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<!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 9:46 Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/9-46.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/42_Luk_09_46.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 9:46 - The Greatest in the Kingdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.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/9-45.htm" title="Luke 9:45">◄</a> Luke 9:46 <a href="/luke/9-47.htm" title="Luke 9:47">►</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/9.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/9.htm">New International Version</a> An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. <a href="/nlt/luke/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. <a href="/esv/luke/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. <a href="/bsb/luke/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. <a href="/blb/luke/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And an argument came up among them, which of them might be greatest. <a href="/kjv/luke/9.htm">King James Bible</a> Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. <a href="/nkjv/luke/9.htm">New King James Version</a> Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. <a href="/nasb_/luke/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now an argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest. <a href="/nasb/luke/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest. <a href="/nasb77/luke/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And an argument arose among them as to which of them might be the greatest. <a href="/lsb/luke/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now an argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest. <a href="/amp/luke/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest [surpassing the others in esteem and authority]. <a href="/csb/luke/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> An argument started among them about who was the greatest of them. <a href="/hcsb/luke/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then an argument started among them about who would be the greatest of them. <a href="/asv/luke/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> And there arose a reasoning among them, which of them was the greatest. <a href="/cev/luke/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jesus' disciples were arguing about which one of them was the greatest. <a href="/erv/luke/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> And there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. <a href="/gwt/luke/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> A discussion started among them about who would be the greatest. <a href="/gnt/luke/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> An argument broke out among the disciples as to which one of them was the greatest. <a href="/isv/luke/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> Later, an argument started among the disciples as to which of them might be the greatest. <a href="/msb/luke/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. <a href="/net/luke/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Now an argument started among the disciples as to which of them might be the greatest. <a href="/nheb/luke/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> There arose an argument among them about which of them was the greatest. <a href="/wbt/luke/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. <a href="/wey/luke/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now there arose a dispute among them, which of them was to be the greatest. <a href="/web/luke/9.htm">World English Bible</a> An argument arose among them about which of them was the greatest. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And there entered a reasoning among them, this—who may be greater of them. <a href="/blb/luke/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And an argument came up among them, which of them might be greatest. <a href="/ylt/luke/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And there entered a reasoning among them, this, Who may be greater of them? <a href="/slt/luke/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And there came up a conference among them, thus, which of them should be the greatest.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And there entered a thought into them, which of them should be greater. <a href="/cpdv/luke/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now an idea entered into them, as to which of them was greater. <a href="/nabre/luke/9.htm">New American Bible</a> An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then a reasoning entered into their minds, as to who was the greatest among them. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And deliberation entered among them of who was great among them.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And there arose a contention among them, which of them should be greatest. <a href="/godbey/luke/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And a dispute came in among them, as to which one of them might be the greater. <a href="/haweis/luke/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then a dispute sprang up among them, which of them should be the greatest. <a href="/mace/luke/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> At length they enter'd into a debate, which of them should be the greatest. <a href="/wey/luke/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now there arose a dispute among them, which of them was to be the greatest. <a href="/worrell/luke/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And there entered a reasoning among them, as to which of them should be greatest. <a href="/worsley/luke/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Then a dispute rose among them, which of them should be greatest. <a href="/parallel/luke/9-46.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=3945" 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/9.htm">The Greatest in the Kingdom</a> 45But they did not understand this statement. It was veiled from them so that they could not comprehend it, and they were afraid to ask Him about it. 46<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/1261.htm" title="1261: dialogismos (N-NMS) -- From dialogizomai; discussion, i.e. consideration, or debate.">an argument</a> <a href="/greek/1525.htm" title="1525: Eisēlthen (V-AIA-3S) -- To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.">started</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.">among</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">the disciples</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">as to</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.">which</a> <a href="/greek/302.htm" title="302: an (Prtcl) -- A primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">of them</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eiē (V-POA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">would be</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: meizōn (Adj-NMS-C) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">the greatest.