Matthew 20:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 20:25 presents Jesus' direct challenge to His disciples' worldly understanding of power and authority, contrasting the oppressive, hierarchical leadership common among Gentile rulers with the radical, counter-cultural model of leadership He would soon introduce for His kingdom. This pivotal verse sets the stage for Jesus' profound teaching on servant leadership, reorienting His followers' ambitions from self-exaltation to humble service, a core principle of Christian discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a significant incident where James and John, through their mother, boldly requested the most prominent positions of authority in Jesus' coming kingdom, specifically to sit at His right and left hand in glory ([Matthew 20:20-21](/matthew/20-20-21 "Matthew 20:20-21 - The Request of James and John")). This request, born of a misunderstanding of the nature of Christ's kingdom, ignited indignation among the other ten disciples ([Matthew 20:24](/matthew/20-24 "Matthew 20:24 - Disciples' Indignation")), likely because they harbored similar aspirations for status and power. Jesus, perceiving the worldly mindset that permeated their ambitions, calls them all together to address the fundamental difference between the world's approach to greatness and His kingdom's. Verse 25 serves as the foundational premise for His revolutionary teaching on servant leadership, which He expounds upon in the subsequent verses ([Matthew 20:26-28](/matthew/20-26-28 "Matthew 20:26-28 - Jesus Teaches Servant Leadership")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of Jesus' time, leadership was intrinsically linked to power, dominance, and social status. Rulers, whether emperors, kings, or local magistrates, exercised absolute authority, often through coercion, military might, and a rigid social hierarchy. The Roman Empire, which occupied Judea, was a prime example of this system, with its proconsuls, governors, and military commanders wielding immense power over subjugated peoples. The "princes of the Gentiles" (τῶν ἐθνῶν οἱ ἄρχοντες) refers to these non-Jewish rulers and their established systems of governance, which prioritized control and self-aggrandizement. The disciples, being immersed in this cultural milieu, naturally conceived of kingdom leadership in these familiar terms, expecting positions of honor and influence akin to those of worldly potentates. Jesus' teaching directly confronts and subverts this deeply ingrained cultural paradigm.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 20:25 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the stark **contrast between worldly authority and kingdom leadership**. Jesus explicitly draws a line between the Gentile model of "exercising dominion" and "exercising authority" through power-over, and the radically different model He will present. Secondly, it addresses the **misconception of greatness** within the disciples' minds, challenging their desire for status and control. This theme is pervasive throughout Jesus' ministry, as seen in His teachings on humility and child-like faith ([Matthew 18:1-4](/matthew/18-1-4 "Matthew 18:1-4 - Who is the Greatest?")). Finally, this verse serves as a crucial **prelude to the teaching on servant leadership**, setting the stage for Jesus' revolutionary declaration that true greatness in His kingdom is found not in being served, but in serving others, culminating in His own sacrificial example ([Matthew 20:26-28](/matthew/20-26-28 "Matthew 20:26-28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **princes (Greek, _árchōn'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to be first (in rank or power)," this term refers to a chief ruler, magistrate, or prince. In this context, it specifically denotes the secular, non-Jewish rulers who exemplify the world's model of leadership—those who hold positions of authority and power over others, often through coercion or force.
* **exercise dominion over (Greek, _katakyrieúō'_):** This compound verb combines "κατά" (down, against) and "κυριεύω" (to be lord, to rule). It literally means "to lord against" or "to lord down upon," implying an oppressive or subjugating exercise of power. It denotes a mastery that is often heavy-handed, controlling, and potentially abusive, where power is wielded *over* subjects rather than for their benefit.
* **exercise authority upon (Greek, _katexousiázō'_):** Similar to the previous term, this verb combines "κατά" (down, against) and "ἐξουσιάζω" (to have authority, to wield power). It signifies the full, often intense or oppressive, privilege of wielding power. This term reinforces the idea of a top-down, dominant, and potentially coercive style of leadership, where those in power impose their will on those under them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jesus called them [unto him], and said,"**: This opening clause highlights Jesus' intentional and authoritative intervention. He doesn't dismiss their ambitions outright but gathers them for a direct, corrective teaching. The "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a contrast to the disciples' previous actions and mindset, signaling a shift in focus from their worldly aspirations to a divine revelation.
* **"Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them,"**: Jesus appeals to their common knowledge, drawing on their observations of the prevailing political and social structures. The "princes of the Gentiles" (non-Jewish nations) represent the standard, worldly model of leadership characterized by a hierarchical and often oppressive use of power. The phrase "exercise dominion over them" vividly portrays a type of rule that subjugates and controls, where leaders stand above and impose their will upon their subjects.
* **"and they that are great exercise authority upon them."**: This parallel clause reinforces the previous statement, emphasizing that even those considered "great" in the world's eyes operate under the same paradigm of dominance. The phrase "exercise authority upon them" further underscores the top-down, commanding nature of this leadership, where power is wielded for self-benefit or control rather than for the welfare of those being led.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Matthew 20:25 is **Contrast**. Jesus deliberately juxtaposes the prevailing model of Gentile leadership with the radical, counter-cultural principles of His kingdom. By describing the worldly exercise of power—where "princes" and "great ones" "exercise dominion over" and "exercise authority upon" others—He sets up a clear distinction that will be immediately followed by His revolutionary teaching on servant leadership. This **Exposition** serves to clarify the disciples' misconceptions, highlighting the fundamental difference between worldly ambition and divine calling. The language used, particularly the intensified Greek verbs for exercising power, also carries a subtle undertone of **Critique**, implicitly condemning the oppressive and self-serving nature of such worldly authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 20:25 serves as a foundational text for understanding the radical nature of kingdom leadership, standing in stark opposition to the world's paradigms of power. Theologically, it underscores that God's kingdom operates on principles entirely different from human systems. While the world values status, control, and the ability to dominate others, Jesus reveals that true greatness in His kingdom is measured by humility and self-sacrificial service. This verse challenges the inherent human tendency towards self-exaltation and the desire for worldly recognition, redirecting the focus from personal gain to the welfare of others, mirroring the very character of God, who serves humanity through His redemptive plan.

