New International VersionVery truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
New Living TranslationI tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message.
English Standard VersionTruly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
Berean Standard BibleTruly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
Berean Literal BibleTruly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor a messenger greater than the one having sent him.
King James BibleVerily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
New King James VersionMost assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.
New American Standard BibleTruly, truly I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.
NASB 1995“Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.
NASB 1977“Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master; neither is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.
Legacy Standard BibleTruly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.
Amplified BibleI assure you and most solemnly say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.
Christian Standard Bible“Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him.
Holman Christian Standard Bible“I assure you: A slave is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him.
American Standard VersionVerily, verily, I say unto you, a servant is not greater than his lord; neither one that is sent greater than he that sent him.
Contemporary English VersionI tell you for certain that servants are not greater than their master, and messengers are not greater than the one who sent them.
English Revised VersionVerily, verily, I say unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord; neither one that is sent greater than he that sent him.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI can guarantee this truth: Slaves are not superior to their owners, and messengers are not superior to the people who send them.
Good News TranslationI am telling you the truth: no slaves are greater than their master, and no messengers are greater than the one who sent them.
International Standard VersionTruly, I tell all of you emphatically, a servant isn't greater than his master, and a messenger isn't greater than the one who sent him.
NET BibleI tell you the solemn truth, the slave is not greater than his master, nor is the one who is sent as a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
New Heart English BibleTruly, truly, I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, neither one who is sent greater than he who sent him.
Webster's Bible TranslationVerily, verily, I say to you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
Weymouth New TestamentIn most solemn truth I tell you that a servant is not superior to his master, nor is a messenger superior to him who sent him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTruly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
World English BibleMost certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither is one who is sent greater than he who sent him. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versiontruly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his lord, nor an apostle greater than he who sent him;
Berean Literal BibleTruly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor a messenger greater than the one having sent him.
Young's Literal Translation verily, verily, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his lord, nor an apostle greater than he who sent him;
Smith's Literal TranslationTruly, truly I say to you, The servant is not greater than his Lord; neither the sent greater than he having sent him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAmen, amen I say to you: The servant is not greater than his lord; neither is the apostle greater than he that sent him.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAmen, amen, I say to you, the servant is not greater than his Lord, and the apostle is not greater than he who sent him.
New American BibleAmen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him.
New Revised Standard VersionVery truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTruly, truly, I say to you, There is no servant who is greater than his master; and no apostle who is greater than he who sent him.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“Timeless truth I speak to you: there is no servant greater than his master and no apostle is greater than he who sent him.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentVerily, verily I say to you, the servant is not greater than his master, nor is he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
Godbey New TestamentTruly, truly, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; nor the apostle greater than him that sent him.
Haweis New Testament
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his master; nor the messenger greater than him that sent him.
Mace New Testament
I declare unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord, neither he that is sent, greater than he that sent him.
Weymouth New Testament
In most solemn truth I tell you that a servant is not superior to his master, nor is a messenger superior to him who sent him.
Worrell New Testament
Verily, verily, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his lord, nor one who is sent greater than he who sent him.
Worsley New Testament
Verily, verily I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord, noris the messenger greater than he that sent him.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet… 15I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. 16Truly,truly,I tellyou,noservantisgreater thanhismaster,nor isa messengergreater thanthe one whosenthim.17If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.…
Cross References Matthew 10:24A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.
Luke 6:40A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
Philippians 2:7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.
Mark 10:44-45and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. / For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
John 15:20Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.
1 Peter 5:5Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Romans 15:8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs,
1 Corinthians 9:19Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
Matthew 20:26-28It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— / just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Luke 22:27For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.
Philippians 2:5-8Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. ...
Galatians 5:13For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.
1 Corinthians 7:22For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave.
2 Corinthians 4:5For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
Isaiah 42:1“Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.
