CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 22:27 For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/22-27.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/42_Luk_22_27.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 22:27 - Who is the Greatest?" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/22-27.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/22-27.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 27</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/22-26.htm" title="Luke 22:26">◄</a> Luke 22:27 <a href="/luke/22-28.htm" title="Luke 22:28">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/luke/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/luke/22.htm">New International Version</a> For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. <a href="/nlt/luke/22.htm">New Living Translation</a> Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. <a href="/esv/luke/22.htm">English Standard Version</a> For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. <a href="/bsb/luke/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves. <a href="/blb/luke/22.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For who is greater, the one reclining or the one serving? Is not the one reclining? But I am in your midst as the One serving. <a href="/kjv/luke/22.htm">King James Bible</a> For 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. <a href="/nkjv/luke/22.htm">New King James Version</a> For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves. <a href="/nasb_/luke/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. <a href="/nasb/luke/22.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. <a href="/nasb77/luke/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. <a href="/lsb/luke/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as the one who serves. <a href="/amp/luke/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For who is the greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. <a href="/csb/luke/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Isn’t it the one at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. <a href="/hcsb/luke/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Isn&#8217t it the one at the table? But I am among you as the One who serves. <a href="/asv/luke/22.htm">American Standard Version</a> For 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. <a href="/cev/luke/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Who do people think is the greatest, a person who is served or one who serves? Isn't it the one who is served? But I have been with you as a servant. <a href="/erv/luke/22.htm">English Revised Version</a> For whether 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. <a href="/gwt/luke/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Who's the greatest, the person who sits at the table or the servant? Isn't it really the person who sits at the table? But I'm among you as a servant. <a href="/gnt/luke/22.htm">Good News Translation</a> Who is greater, the one who sits down to eat or the one who serves? The one who sits down, of course. But I am among you as one who serves. <a href="/isv/luke/22.htm">International Standard Version</a> Because who is greater, the one who sits at the table, or the one who serves? It is the one at the table, isn't it? But I'm among you as one who serves. <a href="/msb/luke/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves. <a href="/net/luke/22.htm">NET Bible</a> For who is greater, the one who is seated at the table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is seated at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. <a href="/nheb/luke/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? But I am in the midst of you as one who serves. <a href="/wbt/luke/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For which is greater, he that sitteth at table, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at table? but I am among you as he that serveth. <a href="/wey/luke/22.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For which is the greater--he who sits at table, or he who waits on him? Is it not he who sits at table? But my position among you is that of one who waits on others. <a href="/web/luke/22.htm">World English Bible</a> For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn’t it he who sits at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for who is greater? He who is reclining, or he who is ministering? Is it not he who is reclining? And I am in your midst as He who is ministering. <a href="/blb/luke/22.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For who is greater, the one reclining or the one serving? Is not the one reclining? But I am in your midst as the One serving. <a href="/ylt/luke/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for 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. <a href="/slt/luke/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For which the greater, he reclining, or he serving? is not he reclining and I am in the midst of you as he serving.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For which is greater, he that sitteth at table, or he that serveth? Is it not he that sitteth at table? But I am in the midst of you, as he that serveth: <a href="/cpdv/luke/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For who is greater: he who sits at table, or he who serves? Is not he who sits at table? Yet I am in your midst as one who serves. <a href="/nabre/luke/22.htm">New American Bible</a> For who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For who is greater, he who sits down or he who serves? Is it not he who sits down? but I am among you as one who serves. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/22.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For who is greater: he who sits or he who is a waiter? Is it not he who sits? But I am among you as he who is a waiter.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/22.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For which is greater, he that reclines at table, or he that serves? Is not he that reclines at table? But I am among you as one that serves. <a href="/godbey/luke/22.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>For which is the greater, he that sitteth at the table, or the waiter? is not the one sitting? but I am in the midst of you as the waiter.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/luke/22.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For which is the greater, he that sitteth at table, or he that waits? is not he that sitteth at table? but I am in the midst of you as he that serveth. <a href="/mace/luke/22.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for who is greatest, he that sits at table, or he that waits? is it not the person at table? yet I am among you as one that serves. <a href="/wey/luke/22.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For which is the greater--he who sits at table, or he who waits on him? Is it not he who sits at table? But my position among you is that of one who waits on others. <a href="/worrell/luke/22.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>For who is greater, he who reclines at table, or he who serves? Is not he who reclines? But I am in the midst of you as One Who serveth.