Matthew 20:25
New International Version
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.

New Living Translation
But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.

English Standard Version
But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus having summoned them, said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and the great ones exercise authority over them.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.

New American Standard Bible
But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them.

NASB 1995
But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.

NASB 1977
But Jesus called them to Himself, and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.

Legacy Standard Bible
But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.

Amplified Bible
But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles have absolute power and lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them [tyrannizing them].

Christian Standard Bible
Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them.

American Standard Version
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.

Contemporary English Version
But Jesus called the disciples together and said: You know foreign rulers like to order their people around. And their great leaders have full power over everyone they rule.

English Revised Version
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus called the apostles and said, "You know that the rulers of nations have absolute power over people and their officials have absolute authority over people.

Good News Translation
So Jesus called them all together and said, "You know that the rulers of the heathen have power over them, and the leaders have complete authority.

International Standard Version
But Jesus called the disciples and said, "You know that the rulers of the unbelievers lord it over them and their superiors act like tyrants over them.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
But Jesus called them and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions use their authority over them.

New Heart English Bible
But Jesus summoned them, and said, "You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.

Webster's Bible Translation
But Jesus called them to him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

Weymouth New Testament
But Jesus called them to Him, and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.

World English Bible
But Jesus summoned them, and said, “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Jesus having called them near, said, “You have known that the rulers of the nations exercise lordship over them, and those [who are] great exercise authority over them,

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus having summoned them, said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and the great ones exercise authority over them.

Young's Literal Translation
and Jesus having called them near, said, 'Ye have known that the rulers of the nations do exercise lordship over them, and those great do exercise authority over them,

Smith's Literal Translation
But Jesus, having called them, said, Ye know that the rulers rule over their nations, and the great exercise authority over them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But Jesus called them to him, and said: You know that the princes of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that are the greater, exercise power upon them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But Jesus called them to himself and said: “You know that the first ones among the Gentiles are their rulers, and that those who are greater exercise power among them.

New American Bible
But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt.

New Revised Standard Version
But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Jesus called them and said, You know that the princes of the people are also their owners; and their officials rule over them.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Yeshua called them and said to them, “You know the rulers of the Gentiles are their lords and their great ones have authority over them.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But Jesus called them to him, and said: You know that the rulers of the Gentiles act as lords over them, and their great men have authority over them.

Godbey New Testament
But Jesus calling them to Him, said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and the great ones exercise authority over them.

Haweis New Testament
But Jesus, calling them to him, said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority among them.

Mace New Testament
but Jesus calling them to him, said, ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise arbitrary dominion over them, and they that are great exercise their authority.

Weymouth New Testament
But Jesus called them to Him, and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.

Worrell New Testament
But Jesus, calling them near, said, "Ye know that the rulers of the nations exercise lordship over them.

Worsley New Testament
but Jesus called them to Him and said, Ye know that the princes of the gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority upon them:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Mother's Request
24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25But 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. 26It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,…

Cross References
Mark 10:42
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.

Luke 22:25
So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors.

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

John 13:13-15
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.

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.

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.

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

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

Acts 20:35
In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

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.

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.

Jeremiah 22:13-17
“Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages, / who says, ‘I will build myself a great palace, with spacious upper rooms.’ So he cuts windows in it, panels it with cedar, and paints it with vermilion. / Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. ...

Ezekiel 34:4
You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.

Micah 3:1-3
Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? / You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. / You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.”


Treasury of Scripture

But Jesus called them to him, and said, You know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority on them.

called.

Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Matthew 18:3,4
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…

John 13:12-17
So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? …

the princes.

Mark 10:42
But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

Luke 22:25-27
And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors…

exercise dominion.

Daniel 2:12,13,37-45
For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon…

Daniel 3:2-7,15,19-22
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellers, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up…

Daniel 5:19
And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.

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Matthew 20
1. Jesus, by the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, shows that God is debtor unto no man;
17. foretells his passion;
20. by answering the mother of Zebedee's children, teaches his disciples to be humble;
29. and gives two blind men their sight.














