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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>John 13:16 Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/13-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/43_Jhn_13_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 13:16 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him." /><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/john/13-16.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/john/13-16.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="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/13.htm">Chapter 13</a> > Verse 16</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="/ad16.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="/john/13-15.htm" title="John 13:15">◄</a> John 13:16 <a href="/john/13-17.htm" title="John 13:17">►</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/john/13.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/john/13.htm">New International Version</a> Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. <a href="/nlt/john/13.htm">New Living Translation</a> I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. <a href="/esv/john/13.htm">English Standard Version</a> Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. <a href="/bsb/john/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. <a href="/blb/john/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor a messenger greater than the one having sent him. <a href="/kjv/john/13.htm">King James Bible</a> Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. <a href="/nkjv/john/13.htm">New King James Version</a> Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. <a href="/nasb_/john/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Truly, truly I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. <a href="/nasb/john/13.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. <a href="/nasb77/john/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master; neither is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. <a href="/lsb/john/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. <a href="/amp/john/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I assure you and most solemnly say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. <a href="/csb/john/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. <a href="/hcsb/john/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220I assure you: A slave is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. <a href="/asv/john/13.htm">American Standard Version</a> Verily, verily, I say unto you, a servant is not greater than his lord; neither one that is sent greater than he that sent him. <a href="/cev/john/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I tell you for certain that servants are not greater than their master, and messengers are not greater than the one who sent them. <a href="/erv/john/13.htm">English Revised Version</a> Verily, verily, I say unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord; neither one that is sent greater than he that sent him. <a href="/gwt/john/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I can guarantee this truth: Slaves are not superior to their owners, and messengers are not superior to the people who send them. <a href="/gnt/john/13.htm">Good News Translation</a> I am telling you the truth: no slaves are greater than their master, and no messengers are greater than the one who sent them. <a href="/isv/john/13.htm">International Standard Version</a> Truly, I tell all of you emphatically, a servant isn't greater than his master, and a messenger isn't greater than the one who sent him. <a href="/net/john/13.htm">NET Bible</a> I tell you the solemn truth, the slave is not greater than his master, nor is the one who is sent as a messenger greater than the one who sent him. <a href="/nheb/john/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Truly, truly, I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, neither one who is sent greater than he who sent him. <a href="/wbt/john/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Verily, verily, I say to you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. <a href="/wey/john/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> In most solemn truth I tell you that a servant is not superior to his master, nor is a messenger superior to him who sent him.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/john/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. <a href="/web/john/13.htm">World English Bible</a> Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither is one who is sent greater than he who sent him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his lord, nor an apostle greater than he who sent him; <a href="/blb/john/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor a messenger greater than the one having sent him. <a href="/ylt/john/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> verily, verily, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his lord, nor an apostle greater than he who sent him; <a href="/slt/john/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Truly, truly I say to you, The servant is not greater than his Lord; neither the sent greater than he having sent him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Amen, amen I say to you: The servant is not greater than his lord; neither is the apostle greater than he that sent him. <a href="/cpdv/john/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Amen, amen, I say to you, the servant is not greater than his Lord, and the apostle is not greater than he who sent him. <a href="/nabre/john/13.htm">New American Bible</a> Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. <a href="/nrsvce/john/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Truly, truly, I say to you, There is no servant who is greater than his master; and no apostle who is greater than he who sent him. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Timeless truth I speak to you: there is no servant greater than his master and no apostle is greater than he who sent him.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Verily, verily I say to you, the servant is not greater than his master, nor is he that is sent greater than he that sent him. <a href="/godbey/john/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Truly, truly, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; nor the apostle greater than him that sent him.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his master; nor the messenger greater than him that sent him. <a href="/mace/john/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I declare unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord, neither he that is sent, greater than he that sent him. <a href="/wey/john/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> In most solemn truth I tell you that a servant is not superior to his master, nor is a messenger superior to him who sent him. <a href="/worrell/john/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>Verily, verily, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his lord, nor one who is sent greater than he who sent him.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Verily, verily I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord, nor <Fr>is<FR> the messenger greater than he that sent him.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/13-16.