New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 20:25

The Last Will Be First

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. Matthew 20:25 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 20:25, in plain English

Jesus calls them together and says, 'You know how worldly rulers lord their power over people and boss them around.'

Why it's here

Jesus names what everyone has experienced: leaders who use their position to control others.

Who's speaking

Jesus describes the kind of leadership His followers must leave behind.

Where it sits in the story

Before Jesus says what leadership should look like, He names what it shouldn't. Power that dominates is not the kingdom way.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus gathers all twelve and contrasts kingdom leadership with Gentile rulers who 'lord it over' (katakyrievousin) and 'exercise authority over' (katexousiazousin) their subjects — domination through power.

Language and setting

The kata- prefix in both verbs intensifies the meaning: abusive, top-down domination is the Gentile model Jesus explicitly rejects.

Voice

Jesus calls the disciples together to redefine leadership in the kingdom.

Significance

Jesus names the worldly model of power — domination and control — and tells His followers to reject it entirely.

In context

Matthew 20:23–27

23“You will indeed drink My cup,” Jesus said. “But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom My Father has prepared them.”

24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.

25But 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.

26It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

27and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave—

Read all of Matthew 20 — Workers hired at day's end receive the same wage as those who sweated since dawn. God's generosity offends our scorekeeping instincts.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad