Devine Scripture

Matthew 23:11

What does Matthew 23:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 23:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 23:11 means

In direct contrast to the self-exalting practices of the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus establishes a foundational principle for leadership among His disciples: true greatness is found in humble service. The greatest among them is not one who seeks honorific titles or chief seats, but one who takes on the role of a servant. This teaching radically redefines traditional notions of leadership and status, emphasizing a genuine concern for others above personal ambition or recognition.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But let the greatest among you be your servant.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the greater of you shall be your ministrant,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He that is the greatest among you shall be your servant.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the greatest of you shall be your servant.

Context

Having just prohibited the use of honorific titles that signify human authority, this verse presents a radical, inverted principle of true greatness within God's kingdom. It counters the Pharisees' love of preeminence by defining leadership not by status, but by service. This statement directly sets up the profound spiritual law presented in the following verse, explaining the divine consequences of either pride or humility, moving from positive instruction to a universal spiritual truth.

v.10Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, even the Christ.

v.11This passage

v.12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Cross references

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

  • John 13:14

    If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

  • Luke 22:26

    But 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.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:19

    For though I was free from all men, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:5

    For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:23

    Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft.

  • Galatians 5:13

    For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another.

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