</a> 47But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him.…<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/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1-5</a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” / Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. / “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ... <a href="/mark/9-33.htm">Mark 9:33-37</a> Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was in the house, He asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” / But they were silent, for on the way they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. / 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="/matthew/20-20.htm">Matthew 20:20-28</a> Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him. / “What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.” / “You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” the brothers answered. ... <a href="/mark/10-35.htm">Mark 10:35-45</a> Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and declared, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” / “What do you want Me to do for you?” He inquired. / They answered, “Grant that one of us may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left in Your glory.” ... <a href="/luke/22-24.htm">Luke 22:24-27</a> A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest. / So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But 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. ... <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a> Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. <a href="/james/4-1.htm">James 4:1-3</a> What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? / You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask. / And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">1 Corinthians 1:10-12</a> I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction. / My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. / What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” <a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5-6</a> Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. <a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Romans 12:10</a> Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. <a href="/matthew/23-11.htm">Matthew 23:11-12</a> The greatest among you shall be your servant. / For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. <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="/1_corinthians/12-25.htm">1 Corinthians 12:25-26</a> so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another. / If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. <a href="/galatians/5-26.htm">Galatians 5:26</a> Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another. <a href="/proverbs/13-10.htm">Proverbs 13:10</a> Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.<a href="/luke/14-7.htm">Luke 14:7-11</a> And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, … <a href="/luke/22-24.htm">Luke 22:24-27</a> And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest… <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1</a> At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/1-42.htm">Amongst</a> <a href="/luke/5-21.htm">Argument</a> <a href="/luke/9-43.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/mark/8-17.htm">Discussion</a> <a href="/mark/9-16.htm">Dispute</a> <a href="/luke/9-34.htm">Entered</a> <a href="/luke/7-43.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/mark/12-29.htm">Greatest</a> <a href="/luke/5-22.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/luke/7-6.htm">Started</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/24-22.htm">Amongst</a> <a href="/luke/22-24.htm">Argument</a> <a href="/luke/9-54.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/luke/22-4.htm">Discussion</a> <a href="/luke/22-24.htm">Dispute</a> <a href="/luke/9-52.htm">Entered</a> <a href="/luke/11-31.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/luke/9-48.htm">Greatest</a> <a href="/luke/9-47.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/luke/23-5.htm">Started</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 9</div>1. <a href="/luke/9-1.htm">Jesus sends his apostles to work miracles, and to preach.</a> 7. <a href="/luke/9-7.htm">Herod desires to see Jesus.</a> 10. <a href="/luke/9-10.htm">The apostles return.</a> 12. <a href="/luke/9-12.htm">Jesus feeds five thousand;</a> 18. <a href="/luke/9-18.htm">inquires what opinion the world had of him; foretells his passion;</a> 23. <a href="/luke/9-23.htm">proposes to all the pattern of his patience.</a> 28. <a href="/luke/9-28.htm">The transfiguration.</a> 37. <a href="/luke/9-37.htm">He heals the lunatic;</a> 43. <a href="/luke/9-43.htm">again forewarns his disciples of his passion;</a> 46. <a href="/luke/9-46.htm">commends humility;</a> 51. <a href="/luke/9-51.htm">bids them to show mildness toward all, without desire of revenge.</a> 57. <a href="/luke/9-57.htm">Many would follow him, but upon conditions.</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/9.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/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then an argument started among the disciples The disciples often struggled with understanding the true nature of Jesus' mission and their role in it. This argument reflects their human tendencies towards pride and ambition. In the context of first-century Jewish culture, where honor and status were highly valued, it is not surprising that the disciples would be concerned with their standing. This moment also highlights their misunderstanding of the kingdom of God, which Jesus consistently taught was not about earthly power or status.as to which of them would be the greatest. The concept of "greatness" in the disciples' minds was likely influenced by contemporary societal norms, where greatness was associated with authority, power, and recognition. However, Jesus redefined greatness in terms of servanthood and humility, as seen in His teachings in passages like <a href="/matthew/20-26.htm">Matthew 20:26-28</a>, where He states that whoever wants to become great must be a servant. This argument among the disciples foreshadows Jesus' later teachings on humility and service, which are central themes in His ministry. The disciples' debate also connects to the broader biblical narrative of human pride and the need for divine grace, as seen in stories like the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) and the fall of Lucifer (<a href="/isaiah/14-12.htm">Isaiah 14:12-15</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a> The followers of Jesus who were chosen to learn from Him and spread His teachings. In this passage, they are engaged in a dispute about greatness. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the New Testament, who often used such moments to teach His disciples about the values of the Kingdom of God. