Luke 22:27

KJV

For whether [is] greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? [is] not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} whether {G5101} is greater {G3187}, he that sitteth at meat {G345}, or {G2228} he that serveth {G1247}? is not {G3780} he that sitteth at meat {G345}? but {G1161} I {G1473} am {G1510} among {G1722}{G3319} you {G5216} as {G5613} he that serveth {G1247}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For who is greater? The one reclining at the table? or the one who serves? It’s the one reclining at the table, isn’t it? But I myself am among you like one who serves.

Berean Standard Bible

For 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.

American Standard Version

For which is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am in the midst of you as he that serveth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:27 presents a pivotal teaching from Jesus Christ during the Last Supper, fundamentally reorienting the disciples' understanding of greatness and leadership within His Kingdom. In response to their dispute over who was greatest, Jesus challenges conventional societal norms by contrasting the honored position of one being served with the humble posture of a servant, declaring His own presence among them as the ultimate embodiment of sacrificial service. This verse encapsulates a radical reversal of worldly values, establishing humility and service as the true hallmarks of divine authority and spiritual preeminence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This profound declaration by Jesus is situated immediately after a contentious moment among His disciples, as recorded in [Luke 22:24](/luke/22-24 "Luke 22:24 - The Disciples' Dispute Over Greatness"). Even as Jesus prepared for the ultimate act of self-giving on the cross, His followers were still entangled in earthly ambitions and hierarchical thinking, debating "which of them should be accounted the greatest." This internal strife highlights the deep-seated human inclination towards status and power, making Jesus' subsequent teaching in [Luke 22:25-26](/luke/22-25-26 "Luke 22:25-26 - Jesus Teaches About True Leadership") and [Luke 22:27](/luke/22-27 "Luke 22:27 - Jesus, the Servant Leader") a direct, counter-cultural rebuke and a foundational principle for His new covenant community. The verse serves as a climactic statement in this discourse, moving from general principles to Jesus' personal example.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world and within Jewish society of Jesus' time, status and honor were paramount. Those who "sat at meat" (reclined at a table during a meal) were typically hosts or honored guests, signifying positions of authority, wealth, or social standing. Servants, on the other hand, occupied the lowest rung of the social ladder, performing menial tasks. The disciples' dispute reflects this pervasive cultural value system, where greatness was equated with power, privilege, and being served. Jesus' teaching directly confronts this deeply ingrained cultural paradigm, advocating for a radical redefinition of leadership that would have been shocking and counter-intuitive to His audience.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 22:27 is a powerful expression of several overarching themes central to Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. It vividly illustrates **Servant Leadership**, a core tenet of Jesus' ministry, where true authority is demonstrated through humble service rather than domination, as further elaborated in [Mark 10:42-45](/mark/10-42-45 "Mark 10:42-45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). The verse also champions **Humility** as a foundational virtue, contrasting the world's pursuit of honor with the divine valuing of self-abasement. Crucially, it underscores **Jesus' Divine Example**, as Christ does not merely preach this principle but embodies it, declaring "I am among you as he that serveth," a truth powerfully demonstrated by His later act of washing the disciples' feet in [John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet"). This teaching represents a profound **Reversal of Worldly Values**, challenging the conventional wisdom of society and establishing a new Kingdom ethic where the path to true greatness is found in sacrificial service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **greater (Greek, _meízōn'_):** This word is an irregular comparative form of *megas*, meaning "large" or "great." Here, it refers to superiority in status, importance, or rank. The disciples' dispute was precisely about who held the *meízōn* position among them, reflecting a worldly understanding of hierarchy. Jesus' use of this word sets up the conventional expectation before subverting it.
* **sitteth at meat (Greek, _anakeîmai'_):** This verb literally means "to recline" or "to lie back," specifically referring to the posture adopted at banquets and meals in ancient times. It signifies the position of an honored guest or the host, someone being waited upon rather than waiting on others. This word directly evokes a scene of privilege, comfort, and social superiority, forming the antithesis to the servant.
* **serveth (Greek, _diakonéō'_):** Derived from the noun *diakonos* (servant, minister), this verb means "to be an attendant," "to wait upon," "to minister," or "to serve." It denotes practical, often humble, hands-on service. Jesus' deliberate use of this term to describe His own presence and mission among His disciples directly contrasts with the *anakeîmai* and powerfully redefines the nature of true leadership and greatness as self-giving ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For whether [is] greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth?":** Jesus initiates His teaching with a rhetorical question, inviting the disciples to consider the common understanding of greatness. This question presents a clear dichotomy between two roles: the one who is served and the one who serves. Implicitly, the world's answer is obvious: the one being served is greater.
* **"[is] not he that sitteth at meat?":** This is the expected, almost universally accepted, answer to the preceding question. It affirms the conventional societal view that the person in the position of honor and authority, receiving service, is superior. Jesus articulates this common assumption to highlight the stark contrast with the truth He is about to reveal.
* **"but I am among you as he that serveth.":** This is the radical pivot and the heart of Jesus' teaching. The conjunction "but" (Greek, *dé*) signals a strong contrast, overturning the conventional wisdom. Jesus directly applies the principle of service to Himself, declaring that despite His divine authority and rightful position as Lord, He chooses to embody the role of a servant among them. This statement is not merely a metaphor but a profound declaration of His incarnational mission and His very identity.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:27 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its transformative message. The verse begins with a **Rhetorical Question**, "For whether [is] greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth?" This question is posed not to elicit information, but to engage the audience and lead them to an obvious, conventional answer, which Jesus then immediately challenges. This sets up a powerful **Antithesis** or **Contrast** between "he that sitteth at meat" (the honored, served one) and "he that serveth" (the humble attendant). This stark opposition highlights the radical nature of Jesus' teaching, which presents a **Paradox** to worldly wisdom: true greatness is found not in being served, but in serving. Finally, the most impactful device is Jesus' **Personal Example** and **Embodiment** of the principle. He doesn't just preach; He declares, "but I am among you as he that serveth," making His own life the living illustration of His profound truth. This self-identification as a servant elevates the concept from a mere ethical guideline to a divine reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:27 stands as a cornerstone of New Testament theology, profoundly reshaping the understanding of leadership, power, and divine authority. It reveals that God's Kingdom operates on an entirely different set of values than the world's. Instead of pursuing status and being served, true spiritual preeminence is found in humble, self-sacrificial service to others. This principle is not merely an ethical ideal but a reflection of the very character of God, who in Christ, condescended to serve humanity. Jesus' declaration of being "among you as he that serveth" foreshadows His ultimate act of service on the cross, where He gave His life as a ransom for many, embodying the epitome of servant leadership. This teaching challenges believers to continually re-evaluate their motivations and actions, aligning them with Christ's example rather than worldly paradigms of success and influence.

