Matthew 20:27

KJV

And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} whosoever {G3739}{G1437} will {G2309} be {G1511} chief {G4413} among {G1722} you {G5213}, let him be {G2077} your {G5216} servant {G1401}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and whoever wants to be first must be your slave!

Berean Standard Bible

and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave—

American Standard Version

and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 20:27 presents Jesus' radical redefinition of greatness within His emerging kingdom, directly challenging the world's hierarchical power structures. In stark contrast to prevailing notions of authority and dominance, Jesus declares that true leadership and preeminence among His followers are not achieved through control or status, but through a profound commitment to humble service, mirroring His own redemptive mission. This verse serves as a foundational principle for Christian discipleship, calling believers to a counter-cultural posture of self-sacrificial love and practical care for others.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This potent declaration by Jesus is strategically placed within a broader narrative in Matthew's Gospel that highlights the disciples' persistent struggles with worldly ambition and their misunderstanding of the true nature of the Messiah's kingdom. Immediately preceding this verse, the mother of James and John makes an audacious request for her sons to occupy positions of highest honor—sitting at Jesus' right and left hand—in His kingdom ([Matthew 20:20-21](/matthew/20-20-21 "Matthew 20:20-21 - The Ambition of James and John")). This request ignites indignation among the other ten disciples ([Matthew 20:24](/matthew/20-24 "Matthew 20:24 - Disciples' Indignation")), revealing that they, too, harbored similar desires for prominence. Jesus uses this teachable moment to address their misconceptions head-on, contrasting the oppressive leadership of Gentile rulers with the servant-hearted model He embodies and commands. The climax of this teaching comes in the very next verse, [Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - Jesus' Example of Service"), where Jesus declares that the Son of Man came "not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many," providing the ultimate example and motivation for His disciples' new way of life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish and Greco-Roman societies were deeply hierarchical, valuing honor, status, and power. Leaders, whether Roman emperors, local rulers, or even religious authorities, exercised their authority by "lording it over" their subjects, often through coercion, displays of wealth, and social stratification. The concept of a leader humbling himself to serve was largely alien and even demeaning within these cultures. The disciples, being products of this environment, naturally expected Jesus' kingdom to operate on similar principles, where their loyalty and proximity to the Messiah would grant them positions of power and prestige. Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 20:25-27](/matthew/20-25-27 "Matthew 20:25-27 - Jesus Teaches True Greatness") directly confronts these ingrained cultural norms, presenting a revolutionary paradigm for leadership and community that was utterly counter-cultural and rooted in the values of God's upside-down kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several foundational themes within Jesus' teaching. The most prominent is **Servant Leadership**, which posits that true greatness in God's kingdom is measured not by one's ability to command or control, but by one's willingness to humbly serve others. This principle is reiterated by Jesus elsewhere, as seen in [Matthew 23:11](/matthew/23-11 "Matthew 23:11 - The Greatest is Your Servant"), where He states, "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant." Closely related is the theme of **Humility**, which is presented as an essential prerequisite for genuine influence and spiritual growth. To aspire to be "chief" in Jesus' eyes requires a radical self-abasement, a willingness to prioritize the needs of others above one's own, echoing the call to be "clothed with humility" found in [1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5 - Humility Among Believers"). This teaching also underscores **Counter-Cultural Values**, as Jesus consistently subverts the world's wisdom, demonstrating that God's ways are fundamentally different from human ways. Finally, the passage is a direct lesson in **Discipleship**, preparing Jesus' followers for their future roles in establishing and leading the Church by embodying the very character of Christ Himself, who came to serve.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **chief (Greek, _prōtos'_):** Derived from `G4413`, this word means "foremost (in time, place, order or importance)." It signifies one who holds the highest position, is preeminent, or is first in rank. In the context of the disciples' ambition, it refers to the desire for a position of ultimate authority and honor within Jesus' kingdom, reflecting worldly aspirations for power.
* **will be (Greek, _thélō'_):** From `G2309`, this verb indicates a strong desire, intention, or active choice. It means "to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse); to wish, i.e., be inclined to." Jesus is addressing those who *desire* or *choose* to be first, highlighting the internal motivation behind their actions and aspirations.
* **servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From `G1401`, this term refers to "a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)." While it can mean a bond-servant, in this context, it emphasizes a voluntary, humble, and complete devotion to serving others, often in menial or self-effacing tasks. It stands in stark contrast to `prōtos`.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whosoever will be chief among you,"**: This clause addresses the internal desire for preeminence and leadership. Jesus acknowledges the natural human inclination to seek positions of influence and authority. However, He immediately sets the stage for a radical redefinition of what "chief" truly means within His kingdom, challenging the disciples' (and our) conventional understanding of power and status. The phrase "among you" specifically targets His followers, indicating that the principles He is about to lay down are for those within His community, distinct from the world's standards.
* **"let him be your servant:"**: This is the revolutionary command. The one who desires to be first must willingly embrace the lowest position, becoming a `doûlos`—a slave or bond-servant—to others. This is not merely about performing acts of service, but about adopting a mindset and posture of humility, self-sacrifice, and dedication to the well-being of others. It implies a willingness to forgo personal rights and privileges for the sake of serving the community, thereby subverting the world's power dynamics and establishing a new order based on love and self-giving.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 20:27 masterfully employs **Antithesis** and **Paradox** to convey its profound message. The primary **antithesis** is found in the direct juxtaposition of "chief" (πρῶτος, _prōtos_) and "servant" (δοῦλος, _doûlos_). These two terms represent polar opposites in societal status and function, with "chief" denoting the highest position of authority and "servant" signifying the lowest. By placing them in such close proximity and making one conditional upon the other, Jesus creates a powerful **paradox**: true greatness is achieved through self-abasement, and genuine leadership is expressed through humble service. This paradoxical statement challenges conventional wisdom and forces the listener to re-evaluate their understanding of power, status, and value. The verse's concise and direct nature also lends it a memorable, aphoristic quality, making its counter-cultural truth resonate deeply.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 20:27 is a cornerstone of Christian theology regarding leadership and the nature of God's kingdom. It reveals that the values of the kingdom of heaven are fundamentally inverted compared to the world's systems. God's economy of greatness is not based on earthly power, prestige, or dominance, but on humility, self-sacrifice, and a willingness to serve others. This principle flows directly from the very character of God, who, in Christ, emptied Himself and took on the form of a servant. It underscores the New Covenant's emphasis on love as the fulfilling of the law, where serving one another becomes the practical outworking of our love for God and neighbor. This verse also foreshadows the radical inclusivity of the kingdom, where the last shall be first, and the first, last, dismantling human hierarchies and elevating the dignity of every individual through mutual service.