But Jesus called them aside
This phrase indicates a moment of intimate teaching and correction. The Greek word for "called" (προσκαλέω, proskaleō) suggests a personal invitation or summons. Jesus often used such moments to impart crucial lessons to His disciples, away from the crowds. This setting underscores the importance of the teaching that follows, highlighting Jesus' role as a patient and intentional teacher who seeks to transform the hearts and minds of His followers.

and said
The act of speaking here is significant. The Greek word "λέγω" (legō) implies a deliberate and authoritative communication. Jesus' words are not mere suggestions but carry the weight of divine wisdom and truth. In the context of the Gospel, His teachings are foundational for understanding the nature of His kingdom, which contrasts sharply with worldly systems of power and authority.

You know that the rulers of the Gentiles
The term "rulers" (ἄρχοντες, archontes) refers to those in positions of political power and authority. The "Gentiles" (ἔθνη, ethnē) were non-Jewish peoples, often seen as outside the covenant community of Israel. Historically, Gentile rulers were known for their oppressive and authoritarian regimes. This reference would resonate with the disciples, who were familiar with Roman rule and its often harsh and domineering nature.

lord it over them
The phrase "lord it over" (κατακυριεύω, katakurieuō) conveys a sense of domination and control. It reflects a leadership style characterized by coercion and exploitation, contrasting sharply with the servant leadership Jesus advocates. This critique of Gentile rulers serves as a backdrop for Jesus' revolutionary teaching on leadership and greatness in His kingdom.

and their great ones exercise authority over them
"Great ones" (μεγάλοι, megaloi) refers to those who are considered important or influential in society. The phrase "exercise authority" (κατεξουσιάζω, katexousiazō) suggests a hierarchical and often oppressive use of power. In the historical context, such authority was typically self-serving and maintained through force or manipulation. Jesus' words challenge His disciples to reject these worldly models of greatness and authority, pointing instead to a kingdom where true greatness is found in humility and service.

(25) Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles.--No words of reproof could more strongly point the contrast between the true and the false views of the Messiah's kingdom. The popular Jewish expectations, shared by the disciples, were really heathen in their character, substituting might for right, and ambition for the true greatness of service.

Exercise dominion over them.--Better, as in 1Peter 5:3, lord it over them. It is not easy to find a like forcible rendering for the other word, but we must remember that it, too, implies a wrong exercise of authority, in the interest, not of the subjects, but of the rulers.

Verse 25. - Called them unto him. The two had stood apart when they made their request, but the ten had overheard it, or judged of its nature from Christ's answer and their own feelings. Jesus now gathers them all round him, and gives them a lesson which they all needed, first, concerning worldly greatness and pre-eminence, and secondly (ver. 26), concerning Christian greatness and pre-eminence. Ye know. He appeals to common experience. Exercise dominion over them; i.e. over the Gentiles. Κατακυριεύουσιν, lord it over - significant of an absolute and oppressive domination. Exercise authority upon them; i.e. over the Gentiles (κατεξουσιάξουσιν); use authority harshly and severely. The heathen, when they are raised to pre-eminence, employ their power cruelly and in order to gain their own ends and purposes, and aspire to superiority only with such objects in view. Such ambition is essentially a heathen passion, and wholly alien from the spirit of Christ.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

called them aside
προσκαλεσάμενος (proskalesamenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4341: To call to myself, summon. Middle voice from pros and kaleo; to call toward oneself, i.e. Summon, invite.

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

“You know
Οἴδατε (Oidate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

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.

rulers
ἄρχοντες (archontes)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 758: Present participle of archo; a first.

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
κατακυριεύουσιν (katakyrieuousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2634: To exercise authority over, overpower, master. From kata and kurieuo; to lord against, i.e. Control, subjugate.

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.

[their]
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.

superiors
μεγάλοι (megaloi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense.

exercise authority over
κατεξουσιάζουσιν (katexousiazousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2715: To have (exercise) power (authority) over. From kata and exousiazo; to have full privilege over.

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.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 20:25 But Jesus summoned them and said You (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 20:24
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