Bible Strands
Luke 9:46
Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrative records a moment among Jesus and his disciples immediately following their failure to comprehend his veiled prediction of his death. The text states that a dispute arose among the disciples themselves concerning their relative status.
The words — The Greek διαλογισμὸς (dialogismos) literally means a reasoning or argument, and εἰσῆλθεν (eisēlthen) indicates this dispute entered or arose among them. The verse reports the factual occurrence of the dispute before any subsequent rebuke or teaching.
The thread — This conflict over rank appears in parallel accounts where Jesus directly addresses the disciples' ambition (Matthew 18:1; Mark 9:33). The narrative also parallels a later status request made through the mother of Zebedee’s sons (Matthew 20:20).
Why it lands — The text presents ambition emerging immediately after divine revelation, showing that spiritual exposure does not automatically correct human pride. It requires the reader to acknowledge that discipleship involves confronting the same status-seeking impulses that persist despite proximity to Jesus.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.
Cross-references
- Matthew 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
- Matthew 20:20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him.
- Mark 9:33 Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was in the house, He asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?”
- Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
- 3 John 1:9 I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.
- Matthew 23:6 They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues,
- Luke 14:7 When Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, He told them a parable:
- Luke 22:24 A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest.
- Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.
- Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.