Luke 22:24

KJV

And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} there was {G1096} also {G2532} a strife {G5379} among {G1722} them {G846}, which {G5101} of them {G846} should be accounted {G1380}{G1511} the greatest {G3187}.

Complete Jewish Bible

An argument arose among them as to which of them should be considered the greatest.

Berean Standard Bible

A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them would be considered the greatest.

American Standard Version

And there arose also a contention among them, which of them was accounted to be greatest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:24 captures a poignant and ironic moment during the Last Supper, immediately following Jesus' institution of the New Covenant and His prophecy of Peter's denial. Despite the profound spiritual significance of the occasion and the somber shadow of the impending Passion, the disciples engage in a familiar and disheartening dispute, arguing amongst themselves about who among them was the most important or held the highest status. This reveals their continued struggle to grasp the true nature of Christ's kingdom, which is founded on humility and service rather than earthly hierarchy and ambition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of the Last Supper, a pivotal moment in Luke's Gospel. Immediately preceding it, Jesus has just instituted the Lord's Supper, transforming the Passover meal into a profound symbol of His sacrificial body and blood, given for the forgiveness of sins ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). He then speaks of the betrayer in their midst ([Luke 22:21-23](/luke/22-21-23 "Luke 22:21-23 - Prediction of Betrayal")), creating an atmosphere of solemnity and impending crisis. The disciples' argument about greatness in [Luke 22:24](/luke/22-24 "Luke 22:24 - Disciples' Dispute Over Greatness") is jarringly out of place, highlighting their spiritual immaturity and self-absorption even in the face of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Jesus' subsequent teaching on servant leadership ([Luke 22:25-27](/luke/22-25-27 "Luke 22:25-27 - Jesus Teaches on Servant Leadership")) directly addresses their dispute, offering a radical counter-cultural vision of true greatness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, and indeed in Jewish society of the time, status, honor, and hierarchy were paramount. Social structures were rigid, and individuals constantly sought to elevate their position and gain recognition. Rabbis and religious leaders held significant authority and prestige, and even within the nascent Christian movement, there was a natural human tendency to replicate these societal norms. The disciples, being men of their time, were undoubtedly influenced by these prevailing cultural values, leading them to vie for positions of prominence. Their understanding of the Messiah's kingdom was likely still heavily influenced by the expectation of an earthly, political reign where positions of power would be distributed, as seen in their earlier requests for honor ([Mark 10:37](/mark/10-37 "Mark 10:37 - James and John's Request")).

* **Key Themes:** The dispute in [Luke 22:24](/luke/22-24 "Luke 22:24 - Disciples' Dispute Over Greatness") powerfully underscores several recurring themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **human struggle with pride and ambition**, even among those closest to Jesus. Despite years of discipleship, the desire for self-exaltation persists, demonstrating the deep-seated nature of sin. Secondly, it reveals a profound **misunderstanding of the nature of God's kingdom**. The disciples consistently struggled to grasp that true greatness in Christ's reign is not about power or prestige, but about humility, service, and self-sacrifice, a theme Jesus repeatedly taught, as seen in [Luke 9:46-48](/luke/9-46-48 "Luke 9:46-48 - Who is the Greatest?"). Finally, this incident serves as a stark **contrast to Jesus' own example**. While the disciples argue about who is greatest, Jesus is about to demonstrate the ultimate act of humility and service by laying down His life, embodying the very principles they fail to grasp ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **strife (Greek, _philoneikía'_):** From G5379, meaning "quarrelsomeness, i.e., a dispute." This word denotes more than a mere disagreement; it implies a contentious rivalry, a "love of contention" or "fondness for quarreling." It describes a deep-seated competitive spirit, where individuals are eager to assert their superiority and win an argument, rather than seeking harmony or understanding. In this context, it reveals a persistent, self-serving ambition among the disciples.
* **accounted (Greek, _dokéō'_):** From G1380, meaning "to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)." This word suggests how one is perceived or esteemed. The disciples were concerned with how they "should be accounted" or regarded by others, particularly by each other and perhaps by Jesus. It highlights their preoccupation with external validation and reputation, rather than internal character or genuine service.
* **greatest (Greek, _meízōn'_):** From G3187, an irregular comparative of *megas*, meaning "larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)." Here, it refers to superiority in status, importance, or authority. The disciples were striving for the highest rank, the most prominent position within the nascent community, reflecting an earthly understanding of power dynamics rather than the spiritual values of humility and servanthood that Jesus consistently taught.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was also a strife among them":** This clause immediately follows the profound institution of the Lord's Supper and the prediction of betrayal, making the disciples' behavior particularly jarring. The use of "also" (G2532, *kaí*) indicates that this was not an isolated incident but a recurring issue, a persistent undercurrent of rivalry among them. The "strife" (G5379, *philoneikía*) points to a contentious, competitive dispute, revealing a deep-seated desire for preeminence rather than a simple disagreement. It underscores their human frailty and the pervasive nature of pride, even in the most sacred moments.
* **"which of them should be accounted the greatest":** This specifies the object of their "strife." The disciples were not debating theological points or practical matters of ministry, but their own relative status and importance. The phrase "should be accounted" (G1380, *dokéō*) highlights their concern with reputation and perceived standing. This ambition for "greatness" (G3187, *meízōn*) reflects a worldly mindset, where power and hierarchy are valued, rather than the kingdom values of humility, service, and self-sacrifice that Jesus had repeatedly tried to instill in them. It shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the upside-down nature of Christ's kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's presentation of this scene employs **Juxtaposition** to powerful effect. The disciples' petty argument about status is placed immediately after the solemn institution of the Lord's Supper, a moment of profound theological significance involving Jesus' self-giving sacrifice. This stark contrast highlights the disciples' spiritual immaturity and their inability to grasp the magnitude of the moment. There is also a strong element of **Irony**: while Jesus prepares to demonstrate the ultimate act of humble service by laying down His life, His closest followers are preoccupied with self-exaltation. This scene also functions as a **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the ongoing struggle within the early church and among believers throughout history to overcome pride and embrace true servant leadership, a theme Jesus directly addresses in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The disciples' dispute in [Luke 22:24](/luke/22-24 "Luke 22:24 - Disciples' Dispute Over Greatness") serves as a timeless theological lesson on the pervasive nature of pride and the radical counter-cultural values of God's kingdom. It reveals that even those closest to Christ can be susceptible to worldly ambition, underscoring the constant need for spiritual vigilance and humility. True greatness in God's eyes is not measured by earthly status or power, but by a heart of service and self-sacrifice, mirroring the very character of Christ. This incident prompts believers to examine their own motives and aspirations, ensuring that their pursuit is for God's glory and the good of others, rather than personal recognition or preeminence.