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/22.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>For which is greater, he that sitteth at table, or he that serveth? <Fr>is<FR> not he that sitteth at table? but I am among you as one that serveth.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/luke/22-27.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=8680" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/22.htm">Who is the Greatest?</a> …26But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. 27<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">who</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: meizōn (Adj-NMS-C) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">is greater,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the one who</a> <a href="/greek/345.htm" title="345: anakeimenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- To recline, especially at a dinner-table. From ana and keimai; to recline.">reclines at the table</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the one who</a> <a href="/greek/1247.htm" title="1247: diakonōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon.">serves?</a> <a href="/greek/3780.htm" title="3780: ouchi (IntPrtcl) -- By no means, not at all. Intensive of ou; not indeed.">Is it not</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the one who</a> <a href="/greek/345.htm" title="345: anakeimenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- To recline, especially at a dinner-table. From ana and keimai; to recline.">reclines?</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eimi (V-PIA-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">am</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou."></a> <a href="/greek/3319.htm" title="3319: mesō (Adj-DNS) -- Middle, in the middle, between, in the midst of. From meta; middle (neuter) noun).">among you</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">one who</a> <a href="/greek/1247.htm" title="1247: diakonōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon.">serves. </a> 28You are the ones who have stood by Me in My trials.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/20-28.htm">Matthew 20:28</a> just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” <a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a> For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” <a href="/john/13-12.htm">John 13:12-17</a> When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you? / You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. / So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. ... <a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-7</a> Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. <a href="/matthew/23-11.htm">Matthew 23:11</a> The greatest among you shall be your servant. <a href="/mark/9-35.htm">Mark 9:35</a> Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.” <a href="/john/12-26.htm">John 12:26</a> If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. <a href="/1_peter/5-3.htm">1 Peter 5:3</a> not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19</a> Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. <a href="/romans/15-8.htm">Romans 15:8</a> For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs, <a href="/isaiah/53-11.htm">Isaiah 53:11</a> After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Isaiah 42:1</a> “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. <a href="/zechariah/9-9.htm">Zechariah 9:9</a> Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. <a href="/matthew/11-29.htm">Matthew 11:29</a> Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. <a href="/2_corinthians/8-9.htm">2 Corinthians 8:9</a> For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For whether is greater, he that sits at meat, or he that serves? is not he that sits at meat? but I am among you as he that serves.<a href="/luke/12-37.htm">Luke 12:37</a> 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 to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.<a href="/luke/17-7.htm">Luke 17:7-9</a> But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? … <a href="/matthew/20-28.htm">Matthew 20:28</a> Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/22-26.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/luke/22-11.htm">Guest</a> <a href="/luke/22-20.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/luke/22-14.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/luke/21-21.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/luke/22-26.htm">Ministering</a> <a href="/luke/21-3.htm">Others</a> <a href="/luke/20-21.htm">Position</a> <a href="/luke/14-15.htm">Reclining</a> <a href="/luke/19-30.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/luke/22-26.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/luke/22-26.htm">Serves</a> <a href="/malachi/3-18.htm">Serveth</a> <a href="/matthew/23-22.htm">Sits</a> <a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Sitteth</a> <a href="/luke/22-21.htm">Table</a> <a href="/luke/19-8.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/luke/12-37.htm">Waits</a> <a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/1-50.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/acts/10-6.htm">Guest</a> <a href="/luke/24-43.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/luke/24-30.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/luke/22-55.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/john/12-2.htm">Ministering</a> <a href="/luke/23-32.htm">Others</a> <a href="/john/4-46.htm">Position</a> <a href="/luke/24-30.htm">Reclining</a> <a href="/luke/22-30.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/luke/22-50.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/john/2-10.htm">Serves</a> <a href="/romans/14-18.htm">Serveth</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-4.htm">Sits</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-30.htm">Sitteth</a> <a href="/luke/22-30.htm">Table</a> <a href="/luke/23-51.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/john/3-29.htm">Waits</a> <a href="/luke/23-6.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 22</div>1. <a href="/luke/22-1.htm">The leaders conspire against Jesus.</a> 3. <a href="/luke/22-3.htm">Satan prepares Judas to betray him.</a> 7. <a href="/luke/22-7.htm">The apostles prepare the Passover.</a> 19. <a href="/luke/22-19.htm">Jesus institutes his holy supper;</a> 21. <a href="/luke/22-21.htm">covertly foretells of the traitor;</a> 24. <a href="/luke/22-24.htm">rebukes the rest of his apostles from ambition;</a> 31. <a href="/luke/22-31.htm">assures Peter his faith should not fail;</a> 34. <a href="/luke/22-34.htm">and yet he should deny him thrice.</a> 39. <a href="/luke/22-39.htm">He prays in the mount, and sweats blood;</a> 47. <a href="/luke/22-47.htm">is betrayed with a kiss;</a> 50. <a href="/luke/22-50.htm">he heals Malchus' ear;</a> 54. <a href="/luke/22-54.htm">he is thrice denied by Peter;</a> 63. <a href="/luke/22-63.htm">shamefully abused;</a> 66. <a href="/luke/22-66.htm">and confesses himself to be the Son of God.