Treasury of Scripture Truly, truly, I say to you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. Verily. John 3:3,5 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God… The servant. John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. Matthew 10:24,25 The disciple is not abovehis master, nor the servant above his lord… Luke 6:40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. Jump to Previous ApostleBondmanGreaterMasterMessengerServantSlaveSolemnSuperiorTruthVerilyJump to Next ApostleBondmanGreaterMasterMessengerServantSlaveSolemnSuperiorTruthVerilyJohn 13 1.Jesus washes the disciples' feet, and exhorts them to humility and charity.18.He foretells and discovers to John by a token, that Judas should betray him;31.commands them to love one another;36.and forewarns Peter of his denials.Truly, truly, I tell youThis phrase, often translated as "Amen, amen, I say to you," is a solemn affirmation used by Jesus to emphasize the truth and importance of His statement. The repetition of "truly" underscores the certainty and authority of His words. In the Jewish tradition, "amen" is a declaration of affirmation, and its use here highlights the gravity of the teaching that follows. no servant is greater than his master
This part of the verse reflects the hierarchical relationship between a servant and a master, a common social structure in the ancient world. In the context of Jesus' ministry, it serves as a reminder of the humility and service expected of His followers. The statement is a call to emulate Jesus' example of servanthood, as He had just demonstrated by washing the disciples' feet (John 13:1-17). This act of humility by Jesus, the Master, sets a precedent for His disciples. nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him
The term "messenger" can be understood as an apostle or one who is sent with a message. In the cultural context of the time, a messenger was expected to faithfully represent the sender's intentions and authority. This phrase emphasizes the role of the disciples as representatives of Christ, who is the ultimate sender. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of submission to God's will, as seen in Jesus' own submission to the Father (John 5:30). Connections to Other Scripture
This teaching is echoed in other parts of the New Testament, such asMatthew 10:24-25, where Jesus reiterates the principle that a disciple is not above his teacher. It also aligns withPhilippians 2:5-8, where Paul describes Jesus' humility and obedience, even to the point of death on a cross. These passages collectively underscore the call to humility and service in the Christian life. Types of Jesus Christ
Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of a servant leader. His life and ministry fulfill the prophetic imagery of the Suffering Servant inIsaiah 53. By washing the disciples' feet and teaching this principle, Jesus embodies the servant role, foreshadowing His ultimate act of service on the cross. This typology reinforces the call for believers to follow in His footsteps, serving others selflessly. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples during the Last Supper, a pivotal moment before His crucifixion. 2. The DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all future followers of Christ who are called to serve in humility. 3. The Last SupperThe setting of this teaching, where Jesus demonstrates servanthood by washing the disciples' feet, providing a powerful context for His words. Teaching Points Humility in ServiceJesus exemplifies that true greatness in His kingdom is found in humble service. Believers are called to follow His example, recognizing that no task is beneath them. Understanding AuthorityRecognizing the authority of Christ as the Master helps believers maintain a proper perspective on their role as servants and messengers. Imitating ChristAs followers of Jesus, we are to emulate His life of service and humility, understanding that our actions reflect our relationship with Him. The Role of a MessengerAs messengers of the Gospel, believers are reminded that their message is not their own but comes from the One who sent them, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and humility. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 13:16?
2.How does John 13:16 emphasize the importance of humility in leadership roles?
3.What does "a servant is not greater than his master" teach about discipleship?
4.How can we apply the principle of servanthood from John 13:16 today?
5.How does John 13:16 connect with Philippians 2:5-7 about Christ's humility?
6.In what ways can we model Christ's example of service in our communities?
7.How does John 13:16 challenge traditional views of authority and leadership?
8.What historical context influenced the message of John 13:16?
9.How does John 13:16 reflect the theme of servitude in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 13?
11.What does the Bible teach about servanthood?
12.Is wealth and fame appropriate for Christians?
13.Why, according to John 16:13, do Christians still disagree on key doctrines if the Spirit is supposed to guide believers into 'all truth'?