* [Mark 9:33-35](/mark/9-33-35 "Mark 9:33-35 - Who is the Greatest?")
* [Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25-28 "Matthew 20:25-28 - Jesus Teaches Servant Leadership")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Looking Out for Others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:24 offers a sober and convicting mirror for all believers. It challenges us to honestly assess our own hearts: Do we, like the disciples, harbor secret desires for recognition, status, or influence within our communities, families, or churches? Are we more concerned with being "accounted the greatest" than with humbly serving others and seeking God's glory? This passage reminds us that the human propensity for pride is deeply ingrained and can surface even in the most sacred contexts. True spiritual maturity is not about achieving prominence, but about embracing the posture of a servant, following Jesus' example of self-emptying love. It calls us to lay aside competitive spirits and self-promotion, choosing instead to uplift others, value humility, and find our identity and worth solely in Christ. Our mission is to serve, not to be served, and to seek the good of the body of Christ above our own personal ambition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I find myself striving for recognition or superiority?**
* **How does my understanding of "greatness" align with or diverge from Jesus' teaching on servant leadership?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more humble and service-oriented heart, resisting the temptation to compare myself to others?**
* **How can this passage encourage me to prioritize the needs of my community or church over my own desires for status?**

### FAQ
**Why were the disciples arguing about who was greatest at such a solemn moment?**

Answer: The disciples' argument about greatness at the Last Supper reveals their continued struggle to fully grasp the spiritual nature of Jesus' kingdom. Despite Jesus' repeated teachings on humility and service, their minds were still largely shaped by worldly concepts of power, status, and hierarchy. This was not the first time such a dispute arose ([Mark 9:33-34](/mark/9-33-34 "Mark 9:33-34 - Disciples Argue About Greatness")), indicating a persistent human tendency towards pride and ambition. The solemnity of the moment, with Jesus instituting the New Covenant and predicting His betrayal, made their preoccupation with self-importance particularly jarring, highlighting the deep-seated nature of their spiritual immaturity before the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:24, with the disciples' petty squabble over greatness, stands in stark contrast to the profound Christ-centered fulfillment that was unfolding before their very eyes. While they were consumed by earthly ambition, Jesus was embodying the ultimate act of humility and service, foreshadowing His imminent crucifixion. He, who was truly "great" as the Son of God, did not cling to His divine status but "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Incarnation")). His subsequent teaching in [Luke 22:25-27](/luke/22-25-27 "Luke 22:25-27 - Jesus Teaches Servant Leadership") directly addresses their pride, redefining greatness not by dominion, but by humble service, culminating in His own example: "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" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Thus, the disciples' failure highlights Christ's perfect obedience and self-sacrificial love, demonstrating that true authority and kingship in God's kingdom are expressed through humble service and ultimate sacrifice, a pattern fulfilled supremely on the cross and offered as the model for all who follow Him ([John 13:12-17](/john/13-12-17 "John 13:12-17 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 9:46

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

Mark 9:34

But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who [should be] the greatest.

Mark 10:37

They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

Mark 10:41

And when the ten heard [it], they began to be much displeased with James and John.

Matthew 20:20

¶ Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping [him], and desiring a certain thing of him.

Matthew 20:24

And when the ten heard [it], they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.

1 Corinthians 13:4

¶ Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,