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_argument.htm">The Argument</a> A discussion or dispute among the disciples regarding who among them would be considered the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/h/humility_over_ambition.htm">Humility Over Ambition</a> Jesus consistently taught that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is marked by humility and servanthood, not by seeking status or power. <a href="/topical/s/servanthood_as_greatness.htm">Servanthood as Greatness</a> In the Kingdom of God, the greatest are those who serve others selflessly, reflecting the character of Christ who came to serve and not to be served. <a href="/topical/c/childlike_faith_and_humility.htm">Childlike Faith and Humility</a> Jesus often pointed to children as examples of the humility and trust required to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. We are called to adopt a similar posture in our walk with God. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a> Believers are encouraged to examine their motives and ambitions, ensuring they align with the values of the Kingdom rather than worldly standards of greatness. <a href="/topical/u/unity_among_believers.htm">Unity Among Believers</a> Disputes about status can lead to division. Jesus' teaching calls for unity and mutual respect among His followers, focusing on collective mission rather than individual status.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 9</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_insider_movement.htm">What defines the Insider Movement concept?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_allow_disciples_a_staff.htm">Did Jesus allow his disciples to keep a staff on their journey? Yes (Mark 6:8) No (Matthew 10:9; Luke 9:3)</a> <a href="/q/how_did_disciples_travel_without_supplies.htm">Luke 9:3-6: How could the disciples realistically survive traveling with no staff, bag, or extra food, and is there any historical record supporting this?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_you_assess_your_faith's_truth.htm">What reasons are there to remain a Christian?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(46) Then there arose a reasoning among them.--Better, a dispute, or questioning. See Notes on <a href="/context/matthew/18-1.htm" title="At the same time came the disciples to Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?">Matthew 18:1-5</a>, and <a href="/context/mark/9-33.htm" title="And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that you disputed among yourselves by the way?">Mark 9:33-41</a>.Which of them should be greatest.--Better, which of them was the greatest.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 46-48. - How the Lord answered the question which arose among the disciples as to which was the greatest. Verses 46, 47. - Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart. Somewhere on their journey back to the south, between the neighbourhood of Caesarea Philippi and the old scene of his labours, Capernaum, this dispute must have taken place. Shortly after their arrival at Capernaum, the Master called them together, and gave them the following lesson on human greatness. Took a child, and set him by him. St. Mark mentions that this teaching was "in the house," and commentators have suggested, with some probability, that the house was St. Peter's, and the child one of his. Clement of Alexandria ('Stromata,' 3:448, B) especially mentions that this apostle had children. St. Matthew relates this incident at greater length, and, still dwelling upon the text of "the little one," gives us another and different sketch of the Master's teaching on this occasion. St. Mark tells us how Jesus folded his arms round the little creature in loving fondness. If the child, as above suggested, was Peter's own, such an incident as that embrace would never have been forgotten by the father, and would, of course, find a place in the memoir of his faithful disciple Mark. A (late) tradition of the Eastern Church identifies this child with him who afterwards became the famous Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, a martyr. Ignatius styled himself Theophoros; this, understood in a passive sense, would signify "one who had been carried by God." But in this Father's own writings we find the name used by himself in an active sense, as "one who carries God within himself." And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child. The dispute "which of them should be greatest," which no doubt had taken place among themselves in their last journey from the north of the Holy Land to Capernaum, was still a leading thought in the hearts of the twelve, so little had they really understood their Master's teaching, and especially his later solemn words which pointed the way of the cross as the only way to heaven and to real greatness. The Lord reads these poor sinful hearts; then, calling them together, he takes a child in his arms, and sets him by him. By this action the Lord answers the silent questioning thought of the worldly twelve. "The child stands as the type of the humble and childlike disciple, and (the dispute having been about the comparative greatness of the disciples) such a disciple is the greatest; he is so honoured by God that he stands on earth as the representative of Christ, and of God himself (ver. 47), since "he that is [willingly] least among you all, the same shall be [truly] great' (ver. 48)" (Meyer). <a href="/commentaries/luke/9-46.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Then δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. an argument διαλογισμὸς (dialogismos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1261.htm">Strong's 1261: </a> From dialogizomai; discussion, i.e. consideration, or debate. started Εἰσῆλθεν (Eisēlthen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1525.htm">Strong's 1525: </a> To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. among ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the disciples] αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. [as to] τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter 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. which 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. of them αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. would be εἴη (eiē) Verb - Present Optative Active - 3rd 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. [the] greatest. μείζων (meizōn) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/9-46.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 9:46 There arose an argument among them about (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/9-45.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 9:45"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 9:45" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/9-47.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 9:47"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 9:47" /></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>