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/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=4905" 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/john/13.htm">Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet</a> …15I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. 16<a href="/greek/281.htm" title="281: amēn (Heb) -- Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.">Truly,</a> <a href="/greek/281.htm" title="281: amēn (Heb) -- Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.">truly,</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">no</a> <a href="/greek/1401.htm" title="1401: doulos (N-NMS) -- (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.">servant</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: meizōn (Adj-NMS-C) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">greater than</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: kyriou (N-GMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">master,</a> <a href="/greek/3761.htm" title="3761: oude (Conj) -- Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.">nor is</a> <a href="/greek/652.htm" title="652: apostolos (N-NMS) -- From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.">a messenger</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: meizōn (Adj-NMS-C) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">greater than</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- 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/3992.htm" title="3992: pempsantos (V-APA-GMS) -- To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth. ">sent</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him.</a> 17If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.…<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/10-24.htm">Matthew 10:24</a> A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. <a href="/luke/6-40.htm">Luke 6:40</a> A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. <a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7</a> but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. <a href="/mark/10-44.htm">Mark 10:44-45</a> and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. / 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/15-20.htm">John 15:20</a> Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. <a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5</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.” <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="/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="/matthew/20-26.htm">Matthew 20:26-28</a> It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— / 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="/luke/22-27.htm">Luke 22:27</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="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-8</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="/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13</a> For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-22.htm">1 Corinthians 7:22</a> For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">2 Corinthians 4:5</a> For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. <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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Truly, truly, I say to you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.Verily.<a href="/john/3-3.htm">John 3:3,5</a> Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God… The servant.<a href="/john/15-20.htm">John 15:20</a> Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.<a href="/matthew/10-24.htm">Matthew 10:24,25</a> The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord… <a href="/luke/6-40.htm">Luke 6:40</a> The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_peter/1-1.htm">Apostle</a> <a href="/john/8-35.htm">Bondman</a> <a href="/john/10-29.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/john/13-14.htm">Master</a> <a href="/john/12-29.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/john/12-26.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/john/8-35.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/john/12-24.htm">Solemn</a> <a href="/luke/6-41.htm">Superior</a> <a href="/john/10-7.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/john/12-24.htm">Verily</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/1-25.htm">Apostle</a> <a href="/john/15-15.htm">Bondman</a> <a href="/john/14-12.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/john/13-25.htm">Master</a> <a href="/acts/5-19.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/john/15-15.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/john/15-15.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/john/13-20.htm">Solemn</a> <a href="/john/15-20.htm">Superior</a> <a href="/john/13-20.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/john/13-20.htm">Verily</a><div class="vheading2">John 13</div>1. <a href="/john/13-1.htm">Jesus washes the disciples' feet, and exhorts them to humility and charity.</a> 18. <a href="/john/13-18.htm">He foretells and discovers to John by a token, that Judas should betray him;</a> 31. <a href="/john/13-31.htm">commands them to love one another;</a> 36. <a href="/john/13-36.htm">and forewarns Peter of his denials.</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/john/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Truly, truly, I tell you This phrase, often translated as "Amen, amen, I say to you," is a solemn affirmation used by Jesus to emphasize the truth and importance of His statement. The repetition of "truly" underscores the certainty and authority of His words. In the Jewish tradition, "amen" is a declaration of affirmation, and its use here highlights the gravity of the teaching that follows.no servant is greater than his master This part of the verse reflects the hierarchical relationship between a servant and a master, a common social structure in the ancient world. In the context of Jesus' ministry, it serves as a reminder of the humility and service expected of His followers. The statement is a call to emulate Jesus' example of servanthood, as He had just demonstrated by washing the disciples' feet (<a href="/john/13.htm">John 13:1-17</a>). This act of humility by Jesus, the Master, sets a precedent for His disciples.nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him The term "messenger" can be understood as an apostle or one who is sent with a message. In the cultural context of the time, a messenger was expected to faithfully represent the sender's intentions and authority. This phrase emphasizes the role of the disciples as representatives of Christ, who is the ultimate sender. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of submission to God's will, as seen in Jesus' own submission to the Father (<a href="/john/5-30.htm">John 5:30</a>).Connections to Other Scripture This teaching is echoed in other parts of the New Testament, such as <a href="/matthew/10-24.htm">Matthew 10:24-25</a>, where Jesus reiterates the principle that a disciple is not above his teacher. It also aligns with <a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-8</a>, where Paul describes Jesus' humility and obedience, even to the point of death on a cross. These passages collectively underscore the call to humility and service in the Christian life.Types of Jesus Christ Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of a servant leader. His life and ministry fulfill the prophetic imagery of the Suffering Servant in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>. By washing the disciples' feet and teaching this principle, Jesus embodies the servant role, foreshadowing His ultimate act of service on the cross. This typology reinforces the call for believers to follow in His footsteps, serving others selflessly.