Luke 22:26
New International Version
But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.

New Living Translation
But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.

English Standard Version
But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
But you shall not be thus. Instead, the greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and the one leading, as the one serving.

King James Bible
But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

New King James Version
But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.

New American Standard Bible
But it is not this way for you; rather, the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.

NASB 1995
“But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.

NASB 1977
“But not so with you, but let him who is the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as the servant.

Legacy Standard Bible
But not so with you; rather the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.

Amplified Bible
But it is not to be this way with you; on the contrary, the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest [and least privileged], and the [one who is the] leader, like the servant.

Christian Standard Bible
It is not to be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever is greatest among you should become like the youngest, and whoever leads, like the one serving.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But it must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and whoever leads, like the one serving.

American Standard Version
But ye shall not be so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

Contemporary English Version
But don't be like them. The most important one of you should be like the least important, and your leader should be like a servant.

English Revised Version
But ye shall not be so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But you're not going to be that way! Rather, the greatest among you must be like the youngest, and your leader must be like a servant.

Good News Translation
But this is not the way it is with you; rather, the greatest one among you must be like the youngest, and the leader must be like the servant.

International Standard Version
But you are not to do so. On the contrary, the greatest among you should become like the youngest, and the one who leads should become like the one who serves.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Not so with you; instead the one who is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the one who serves.

New Heart English Bible
But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves.

Webster's Bible Translation
But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

Weymouth New Testament
With you it is not so; but let the greatest among you be as the younger, and the leader be like him who serves.

World English Bible
But not so with you. Rather, the one who is greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but you [are] not so, but he who is greater among you—let him be as the younger; and he who is leading, as he who is ministering;

Berean Literal Bible
But you shall not be thus. Instead, the greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and the one leading, as the one serving.

Young's Literal Translation
but ye are not so, but he who is greater among you -- let him be as the younger; and he who is leading, as he who is ministering;

Smith's Literal Translation
And ye not so: but let the greater with you be as the younger; and he leading, as he serving.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But you not so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger; and he that is the leader, as he that serveth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But it must not be so with you. Instead, whoever is greater among you, let him become the lesser. And whoever is the leader, let him become the server.

New American Bible
but among you it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant.

New Revised Standard Version
But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But not so with you; but he who is great among you, let him be the least, and he who is a leader be like a minister.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But you are not so, for whoever is great among you shall be as the little man, and whoever is chief shall be like a waiter.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But you shall not be so; but let the greatest among you be as the younger, and him that is chief, as he that serves.

Godbey New Testament
But you are not thus: but let the greater among you be as the younger; and the leader as the waiter.

Haweis New Testament
But ye shall not act thus: but the superior among you, let him be as the junior; and he that presideth, as he that serveth.

Mace New Testament
but you must not be such: the greatest of you must be as the junior, and he that governs as he that serves.

Weymouth New Testament
With you it is not so; but let the greatest among you be as the younger, and the leader be like him who serves.

Worrell New Testament
But ye are not so; but let the greater among you become as the younger, and he who leads as he who serves.

Worsley New Testament
But ye shall not do so: but let the greatest among you be as the younger; and he that presides as he that serveth.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Who is 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. 27For 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.…

Cross References
Matthew 20:26-28
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.”

Mark 10:43-45
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. / 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.”

John 13:14-15
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.

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

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.

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.

2 Corinthians 4:5
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Matthew 18:4
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 18:12
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.


Treasury of Scripture

But you shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that does serve.

Luke 9:48
And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

Matthew 18:3-5
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven…

Matthew 23:8-12
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren…

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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.














But you shall not be like them.
This phrase emphasizes a call to distinctiveness for Jesus' followers. In the context of Luke 22, Jesus contrasts His disciples with the Gentile rulers who exercise authority over others. The disciples are called to a higher standard, reflecting the values of the Kingdom of God rather than the world. This echoes the call to holiness found throughout Scripture, such as in Leviticus 19:2, where God commands His people to be holy as He is holy. The early church faced similar challenges, as seen in 1 Peter 2:9, where believers are described as a "chosen people" set apart for God's purposes.

Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest,
In the cultural context of the first century, the youngest in a family or group often held the least power and status. Jesus subverts societal norms by teaching that true greatness in His Kingdom is marked by humility and a willingness to take the lowest place. This teaching is consistent with Jesus' own example, as He came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). The concept of the "greatest" being the "youngest" also aligns with the prophetic imagery of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, who humbles Himself for the sake of others.

and the one who leads like the one who serves.
Leadership in the Kingdom of God is characterized by servanthood, contrasting sharply with the authoritarian models prevalent in the Roman Empire and other ancient cultures. Jesus Himself exemplified this principle, notably in John 13, where He washes the disciples' feet, a task typically reserved for the lowest servant. This act foreshadows His ultimate service through His sacrificial death on the cross. The call to servant leadership is further reinforced in Philippians 2:5-7, where believers are encouraged to have the same mindset as Christ, who took on the nature of a servant.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, providing instruction to His disciples on leadership and servanthood.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing future leaders of the early Church.

3. The Upper Room
The setting of this teaching, where Jesus and His disciples gathered for the Last Supper.

4. The Last Supper
The event during which Jesus imparts this teaching, a significant moment before His crucifixion.

5. The Worldly Leaders
Implied contrast to the disciples, representing those who exercise authority in a domineering manner.
Teaching Points
Servant Leadership
True greatness in the Kingdom of God is measured by one's willingness to serve others, not by exercising authority over them.

Humility
Embrace humility by considering others more significant than yourself, following the example of Christ.

Counter-Cultural Values
The values of the Kingdom often stand in stark contrast to worldly values, calling believers to a different standard.

Imitating Christ
As followers of Jesus, we are called to imitate His example of servanthood and selflessness.

Practical Service
Look for opportunities in daily life to serve others, reflecting the love and humility of Christ.(26) He that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger.--The latter word naturally carried with it, as in the old monastic rule, juniores ad labores, the idea of service. In Acts 5:6, "the young men" appear as a distinct body in the society of disciples, with functions like those of the later deacons or sextons; and the same sense is, perhaps, traceable in 1Timothy 5:1; Titus 2:6; 1Peter 5:5.

He that is chief.--Here again the Greek word came to have a half-technical sense as equivalent, or nearly so, to bishop or presbyter. So in Hebrews 13:7; Hebrews 13:17; Hebrews 13:24, where it is rendered "they that have the rule over you." . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

you
ὑμεῖς (hymeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

[shall] not [be]
οὐχ (ouch)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

like them.
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

Instead,
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

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

greatest
μείζων (meizōn)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense.

among
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

you
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

should be
γινέσθω (ginesthō)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

like
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

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

youngest,
νεώτερος (neōteros)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 3501: (a) young, youthful, (b) new, fresh.

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

the [one who]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

leads
ἡγούμενος (hēgoumenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2233: (a) To lead, (b) To think, be of opinion, suppose, consider.

like
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

the [one who]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: 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
Strong's 1247: From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon.


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