* [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")
* [John 13:14](/john/13-14 "John 13:14 - Example of Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:27 serves as an enduring call to radical discipleship, urging believers to fundamentally reorient their understanding of greatness and purpose. In a world that constantly elevates self-promotion, power, and personal gain, Jesus' words cut through the noise, inviting us to embrace a counter-cultural path. To be "among you as he that serveth" means to actively seek opportunities to uplift, support, and care for others, especially those often overlooked or deemed "lesser" by society. It challenges us to lay aside our own desires for recognition and control, instead adopting a posture of humility and availability. This principle transforms how we approach leadership in the church, our families, and our workplaces, reminding us that true influence is not about being served, but about serving with love and integrity, mirroring the very heart of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to seek recognition or to be served, rather than to serve others?**
* **How can I practically embody the spirit of service in my daily interactions with family, friends, colleagues, and strangers?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a more humble and servant-hearted posture in my leadership roles, whether formal or informal?**
* **How does Jesus' example in this verse challenge my cultural assumptions about power and success?**

### FAQ
**How does Jesus' teaching on service in Luke 22:27 relate to the concept of authority?**

Answer: Jesus' teaching in [Luke 22:27](/luke/22-27 "Luke 22:27 - Jesus, the Servant Leader") radically redefines the relationship between authority and service. In the world's view, authority often means being served and exercising power over others. However, Jesus demonstrates that in God's Kingdom, true authority is demonstrated through humble service. He doesn't deny His own authority or Lordship; rather, He shows that His authority is expressed *through* His willingness to serve, even to the point of giving His life. This concept is further elaborated in [Mark 10:42-45](/mark/10-42-45 "Mark 10:42-45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"), where Jesus states that the Son of Man came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." Therefore, for believers, authority is not about personal exaltation but about empowering and serving others, mirroring Christ's example.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:27 is profoundly Christ-centered, not merely as a moral teaching, but as a revelation of Jesus' very nature and His redemptive mission. His declaration, "but I am among you as he that serveth," is a direct echo of the Incarnation itself, where the eternal Son of God "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Self-Emptying")). Jesus, the rightful King and Lord, did not come to be enthroned and adored in the manner of earthly rulers, but to humbly minister to humanity's deepest needs. This culminates in His ultimate act of service on the cross, where He became the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His washing of the disciples' feet in [John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet") serves as a tangible parable of this truth, demonstrating that His Lordship is inextricably linked to His servanthood. Thus, Luke 22:27 is not just a command for His followers, but a profound theological statement about who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish: the perfect servant who brings salvation through His ultimate act of self-giving.

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

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.

Luke 12:37

Blessed [are] those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

John 13:5

After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe [them] with the towel wherewith he was girded.

John 13:16

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

2 Corinthians 8:9

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Philippians 2:7

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.