Luke 22:25
New International Version
Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.

New Living Translation
Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’

English Standard Version
And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.

Berean Standard Bible
So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors.

Berean Literal Bible
And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles rule over them, and those exercising authority over them are called benefactors.

King James Bible
And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

New King James Version
And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’

New American Standard Bible
And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles domineer over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’

NASB 1995
And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’

NASB 1977
And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’

Legacy Standard Bible
And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’

Amplified Bible
Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles have absolute power and lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’

Christian Standard Bible
But he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who have authority over them have themselves called ‘Benefactors.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles dominate them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’

American Standard Version
And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles have lordship over them; and they that have authority over them are called Benefactors.

Contemporary English Version
So Jesus told them: Foreign kings order their people around, and powerful rulers call themselves everyone's friends.

English Revised Version
And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles have lordship over them; and they that have authority over them are called Benefactors.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus said to them, "The kings of nations have power over their people, and those in authority call themselves friends of the people.

Good News Translation
Jesus said to them, "The kings of the pagans have power over their people, and the rulers claim the title 'Friends of the People.'

International Standard Version
But he told them, "The kings of the unbelievers lord it over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called benefactors.

Majority Standard Bible
So Jesus declared, ?The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors.

NET Bible
So Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them are called 'benefactors.'

New Heart English Bible
He said to them, "The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called 'benefactors.'

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said to them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them, are called benefactors.

Weymouth New Testament
But He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles are their masters, and those who exercise authority over them are called Benefactors.

World English Bible
He said to them, “The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And He said to them, “The kings of the nations exercise lordship over them, and those exercising authority on them are called benefactors;

Berean Literal Bible
And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles rule over them, and those exercising authority over them are called benefactors.

Young's Literal Translation
And he said to them, 'The kings of the nations do exercise lordship over them, and those exercising authority upon them are called benefactors;

Smith's Literal Translation
And he said to them, The kings of the nations rule over them; and they exercising power over them are called benefactors.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said to them: The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that have power over them, are called beneficent.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said to them: “The kings of the Gentiles dominate them; and those who hold authority over them are called beneficent.

New American Bible
He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as ‘Benefactors’;

New Revised Standard Version
But he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Jesus said to them, The kings of the Gentiles are also their owners; and those who rule over them are called benefactors.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Then Yeshua said to them, “The Kings of the nations are their lords and they who rule over them are called Benefactors.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he said to them: The kings of the nations have dominion over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called benefactors.

Godbey New Testament
And He said to them, The kings of the Gentiles domineer over them; and those exercising authority over them are called Benefactors.

Haweis New Testament
And he said to them, The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they who exercise authority over them are called benefactors.

Mace New Testament
Jesus therefore told them, the kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they, who are invested with their authority, take the title of benefactors.

Weymouth New Testament
But He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles are their masters, and those who exercise authority over them are called Benefactors.

Worrell New Testament
But He said to them, "The kings of the gentiles exercise lordship over them; and those having authority over them are called 'Benefactors.'

Worsley New Testament
but He said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority are called benefactors.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Who is the Greatest?
24A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them would be considered the greatest. 25So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. 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.…

Cross References
Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / 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— ...

Mark 10:42-45
So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / But 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 must be the slave of all. ...

John 13:13-17
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. / I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. ...

Philippians 2:5-7
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.

1 Peter 5:3
not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Matthew 23:11-12
The greatest among you shall be your servant. / For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

1 Corinthians 9:19
Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.

2 Corinthians 1:24
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.

Galatians 5:13
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.

Ephesians 5:21
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23
A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.

Isaiah 42:1
“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.


Treasury of Scripture

And he said to them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority on them are called benefactors.

Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them…

Mark 10:41-45
And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John…

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Authority Exercise Exercising Gentiles Jesus Kings Lordship Masters Names Nations Rule Themselves
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Authority Exercise Exercising Gentiles Jesus Kings Lordship Masters Names Nations Rule Themselves
Luke 22
1. The leaders conspire against Jesus.
3. Satan prepares Judas to betray him.
7. The apostles prepare the Passover.
19. Jesus institutes his holy supper;
21. covertly foretells of the traitor;
24. rebukes the rest of his apostles from ambition;
31. assures Peter his faith should not fail;
34. and yet he should deny him thrice.
39. He prays in the mount, and sweats blood;
47. is betrayed with a kiss;
50. he heals Malchus' ear;
54. he is thrice denied by Peter;
63. shamefully abused;
66. and confesses himself to be the Son of God.