* [Matthew 20:26-28](/matthew/20-26-28 "The Son of Man Came to Serve")
* [Mark 10:42-45](/mark/10-42-45 "True Greatness is Service")
* [Luke 22:25-27](/luke/22-25-27 "Who is the Greatest?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse challenges us to deeply examine our own understanding and pursuit of leadership, whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or churches. In a world that often rewards assertiveness, control, and the accumulation of power, Jesus calls His followers to a fundamentally different path. Do we, like the disciples, secretly harbor desires for prominence, recognition, or control over others? Do we measure success by influence and authority, or by the depth of our service and humility? Matthew 20:25 reminds us that true impact in God's kingdom is not achieved by lording over others, but by laying down our lives for them, just as Christ did. It compels us to re-evaluate our motives for leadership and to actively seek opportunities to serve, rather than to be served, embodying the counter-cultural values of God's kingdom in every sphere of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself tempted to "exercise dominion over" or "exercise authority upon" others, rather than serving them?**
* **How does the world's definition of "greatness" influence your ambitions and actions?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to embody servant leadership in your daily interactions?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Gentile" leadership model Jesus refers to?**

Answer: The "Gentile" leadership model Jesus refers to is the prevailing system of authority common among non-Jewish nations, particularly the Roman Empire and other pagan cultures of His day. This model was characterized by a hierarchical structure where rulers (princes, kings, emperors) exercised power through dominance, coercion, and control over their subjects. It was a top-down approach where leaders sought to maintain their status and authority, often at the expense of the people they governed. Jesus highlights this model to contrast it sharply with the radically different principles of leadership He would establish within His kingdom, where true greatness is found in humble service rather than oppressive power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 20:25, by exposing the world's flawed model of leadership, sets the stage for Jesus to reveal the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of true authority: servant leadership. Jesus Himself perfectly embodies the antithesis of worldly dominion. He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His entire earthly ministry, from His humble birth to His agonizing death on the cross, was a demonstration of self-emptying love and service. The Apostle Paul beautifully articulates this in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility"), describing how Christ, though in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. His washing of the disciples' feet in [John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet") serves as a poignant visual parable of this principle, commanding His followers to emulate His example. Thus, the fulfillment of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 20:25 is found in His own life, death, and resurrection, which redefine power as sacrificial love and true authority as humble service, establishing the paradigm for all who would follow Him.

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 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.