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.

But {G1161} Jesus {G2424} called {G4341} them {G846} unto him, and said {G2036}, Ye know {G1492} that {G3754} the princes {G758} of the Gentiles {G1484} exercise dominion over {G2634} them {G846}, and {G2532} they that are great {G3173} exercise authority upon {G2715} them {G846}.

But Yeshua called them and said, "You know that among the Goyim, those who are supposed to rule them become tyrants, and their superiors become dictators.

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.

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.

Matthew 20:25 KJV introduces Jesus' profound teaching on the nature of true leadership, contrasting the prevailing worldly models with the radical principles of His kingdom. This verse sets the stage for His call to servant leadership, a core tenet of Christian discipleship.

Context

This verse follows a pivotal moment where James and John, or their mother, requested prominent positions of authority in Jesus' coming kingdom (Matthew 20:20-24). The other ten disciples were indignant, likely because they also harbored similar ambitions for status and power. Jesus, recognizing the underlying worldly mindset, calls them together to address their understanding of greatness and authority. He draws a clear distinction between the way rulers operate in the world and the way His followers are to lead.

Key Themes

  • Worldly Authority vs. Kingdom Leadership: Jesus highlights the common model of leadership among the "Gentiles," referring to the non-Jewish nations and their rulers (like the Roman Empire), who "exercise dominion" and "exercise authority" through force, hierarchy, and control. This is a system where power is wielded over others.
  • The Nature of Power: The verse implicitly critiques a desire for power that seeks to dominate rather than to serve. It exposes the human tendency to emulate secular structures of control and influence.
  • Setting the Stage for Servanthood: By describing worldly leadership, Jesus prepares His disciples for the revolutionary concept of servant leadership, which He expounds upon in the subsequent verses (Matthew 20:26-28), where He teaches that true greatness in His kingdom comes through serving others.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words translated "exercise dominion over them" (κυριεύουσιν - kyrieuousin) and "exercise authority upon them" (κατεξουσιάζουσιν - katexousiazousin) are significant. Kyrieuousin, derived from kyrios (lord), denotes acting as a lord or master, having power over. Katexousiazousin is an intensified form of "to have authority," implying a strong, often oppressive, exercise of power. These terms vividly portray a top-down, dominant, and potentially coercive style of leadership typical of worldly rulers, which stands in stark contrast to the leadership model Jesus exemplifies and advocates.

Practical Application

This verse challenges us to examine our own ambitions and understanding of leadership. In a world that often values power, control, and status, Jesus calls His followers to a different path. Whether in the church, at home, or in the workplace, Christian leadership is not about dominating others but about serving them. It reminds us that true influence in God's kingdom is measured by humility and service, mirroring the example of Christ Himself, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45).

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.

  • 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.

  • Luke 22:27

    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.

  • 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.

  • John 13:12

    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?

  • John 13:17

    If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

  • 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.

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