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? In the cultural context of the first century, reclining at the table was a sign of status and honor. Meals were significant social events, and those who reclined were typically the guests of honor or those of higher social standing. This question posed by Jesus challenges the conventional understanding of greatness and authority. In the Greco-Roman world, service was often associated with slaves or those of lower status, making Jesus' question provocative and counter-cultural.Is it not the one who reclines? This rhetorical question reflects the common societal belief that those who recline at the table are indeed greater. It acknowledges the prevailing norms of the time, where social hierarchy was clearly defined, and those with power and influence were served by others. This expectation is mirrored in other parts of the Gospels, where the disciples often argue about who among them is the greatest (e.g., <a href="/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46</a>).But I am among you as one who serves. Here, Jesus presents Himself as the ultimate example of servant leadership, subverting the traditional views of power and greatness. This statement is a direct reference to His mission and character, as seen throughout His ministry. Jesus' life exemplifies humility and service, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross. This phrase connects to <a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7</a>, where Paul describes Jesus as taking the form of a servant. It also fulfills the prophecy of the Suffering Servant in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>, highlighting Jesus as the Messiah who serves humanity through His life and atoning sacrifice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about true greatness through service. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are being instructed on the nature of leadership and service. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_last_supper.htm">The Last Supper</a> The setting of this teaching, where Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where these events take place, significant as the center of Jewish religious life. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_kingdom_of_god.htm">The Kingdom of God</a> An underlying theme in Jesus' teaching, emphasizing the values of God's kingdom as opposed to worldly values.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_paradox_of_greatness.htm">The Paradox of Greatness</a> In God's kingdom, true greatness is found in humility and service, not in power or status. <a href="/topical/t/the_example_of_christ.htm">The Example of Christ</a> Jesus, though Lord of all, chose to serve. His life is the ultimate model for Christian behavior. <a href="/topical/s/servanthood_as_leadership.htm">Servanthood as Leadership</a> Christian leadership is characterized by serving others, not by lording over them. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_imitate_christ.htm">The Call to Imitate Christ</a> Believers are called to follow Jesus' example by serving others selflessly. <a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_a_servant.htm">The Heart of a Servant</a> Cultivating a servant's heart requires a transformation of values, aligning with the principles of God's kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 22</a> <a href="/q/who_was_martha_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Martha in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'voice_in_the_wilderness'_mean.htm">Did Jesus come to serve or be served?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_come_to_serve_or_be_served.htm">Did Jesus come to serve or be served?</a> <a href="/q/what_makes_leadership_a_valuable_gift.htm">What makes leadership a valuable gift?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(27) I am among you as he that serveth.--An obviously undesigned coincidence presents itself on a comparison of the words with the narrative of <a href="/context/john/13-1.htm" title="Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them to the end.">John 13:1-16</a>, where see Notes. The Lord had actually on that very evening been among them, "as he that serveth," girded, like a slave, with the linen towel, and washing the feet of the disciples. He had seen, at the beginning of the feast, the latent germs of rivalry, the later development of which not even that example had been able to check. <a href="/commentaries/luke/22-27.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. who τίς (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. [is] greater, μείζων (meizōn) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. the [one who] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. reclines at the table ἀνακείμενος (anakeimenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_345.htm">Strong's 345: </a> To recline, especially at a dinner-table. From ana and keimai; to recline. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. the [one who] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. serves? διακονῶν (diakonōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1247.htm">Strong's 1247: </a> From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon. [Is it] not οὐχὶ (ouchi) IntPrtcl <a href="/greek/strongs_3780.htm">Strong's 3780: </a> By no means, not at all. Intensive of ou; not indeed. the [one who] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. reclines? ἀνακείμενος (anakeimenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_345.htm">Strong's 345: </a> To recline, especially at a dinner-table. From ana and keimai; to recline. But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. am εἰμι (eimi) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. among you μέσῳ (mesō) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3319.htm">Strong's 3319: </a> Middle, in the middle, between, in the midst of. From meta; middle (neuter) noun). as ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. the [One who] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. serves. διακονῶν (diakonōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1247.htm">Strong's 1247: </a> From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/22-27.htm">Luke 22:27 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/22-27.htm">Luke 22:27 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/22-27.htm">Luke 22:27 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/22-27.htm">Luke 22:27 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/22-27.htm">Luke 22:27 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/22-27.htm">Luke 22:27 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/22-27.htm">Luke 22:27 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/22-27.htm">Luke 22:27 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/22-27.htm">Luke 22:27 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/22-27.htm">Luke 22:27 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/22-27.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 22:27 For who is greater one who sits (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/22-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 22:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 22:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/22-28.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 22:28"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 22:28" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>