Luke 9:46

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} there arose {G1525} a reasoning {G1261} among {G1722} them {G846}, which {G5101}{G302} of them {G846} should be {G1498} greatest {G3187}.

Complete Jewish Bible

An argument arose among the talmidim as to which of them might be the greatest.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:46 captures a poignant moment among Jesus' disciples, revealing their persistent struggle with pride and worldly ambition despite being in the immediate presence of the Messiah. Following Jesus' second prophecy of His suffering and death, the disciples, instead of grappling with the profound implications of His sacrifice, engaged in a dispute about their own status, debating "which of them should be greatest," thereby exposing a fundamental misunderstanding of the true nature of God's kingdom and the path to genuine spiritual greatness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after Jesus' second explicit prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection in [Luke 9:44](/luke/9-44 "Luke 9:44 - Jesus' Second Passion Prediction"). Luke notes that the disciples "did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed from them, so that they could not perceive it" ([Luke 9:45](/luke/9-45 "Luke 9:45 - Disciples' Lack of Understanding")). The stark juxtaposition of Jesus' profound revelation of self-sacrificial love and the disciples' subsequent argument about personal status highlights their spiritual immaturity and their inability to grasp the upside-down values of the Kingdom of God. This dispute then directly prompts Jesus' teaching on humility, where He uses a child as an object lesson to redefine greatness in [Luke 9:47-48](/luke/9-47-48 "Luke 9:47-48 - Jesus Teaches on Humility").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world and within Jewish society of Jesus' time, honor, status, and social hierarchy were paramount. People constantly vied for positions of prominence, whether in the synagogue, at feasts, or within social circles. Disciples of a rabbi often expected to share in their master's prestige, and if Jesus were indeed the Messiah, they anticipated positions of power in His earthly kingdom. Their "reasoning" reflects these deeply ingrained cultural norms and their expectation of a political, conquering Messiah who would establish an earthly throne, rather than a suffering servant. This cultural backdrop makes their ambition understandable, yet it also underscores the radical nature of Jesus' counter-cultural teachings on humility and service.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **tension between worldly ambition and spiritual values**, a recurring challenge for believers. The disciples' focus on "greatness" as defined by human standards stands in stark contrast to Jesus' consistent emphasis on humility, servanthood, and self-denial. Secondly, it underscores the **disciples' profound misunderstanding of Jesus' kingdom**. They, like many of their contemporaries, envisioned a political kingdom, failing to grasp its spiritual, counter-cultural, and ultimately sacrificial nature, as Jesus later explains in [Luke 17:20-21](/luke/17-20-21 "Luke 17:20-21 - The Kingdom of God is Within You"). Finally, this incident sets the stage for Jesus' crucial teaching on **the nature of true greatness**, which He immediately addresses by presenting a child as the paradigm of humility, redefining greatness not by power or position, but by humble service and welcoming the vulnerable, a theme echoed throughout His ministry and epitomized by His own life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **arose (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** From G1525, meaning "to enter (literally or figuratively)." While often translated as "come in" or "enter," in this context, when paired with "reasoning," it conveys the idea of a thought or dispute "entering" or "arising" among them. It suggests the inception or emergence of this contentious discussion.
* **reasoning (Greek, _dialogismós'_):** From G1261, meaning "discussion, i.e. (internal) consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate." This word implies more than a casual thought; it suggests an active deliberation, an internal argument, or even an external dispute among the disciples. It points to a contentious and perhaps prolonged discussion about status.
* **greatest (Greek, _meízōn'_):** From G3187, an irregular comparative of _megas_, meaning "larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)." Here, it signifies superiority in rank, importance, or status. The disciples were not debating who was physically largest, but who held the highest position of authority or honor within their nascent community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then there arose a reasoning among them":** This phrase indicates the sudden emergence of a contentious discussion or debate. The "reasoning" (dialogismós) was not a quiet contemplation but an active, perhaps heated, exchange of opinions. It highlights the internal strife and self-centeredness that surfaced within the group of Jesus' closest followers, immediately after a profound revelation from their Lord.
* **"which of them should be greatest":** This clause reveals the specific content and motivation behind their "reasoning." The disciples were preoccupied with their own hierarchical standing, seeking to establish who among them held the highest rank or most significant position. This aspiration for preeminence stands in stark contrast to the humble, self-sacrificial path Jesus had just described for Himself, underscoring their failure to grasp the true nature of His kingdom and their own roles within it.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience is aware of Jesus' impending suffering and the true nature of His kingdom, while the disciples remain oblivious, focused on worldly status. This creates a poignant contrast between the divine reality and human shortsightedness. There is also significant **Juxtaposition**, placing the disciples' self-serving ambition directly after Jesus' profound prophecy of His sacrificial death, highlighting the vast chasm between their understanding and His divine purpose. Furthermore, the verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching on true greatness through humility and service, which becomes a foundational principle of the Kingdom of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:46 serves as a timeless theological mirror, reflecting the persistent human struggle with pride and the desire for preeminence, even among those committed to spiritual pursuits. It underscores the radical nature of God's kingdom, where conventional notions of greatness are inverted, and true authority is found in humble service rather than worldly power. The disciples' ambition reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the Messiah's mission and the values He embodies, highlighting that spiritual maturity is not automatic but requires a continuous transformation of the heart away from self-exaltation and towards Christ-like self-denial. This incident reminds us that the pursuit of status can blind us to the profound truths of God's redemptive plan and distract us from the call to sacrificial love.

