Luke 9:46
New International Version
An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.

New Living Translation
Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest.

English Standard Version
An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.

Berean Standard Bible
Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.

Berean Literal Bible
And an argument came up among them, which of them might be greatest.

King James Bible
Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

New King James Version
Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest.

New American Standard Bible
Now an argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest.

NASB 1995
An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest.

NASB 1977
And an argument arose among them as to which of them might be the greatest.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now an argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest.

Amplified Bible
An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest [surpassing the others in esteem and authority].

Christian Standard Bible
An argument started among them about who was the greatest of them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then an argument started among them about who would be the greatest of them.

American Standard Version
And there arose a reasoning among them, which of them was the greatest.

Contemporary English Version
Jesus' disciples were arguing about which one of them was the greatest.

English Revised Version
And there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A discussion started among them about who would be the greatest.

Good News Translation
An argument broke out among the disciples as to which one of them was the greatest.

International Standard Version
Later, an argument started among the disciples as to which of them might be the greatest.

Majority Standard Bible
Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.

NET Bible
Now an argument started among the disciples as to which of them might be the greatest.

New Heart English Bible
There arose an argument among them about which of them was the greatest.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

Weymouth New Testament
Now there arose a dispute among them, which of them was to be the greatest.

World English Bible
An argument arose among them about which of them was the greatest.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And there entered a reasoning among them, this—who may be greater of them.

Berean Literal Bible
And an argument came up among them, which of them might be greatest.

Young's Literal Translation
And there entered a reasoning among them, this, Who may be greater of them?

Smith's Literal Translation
And there came up a conference among them, thus, which of them should be the greatest.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And there entered a thought into them, which of them should be greater.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now an idea entered into them, as to which of them was greater.

New American Bible
An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest.

New Revised Standard Version
An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then a reasoning entered into their minds, as to who was the greatest among them.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And deliberation entered among them of who was great among them.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And there arose a contention among them, which of them should be greatest.

Godbey New Testament
And a dispute came in among them, as to which one of them might be the greater.

Haweis New Testament
Then a dispute sprang up among them, which of them should be the greatest.

Mace New Testament
At length they enter'd into a debate, which of them should be the greatest.

Weymouth New Testament
Now there arose a dispute among them, which of them was to be the greatest.

Worrell New Testament
And there entered a reasoning among them, as to which of them should be greatest.

Worsley New Testament
Then a dispute rose among them, which of them should be greatest.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Greatest in the Kingdom
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. 46Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him.…

Cross References
Matthew 18:1-5
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. ...

Mark 9:33-37
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.” ...

Matthew 20:20-28
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. ...

Mark 10:35-45
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.” ...

Luke 22:24-27
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. ...

Philippians 2:3-4
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.

James 4:1-3
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.

1 Corinthians 1:10-12
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.”

1 Peter 5:5-6
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.

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

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.

John 13:12-17
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. ...

1 Corinthians 12:25-26
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.

Galatians 5:26
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.

Proverbs 13:10
Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.


Treasury of Scripture

Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

Luke 14:7-11
And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, …

Luke 22:24-27
And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest…

Matthew 18:1
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

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Amongst Argument Disciples Discussion Dispute Entered Greater Greatest Reasoning Started
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Amongst Argument Disciples Discussion Dispute Entered Greater Greatest Reasoning Started
Luke 9
1. Jesus sends his apostles to work miracles, and to preach.
7. Herod desires to see Jesus.
10. The apostles return.
12. Jesus feeds five thousand;
18. inquires what opinion the world had of him; foretells his passion;
23. proposes to all the pattern of his patience.
28. The transfiguration.
37. He heals the lunatic;
43. again forewarns his disciples of his passion;
46. commends humility;
51. bids them to show mildness toward all, without desire of revenge.
57. Many would follow him, but upon conditions.














An argument started
The Greek word for "argument" here is "dialogismos," which can imply a reasoning or debate, often with a negative connotation of dispute or contention. This suggests that the disciples were not merely discussing but were engaged in a contentious debate. Historically, this reflects the human tendency towards pride and self-promotion, even among those closest to Jesus. It serves as a reminder of the ever-present struggle against the flesh and the need for humility.

among the disciples
The term "disciples" refers to the twelve apostles, the inner circle of Jesus' followers. These were men chosen by Christ to learn from Him and carry forward His mission. The fact that such a dispute arose among them highlights the reality that even those who walk closely with Jesus are not immune to human weaknesses. It underscores the importance of continual spiritual growth and reliance on the Holy Spirit to overcome personal ambitions.

as to which of them
This phrase indicates a comparison and competition among the disciples. The Greek word "tis" (which) suggests an individual focus, pointing to the personal nature of their ambitions. This reflects a common human desire for recognition and status, which can often lead to division and strife within communities, even those founded on spiritual principles.

would be the greatest
The word "greatest" is translated from the Greek "meizon," which means greater or more important. In the cultural and historical context of the time, greatness was often associated with power, authority, and social status. However, Jesus consistently taught that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is measured by humility, service, and love. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' teaching that follows, where He redefines greatness in terms of servanthood and childlike humility.

(46) Then there arose a reasoning among them.--Better, a dispute, or questioning. See Notes on Matthew 18:1-5, and Mark 9:33-41.

Which of them should be greatest.--Better, which of them was the greatest.

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).

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

an argument
διαλογισμὸς (dialogismos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1261: From dialogizomai; discussion, i.e. consideration, or debate.

started
Εἰσῆλθεν (Eisēlthen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.

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.

[the disciples]
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 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.

[as to]
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: 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
Strong's 5101: 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
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.

would be
εἴη (eiē)
Verb - Present Optative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: 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
Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense.


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NT Gospels: Luke 9:46 There arose an argument among them about (Luke Lu Lk)
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