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples during the Last Supper, a pivotal moment before His crucifixion. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all future followers of Christ who are called to serve in humility. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_last_supper.htm">The Last Supper</a> The setting of this teaching, where Jesus demonstrates servanthood by washing the disciples' feet, providing a powerful context for His words.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_service.htm">Humility in Service</a> Jesus exemplifies that true greatness in His kingdom is found in humble service. Believers are called to follow His example, recognizing that no task is beneath them. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_authority.htm">Understanding Authority</a> Recognizing the authority of Christ as the Master helps believers maintain a proper perspective on their role as servants and messengers. <a href="/topical/i/imitating_christ.htm">Imitating Christ</a> As followers of Jesus, we are to emulate His life of service and humility, understanding that our actions reflect our relationship with Him. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_a_messenger.htm">The Role of a Messenger</a> As messengers of the Gospel, believers are reminded that their message is not their own but comes from the One who sent them, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and humility.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 13</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_servanthood.htm">What does the Bible teach about servanthood?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_effectively_share_the_gospel.htm">Is wealth and fame appropriate for Christians?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_christians_disagree_if_spirit_guides.htm">Why, according to John 16:13, do Christians still disagree on key doctrines if the Spirit is supposed to guide believers into 'all truth'?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_paul_tell_slaves_to_obey.htm">Titus 2:9 - Why does Paul instruct slaves to obey their masters, seemingly endorsing slavery in the process?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) The servant is not greater than his lord.--These words have already occurred in the earlier Gospels in another connection. (Comp. Note on <a href="/matthew/10-24.htm" title="The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.">Matthew 10:24</a>, and <a href="/luke/6-40.htm" title="The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.">Luke 6:40</a>.) They occur again in this Gospel in <a href="/john/15-20.htm" title="Remember the word that I said to you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.">John 15:20</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - The Verily, verily reveals the solemnity with which our Lord touched the frequently quoted aphorism (<a href="/matthew/10-24.htm">Matthew 10:24</a>; <a href="/luke/6-40.htm">Luke 6:40</a>; and again <a href="/john/15-20.htm">John 15:20</a>). The servant - the slave - is not greater than his lord; you have already called me Lord, and so I am; neither is (one that is sent) an apostle greater than he that sent him on his great mission. Therefore if I, your Lord and Teacher, have set forth this principle of self-abnegating service, a fortiori should ye in love serve one another, the greatest should render even menial service to the humblest; he that would be first to him that is the last, and each to all. This is one of the essential marks, and ever will be, of the mind that was in Christ Jesus (comp. <a href="/matthew/10-23.htm">Matthew 10:23, 24</a>, where an analogous phrase justifies the disciples in expecting and fleeing from persecution - a step in which they would simply be following their Lord's example; cf. a very different use of the proverb in <a href="/luke/6-40.htm">Luke 6:40</a>, where it is used to warn a blind man from assuming the office of a guide, and the resemblance of the character, etc., between the Teacher and disciple). <a href="/commentaries/john/13-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Truly, ἀμὴν (amēn) Hebrew Word <a href="/greek/strongs_281.htm">Strong's 281: </a> Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely. truly, ἀμὴν (amēn) Hebrew Word <a href="/greek/strongs_281.htm">Strong's 281: </a> Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely. I tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you, ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. no οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. servant δοῦλος (doulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1401.htm">Strong's 1401: </a> (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave. is ἔστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative 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. greater than μείζων (meizōn) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <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. master, κυρίου (kyriou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. nor [is] οὐδὲ (oude) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3761.htm">Strong's 3761: </a> Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even. a messenger ἀπόστολος (apostolos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_652.htm">Strong's 652: </a> From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ. greater than 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] τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive 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. sent πέμψαντος (pempsantos) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3992.htm">Strong's 3992: </a> To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth. him. αὐτόν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <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. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/13-16.htm">John 13:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/13-16.htm">John 13:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/13-16.htm">John 13:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/13-16.htm">John 13:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/13-16.htm">John 13:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/13-16.htm">John 13:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/13-16.htm">John 13:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/13-16.htm">John 13:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/13-16.htm">John 13:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/13-16.htm">John 13:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/13-16.htm">NT Gospels: John 13:16 Most certainly I tell you a servant (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/13-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 13:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 13:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/13-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 13:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 13:17" /></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>