* [Matthew 18:1-4](/matthew/18-1-4 "Matthew 18:1-4 - Who is Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?")
* [Mark 9:33-35](/mark/9-33-35 "Mark 9:33-35 - The First Shall Be Last")
* [Luke 22:24-27](/luke/22-24-27 "Luke 22:24-27 - True Greatness is Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:46 offers a profound challenge for every believer and every church community. It forces us to confront our own motives: are we serving God and others out of a genuine desire to glorify Him and build His kingdom, or are we subtly seeking personal recognition, influence, or a higher position? The disciples' dispute reminds us that even those closest to Jesus can fall prey to the insidious sin of pride, demonstrating that spiritual proximity does not automatically equate to spiritual humility. True greatness, as Jesus teaches, is not about being served but about serving, not about accumulating power but about emptying oneself for the sake of others. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, urging us to crucify our ambition for worldly acclaim and embrace the humble path of Christ, finding our true identity and significance in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, even within my spiritual walk, might I be subtly seeking to be "greatest" or gain recognition?**
* **How does my understanding of "success" or "greatness" align with or diverge from Jesus' teaching on humility and service?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a more humble, servant-hearted attitude in my interactions and ministries?**
* **How can my church community better model and teach the counter-cultural values of humility and self-denial that Jesus exemplified?**

### FAQ
**Why were the disciples so focused on who would be "greatest" when Jesus had just spoken of His suffering?**

Answer: The disciples were deeply influenced by the cultural expectations of their time, which valued status, honor, and hierarchical position. They likely envisioned Jesus establishing an earthly kingdom where they, as His closest followers, would hold prominent roles. Their focus on "greatness" stemmed from a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' kingdom—which is spiritual and heavenly, not earthly and political—and His mission, which involved suffering and sacrifice, not immediate worldly conquest. Their human ambition temporarily overshadowed their spiritual comprehension, a common struggle for even devoted followers.

**Did Jesus explicitly answer who was the "greatest" among them?**

Answer: No, Jesus did not identify one of them as "greatest" in the way they expected. Instead, He radically redefined what "greatness" means in the Kingdom of God. Immediately following this verse, in [Luke 9:47-48](/luke/9-47-48 "Luke 9:47-48 - Jesus Rebukes Ambition with a Child"), Jesus takes a child and places him beside Himself, stating, "Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great." He completely inverted their worldly understanding, teaching that true greatness is found in humility, servanthood, and welcoming the vulnerable, rather than in power or position.

**How does this passage apply to leadership and ambition within the church today?**

Answer: This passage serves as a perpetual warning against pride and worldly ambition in all forms of Christian leadership and service. It reminds us that the church is not a corporation or a political entity, but a spiritual body called to embody Christ's humility. Leaders and members alike are called to be servants, prioritizing the needs of others and the glory of God above personal gain or recognition. The pursuit of power or status within the church contradicts the very essence of Christ's teaching and can lead to division and spiritual barrenness. True influence and effectiveness in God's kingdom come through humble, self-sacrificial service, mirroring the example of the Lord Jesus Himself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The disciples' argument over who "should be greatest" in [Luke 9:46](/luke/9-46 "Luke 9:46 - Disciples Dispute Who is Greatest") stands in stark contrast to the very essence of Christ's nature and mission, revealing His ultimate fulfillment of true greatness. While the disciples were consumed with self-exaltation, Jesus was already on the path to the cross, embodying the ultimate act of self-abasement. He, who was God in the flesh, did not cling to His divine prerogatives but "emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). Jesus' entire life was a living commentary on true greatness: He came "not 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")). His act of washing the disciples' feet in [John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet") perfectly illustrates that the King of the Universe defines greatness through humble service, becoming the "least" to exalt others. Thus, Jesus Himself is the perfect embodiment and fulfillment of the "greatest" in God's kingdom, not through asserting power, but through radical, self-giving love that culminates in His sacrificial death and resurrection.

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 18:1

¶ At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

Matthew 18:5

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Mark 9:33

And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

Mark 9:37

Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

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 20:22

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

Philippians 2:3

[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.