So Jesus declared
This phrase introduces a direct statement from Jesus, emphasizing His authority and the importance of His teaching. In the context of the Last Supper, Jesus is addressing His disciples, preparing them for His impending crucifixion and the establishment of the Church. His declarations often carry weight as they reveal divine truths and principles for living.

The kings of the Gentiles
Here, "Gentiles" refers to non-Jewish nations, often seen as pagan or outside the covenant community of Israel. The mention of "kings" highlights the political structures common in the Roman Empire and other surrounding nations. These rulers were often seen as oppressive and self-serving, contrasting with the servant leadership Jesus exemplifies. This phrase sets the stage for a critique of worldly power structures.

lord it over them
This phrase describes the authoritarian and domineering style of leadership typical among Gentile rulers. It reflects a system where power is used for personal gain and control rather than service. This contrasts with the biblical ideal of leadership, which is rooted in humility and service, as seen in Jesus' own life and teachings (Matthew 20:25-28).

and those in authority over them
This refers to the hierarchical nature of Gentile governance, where authority is concentrated at the top and often abused. The phrase underscores the disparity between those in power and the common people, highlighting the lack of servant leadership. This is in stark contrast to the biblical model of leadership, which calls for leaders to be shepherds and servants (1 Peter 5:2-3).

call themselves benefactors
The term "benefactors" was a title used by rulers to portray themselves as generous and benevolent, often through public works or gifts. However, this was frequently a facade to maintain power and control. Jesus critiques this self-serving attitude, pointing to the hypocrisy of claiming to serve others while actually seeking personal glory. This critique aligns with His teachings on humility and true greatness (Luke 14:11).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about leadership and authority.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are being prepared for their roles in the early Church.

3. Gentile Kings
Representing secular authority, they are used as a contrast to the type of leadership Jesus advocates.

4. Benefactors
A term used to describe those in authority who are often seen as patrons or providers, yet their leadership is self-serving.
Teaching Points
Servant Leadership
Jesus calls His followers to lead by serving, contrasting with the self-serving nature of worldly leaders.

True Authority
Authority in the Kingdom of God is not about power or control but about humility and service.

Imitating Christ
Believers are encouraged to follow Jesus' example of humility and selflessness in their interactions with others.

Counter-Cultural Values
The values of the Kingdom often stand in stark contrast to societal norms, challenging believers to live differently.

Role of Influence
Christians are called to use their influence for the benefit of others, reflecting Christ's love and service.(25) The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them.--See Notes on Matthew 20:25; Mark 10:42. The repetition of the same words that had then been spoken in answer to the petition of the sons of Zebedee, suggests the probability that they were again prominent in the strife for pre-eminence.

Are called benefactors.--This takes the place of "their great ones exercise authority upon them," in St. Matthew and St. Mark. Antiochus VII. of Syria, and Ptolemy III. of Egypt, were examples of kings who had borne the title of Euergetes, or benefactor. There is apparently an emphasis on "are called" as contrasted with "let him become," in the next verse. The world gave the title of "benefactor" to those who were great in power only. In Christ's kingdom true greatness was to be attained by benefiting others in the humblest services.

Verse 25. - Are called benefactors (εὐεργέται). Those who were listening knew well how utterly false these high-sounding human titles often were. Αὐεργέτης (Euergetes), Benefactor, was the well-known title appropriated by Ptolemy Euergetes and other hated royal tyrants well known to the Jewish people.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[Jesus] declared,
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“The
Οἱ (Hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kings
βασιλεῖς (basileis)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Gentiles
ἐθνῶν (ethnōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 1484: Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.

lord it over
κυριεύουσιν (kyrieuousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2961: To have authority, rule over. From kurios; to rule.

them,
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

those
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

in authority over
ἐξουσιάζοντες (exousiazontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1850: To exercise (wield) power (authority), pass: To be ruled, be held under authority. From exousia; to control.

them
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

call themselves
καλοῦνται (kalountai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2564: (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.

benefactors.
εὐεργέται (euergetai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2110: A benefactor, well-doer. From eu and the base of ergon; a worker of good, i.e. a philanthropist.


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NT Gospels: Luke 22:25 He said to them The kings (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 22:24
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