Bible Strands
Matthew 20:25
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus calls the ten remaining disciples aside after they learn of the two brothers' request for positions of honor. He addresses them at the moment their competitive indignation reveals a misunderstanding of kingdom authority.
The words — προσκαλεσάμενος (proskalesamenos) literally means "having called to [him]," denoting a deliberate, private summons. οἴδατε (oidate) translates directly as "you know," anchoring his teaching in their established cultural awareness.
The thread — Jesus records this same observation about Gentile rulers in Luke 22:25. He later applies the identical contrast between worldly domination and servant leadership in John 13:12.
Why it lands — The text first states a factual observation about how secular powers exercise lordship over subjects. It then requires readers to abandon hierarchical control and actively adopt a posture of service within their community.
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
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
Cross-references
- Luke 22:25 So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors.
- Matthew 20:25 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.
- John 13:12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you?
- Matthew 18:3 “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
- Mark 10:42 So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them.
- Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
- Daniel 2:12 This response made the king so angry and furious that he gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.
- Daniel 5:19 Because of the greatness that He bestowed on him, the people of every nation and language trembled in fear before him. He killed whom he wished and kept alive whom he wished; he exalted whom he wished and humbled whom he wished.
- Daniel 3:2 Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to assemble the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the other officials of the provinces to attend the dedication of the statue he had set up.
- Daniel 3:15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the statue I have made, very good. But if you refuse to worship, you will be thrown at once into the blazing fiery furnace. Then what god will be able to deliver you from my hands?”