Luke 22:27

27 For who is the greater, ¹one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But ²I am among you as the one who serves.

Luke 22:27 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 22:27

For whether is greater
Christ appeals to themselves, and puts a case that is plain and obvious to any one, who is the greater, and more honourable person; he that sitteth at meat;
that sits, or lies down at table, and another waits on him: or he that serveth?
that stands behind, observes orders, and ministers to those that sit down: is not he that sitteth at meat?
you, and every one must own, that he is the greatest, and most honourable person: but I am among you as he that serveth;
Christ took upon him the form of a servant, and instead of being ministered unto, ministered to others; and had very lately, but two days before, gird himself, and took a basin and a towel, and washed and wiped the feet of his disciples: now our Lord, by his own example throughout the whole of his conduct among them, as well as by such a single action, would dissuade from their ambitious views of superiority over each other, and learn of him who was meek and lowly, and by love serve one another.

Luke 22:27 In-Context

25 And he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.

26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.

27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

28 "You are those who have stayed with me in my trials,

29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom,

Cross References

• 1. [Luke 12:37]
• 2. See Matthew 20:28