* [Mark 10:43-45](/mark/10-43-45 "Mark 10:43-45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")
* [Luke 22:24-27](/luke/22-24-27 "Luke 22:24-27 - Who Is the Greatest?")
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 20:27 calls every believer to a profound re-evaluation of their aspirations and actions, regardless of their formal position. It challenges the ingrained human tendency to seek personal advancement, recognition, and control, urging us instead to cultivate a heart of genuine service. This principle applies not only to those in formal leadership roles within the church or community but to every aspect of daily life: in our families, workplaces, friendships, and interactions with strangers. It means prioritizing the needs and well-being of others, actively seeking opportunities to bless and uplift, and being willing to perform humble tasks without seeking personal gain or applause. Embracing this counter-cultural mandate transforms our relationships, fosters true community, and allows us to participate in the radical love that defines the kingdom of God. It encourages us to ask ourselves: Am I seeking to be served, or am I seeking to serve?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I most often seek to be "chief" or in control, rather than a servant?**
* **What specific actions can I take this week to intentionally serve someone in a way that goes against my natural inclinations?**
* **How might adopting a more servant-hearted posture transform my relationships with family, friends, or colleagues?**
* **What does "greatness" truly mean to me, and how does Jesus' definition challenge or affirm my understanding?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that all forms of leadership are wrong?**

Answer: No, this verse does not condemn leadership itself, but rather redefines its nature and purpose within the context of God's kingdom. Jesus Himself was a leader, and He appointed leaders (His apostles) to continue His work. The issue is not the *position* of leadership, but the *posture* and *motivation* of the leader. Worldly leadership often seeks to exert dominance and control for personal gain or prestige, while kingdom leadership, as taught by Jesus, is characterized by humility, self-sacrifice, and a genuine desire to serve and empower others. It's about leading *through* service, not *over* others.

**How does this teaching differ from secular ideas of leadership?**

Answer: Secular leadership models often emphasize power, authority, strategic advantage, and personal achievement. While some modern leadership theories incorporate elements of "servant leadership," Jesus' teaching goes deeper. It's not merely a technique for effective management but a fundamental spiritual principle rooted in the character of God and the example of Christ. It demands a radical reorientation of the heart, prioritizing the well-being of others even to the point of self-sacrifice ([Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Consideration for Others")). Unlike secular models that might use service as a means to an end (e.g., increased productivity), Jesus teaches service as the *end* itself for those who desire true greatness in His kingdom.

**Is this only for those in formal ministry or church leadership?**

Answer: While Matthew 20:27 has profound implications for those in formal ministry, its principle applies to *every* believer in *every* sphere of life. Jesus' audience was His disciples—all of them—not just a select few. Whether you are a parent, a student, an employee, an employer, a neighbor, or a friend, the call to be a servant applies. Wherever you have influence or interact with others, you have an opportunity to embody this principle. True greatness in God's eyes is not limited to specific roles but is a characteristic of all who follow Christ, seeking to serve others as He served us ([Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Serve One Another in Love")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 20:27 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. He is the quintessential "chief" of all, the Son of God, Creator, and King of kings, yet He willingly embraced the posture of a "servant" to accomplish humanity's redemption. His entire earthly ministry, from His incarnation to His crucifixion, was a living demonstration of this principle. Though He was "in the form of God," He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). He did not come to be served, but to serve, culminating in His giving "his life as a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - Jesus' Ultimate Act of Service")). His act of washing the disciples' feet ([John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet")) was a tangible illustration of the `doûlos` heart He commanded, instructing them, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet" ([John 13:14](/john/13-14 "John 13:14 - Jesus' Command to Serve")). Thus, Matthew 20:27 is not merely a moral imperative but a reflection of the very nature of God revealed in Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, truly took away the sin of the world through His ultimate act of servant leadership ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 22:26

But ye [shall] not [be] so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

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 9:35

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all.

Matthew 18:4

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

2 Corinthians 4:5

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

1 Corinthians 9:19

¶ For though I be free from all [men], yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

1 Corinthians 9:23

And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with [you].