Matthew 10:24

24 “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master.

Matthew 10:24 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.
New Living Translation (NLT)
24 “Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master.
The Message Bible (MSG)
24 "A student doesn't get a better desk than her teacher. A laborer doesn't make more money than his boss.
American Standard Version (ASV)
24 A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
24 "A student is not better than his teacher. Nor is a slave better than his owner.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
24 A disciple is not above his teacher, or a slave above his master.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
24 "A student is not better than his teacher. A servant is not better than his master.

Matthew 10:24 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 10:24

The disciple is not above his master
So far from it, that he is inferior to him; as in knowledge, so in reputation and character; and cannot expect the same honour to be given him, and the same respect shown to him, as to his master; and therefore if his master is not used with that decency, and in that becoming manner he ought to be, he must not think it any hardship if he is treated in the same way. Our Lord hereby intends to fortify the minds of his disciples against all the reproach and persecution they were to meet with from the world, by observing to them the treatment he himself met with; wherefore, if he who was their master, a teacher that came from God, and taught as never man did, and was worthy of the utmost deference that could be paid, was maligned and evilly treated by men, it became them who were his disciples, to look for, and patiently bear such indignities; since they could expect no better usage than he himself had: the same doctrine is suggested in the next clause,

nor the servant above his Lord;
and both seem to be proverbial expressions. The Jews have a saying F8 much like unto them, (wbrm) (hkz dbeh Nya) , "no servant is worthier than his master"; and Christ might make use of such common, well known expressions, that he might be the more easily understood, and in the most familiar manner convey what he intended, into the minds of his disciples; as, that since he was their Lord, and they were his servants, if his superior character and dignity did not secure him from the obloquy and insults of men, it could not be thought by them, who were inferior to him, that they should escape them.


FOOTNOTES:

F8 T. Hieros. Maaser Sheni, fol. 55. 1.

Matthew 10:24 In-Context

22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master.
25 It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Luke 6:40; S John 13:16; John 15:20
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