Luke 22:25

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

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, The kings {G935} of the Gentiles {G1484} exercise lordship over {G2961} them {G846}; and {G2532} they that exercise authority upon {G1850} them {G846} are called {G2564} benefactors {G2110}.

But Yeshua said to them, “The kings of the Goyim lord it over them; and those in authority over them are given the title, ‘Benefactor.’

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

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

Luke 22:25, spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper, immediately follows a tense moment among His disciples: a dispute over who would be considered the greatest (Luke 22:24). In this verse, Jesus begins to contrast the prevailing model of worldly power with the radical new paradigm of leadership He would establish in His kingdom.

Context

This statement is crucial as it sets the stage for Jesus' profound teaching on servant leadership, which directly challenges the disciples' earthly aspirations for status and authority. They were accustomed to the Roman and Hellenistic political systems, where power was exercised through domination and often accompanied by flattering, self-serving titles. Jesus uses this common understanding of Gentile rule to highlight its stark difference from the divine order.

Key Themes

  • Worldly vs. Kingdom Leadership: Jesus points out that Gentile rulers "exercise lordship" (Greek: katakurieuō), meaning they dominate and lord over their subjects. This is often done by force or coercion. In contrast, Jesus will soon teach that true greatness in His kingdom is found in humble service, not oppressive authority.
  • The Irony of "Benefactors": The term "benefactors" (Greek: euergetes) was a common honorary title given to kings, emperors, or wealthy patrons in the Greco-Roman world. While literally meaning "doer of good," Jesus implies the irony that these rulers, who often exploited their people, were nevertheless lauded with such titles. This reveals the superficiality and hypocrisy often inherent in worldly power structures.
  • Redefining Authority: Jesus implicitly critiques a system where power is equated with domination and where honor is bestowed based on status rather than genuine, selfless contribution. This verse serves as a preamble to His call for a new kind of leadership based on humility and service, as further explained in Luke 22:26-27.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "exercise lordship," katakurieuō (κατακυριεύω), carries the connotation of a strong, often oppressive, control or mastery over someone. It’s not just general rule, but a forceful subjection. The term "benefactors," euergetes (εὐεργέτης), was a specific honorific. For example, Pharaoh Ptolemy III was known as Euergetes, highlighting how common it was for rulers to adopt or be given this title, regardless of their actual beneficence.

Practical Application

Luke 22:25 challenges us to examine our own understanding and pursuit of leadership, whether in the church, our families, or the workplace. Are we seeking to "lord it over" others, or are we striving to serve? The verse reminds believers that true influence and authority in God's eyes do not come from dominating others or seeking flattering titles, but from humility and a willingness to put the needs of others before our own. It calls us to embody the servant heart of Christ in all our interactions.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 20:25

    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.

  • Matthew 20:28

    Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

  • Mark 10:41

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

  • Mark 10:45

    For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

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