse immediately precedes an even stronger statement about leadership as servitude, reinforcing the radical nature of His instruction.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 13:5
And when they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John as their attendant.
- 2 Timothy 1:18
(the Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day); and in how many things he ministered at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
- Luke 14:7
And he spake a parable unto those that were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief seats; saying unto them,
- John 18:36
Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
- 2 Corinthians 10:4
(for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds);
- 2 Corinthians 1:24
Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for in faith ye stand fast.
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