14.Titus 2:9 - Why does Paul instruct slaves to obey their masters, seemingly endorsing slavery in the process?What Does John 13:16 Mean Truly, truly- Jesus doubles the word “truly” to drive home the absolute reliability of what follows. This isn’t optional advice; it is divine truth we can stake our lives on. - Similar emphatic openings appear inJohn 1:51 andJohn 5:24, underlining that whenever Christ says “Truly, truly,” He is revealing something foundational for discipleship. - The Lord is about to anchor our understanding of greatness, service, and mission in His own example, so He makes certain we give it our undivided attention.
I tell you- The authority rests squarely on Jesus Himself. He does not quote others; He, the living Word (John 1:1-3), is speaking. -Matthew 5–7 often repeats “But I tell you,” demonstrating that whenever Jesus speaks, He delivers the final word on any matter (Matthew 7:28-29). - Because the speaker is the risen Lord (John 20:28), His statement stands above cultural norms or personal aspirations; our role is to hear and obey.
no servant is greater than his master- Jesus had just washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:4-5). By taking a slave’s role, He set the pattern: if the Master stoops to serve, so must we. -Luke 6:40 reminds us, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher”. -John 15:20 echoes the point: “Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ ” If persecution or lowly tasks were not beneath Christ, they are not beneath us. - Practical takeaways: • No platform or title exempts a believer from humble service. • We measure success by faithfulness, not by status.
nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him- Jesus commissions His followers as ambassadors (John 20:21;2 Corinthians 5:20). A messenger’s glory lies in accurately delivering the sender’s message, not in self-promotion. -Romans 10:14-15 highlights the beauty of feet that carry good news, pointing back toIsaiah 52:7—honor comes from the task, not the messenger. - Since Christ is the Sender, His message, methods, and motives govern ours. • We proclaim what He said, not what culture prefers. • We adopt His tone of grace and truth (John 1:14). • We accept His timing and assignments, however small or challenging.
summaryJohn 13:16 calls every believer to embrace Christlike humility and obedience. Because Jesus guarantees the truth of His words, and because He is the ultimate authority, we gladly accept that we are servants and messengers under Him. Our greatness is found in mirroring our Master—washing feet, speaking His gospel, and living so that all honor flows back to the One who sent us. (16) The servant is not greater than his lord.--These words have already occurred in the earlier Gospels in another connection. (Comp. Note on Matthew 10:24, and Luke 6:40.) They occur again in this Gospel in John 15:20. Verse 16. - The Verily, verily reveals the solemnity with which our Lord touched the frequently quoted aphorism ( Matthew 10:24; Luke 6:40; and again John 15:20). The servant - the slave - is not greater than his lord; you have already called me Lord, and so I am; neither is ( one that is sent) an apostle greater than he that sent him on his great mission. Therefore if I, your Lord and Teacher, have set forth this principle of self-abnegating service, a fortiori should ye in love serve one another, the greatest should render even menial service to the humblest; he that would be first to him that is the last, and each to all. This is one of the essential marks, and ever will be, of the mind that was in Christ Jesus (comp. Matthew 10:23, 24, where an analogous phrase justifies the disciples in expecting and fleeing from persecution - a step in which they would simply be following their Lord's example; cf. a very different use of the proverb in Luke 6:40, where it is used to warn a blind man from assuming the office of a guide, and the resemblance of the character, etc., between the Teacher and disciple).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Truly,ἀμὴν(amēn)Hebrew Word
Strong's 281:Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.truly,ἀμὴν(amēn)Hebrew Word
Strong's 281:Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.I tellλέγω(legō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.you,ὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.noοὐκ(ouk)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.servantδοῦλος(doulos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1401:(a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.isἔστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.greater thanμείζων(meizōn)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 3173:Large, great, in the widest sense.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.master,κυρίου(kyriou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.nor [is]οὐδὲ(oude)Conjunction
Strong's 3761:Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.a messengerἀπόστολος(apostolos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 652:From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.greater thanμείζων(meizōn)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 3173:Large, great, in the widest sense.the [one who]τοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.sentπέμψαντος(pempsantos)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3992:To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth.him.αὐτόν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Gospels: John 13:16 Most certainly I tell you a servant (Jhn Jo Jn) |
