Devine Scripture

Matthew 20:28

What does Matthew 20:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 20:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 20:28 means

Jesus Himself serves as the ultimate example and foundation for this teaching: "even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." He embodies the principle of servant leadership, demonstrating that His entire purpose was to serve and to offer His life as a redemptive sacrifice. This verse clearly points to His atoning death on the cross as the supreme act of service, providing salvation for all who believe.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Even as the Son of man did not come to have servants, but to be a servant, and to give his life for the salvation of men.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

even as the Son of Man did not come to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Even as the Son of man is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a redemption for many.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

as indeed the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Context

This verse provides the definitive model for Jesus' teaching on servant leadership, immediately following His admonitions to the disciples. He points to His own life and impending death as the supreme illustration of ministry and sacrifice. This profound statement culminates His teaching on true greatness and directly leads into the next section of the chapter, where He continues to demonstrate His compassionate service.

v.27and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant:

v.28This passage

v.29And as they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 26:28

    for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many unto remission of sins.

  • Daniel 9:24

    Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy.

  • Hebrews 5:8

    though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered;

  • 1 John 2:2

    and he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.

  • Isaiah 53:5

    But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

  • John 11:50

    nor do ye take account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

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