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◄ Luke 22:27►

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

New Living Translation
Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
For 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.

Berean Literal Bible
For whois greater, theone reclining or theone serving?Is not theone reclining? But I am in your midst as theOne serving.

King James Bible
For whetheris greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth?is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

New King James Version
For whois greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves?Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.

New American Standard Bible
For who is greater, the one who reclinesat the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclinesat the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

NASB 1995
“For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

NASB 1977
“For who is greater, the one who reclinesat the table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclinesat the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

Legacy Standard Bible
For who is greater, the one who reclinesat the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as the one who serves.

Amplified Bible
For who is the greater, the one who reclinesat the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclinesat the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

Christian Standard Bible
For who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Isn’t it the one at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Isn’t it the one at the table? But I am among you as the One who serves.

American Standard Version
For which is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am in the midst of you as he that serveth.

Contemporary English Version
Who do people think is the greatest, a person who is served or one who serves? Isn't it the one who is served? But I have been with you as a servant.

English Revised Version
For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am in the midst of you as he that serveth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Who's the greatest, the person who sits at the table or the servant? Isn't it really the person who sits at the table? But I'm among you as a servant.

Good News Translation
Who is greater, the one who sits down to eat or the one who serves? The one who sits down, of course. But I am among you as one who serves.

International Standard Version
Because who is greater, the one who sits at the table, or the one who serves? It is the one at the table, isn't it? But I'm among you as one who serves.

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

New Heart English Bible
For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? But I am in the midst of you as one who serves.

Webster's Bible Translation
For which is greater, he that sitteth at table, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at table? but I am among you as he that serveth.

Weymouth New Testament
For which is the greater--he who sits at table, or he who waits on him? Is it not he who sits at table? But my position among you is that of one who waits on others.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
For 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.

World English Bible
For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn’t it he who sits at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for who is greater? He who is reclining, or he who is ministering? Is it not he who is reclining? And I am in your midst as He who is ministering.

Berean Literal Bible
For whois greater, theone reclining or theone serving?Is not theone reclining? But I am in your midst as theOne serving.

Young's Literal Translation
for who is greater? he who is reclining (at meat), or he who is ministering? is it not he who is reclining (at meat)? and I -- I am in your midst as he who is ministering.

Smith's Literal Translation
For which the greater, he reclining, or he serving? is not he reclining and I am in the midst of you as he serving.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For which is greater, he that sitteth at table, or he that serveth? Is it not he that sitteth at table? But I am in the midst of you, as he that serveth:

Catholic Public Domain Version
For who is greater: he who sits at table, or he who serves? Is not he who sits at table? Yet I am in your midst as one who serves.

New American Bible
For who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves.

New Revised Standard Version
For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For who is greater, he who sits down or he who serves? Is it not he who sits down? but I am among you as one who serves.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For who is greater: he who sits or he who is a waiter? Is it not he who sits? But I am among you as he who is a waiter.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For which is greater, he that reclines at table, or he that serves? Is not he that reclines at table? But I am among you as one that serves.

Godbey New Testament
For which is the greater, he that sitteth at the table, or the waiter? is not the one sitting? but I am in the midst of you as the waiter.

Haweis New Testament
For which is the greater, he that sitteth at table, or he that waits? is not he that sitteth at table? but I am in the midst of you as he that serveth.

Mace New Testament
for who is greatest, he that sits at table, or he that waits? is it not the person at table? yet I am among you as one that serves.

Weymouth New Testament
For which is the greater--he who sits at table, or he who waits on him? Is it not he who sits at table? But my position among you is that of one who waits on others.

Worrell New Testament
For who is greater, he who reclinesat table, or he who serves? Is not he who reclines? But I am in the midst of you as One Who serveth.

Worsley New Testament
For which is greater, he that sitteth at table, or he that serveth?is not he that sitteth at table? but I am among you as one that serveth.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Who is the Greatest?
…26But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves.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.28You are the ones who have stood by Me in My trials.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Matthew 20:28
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.”

Mark 10:45
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 13:12-17
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? / You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. / So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. ...

Philippians 2:5-7
Let 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.

Matthew 23:11
The greatest among you shall be your servant.

Mark 9:35
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.”

John 12:26
If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

1 Peter 5:3
not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

1 Corinthians 9:19
Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

Romans 15:8
For 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,

Isaiah 53:11
After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.

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.

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

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.

2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.

Treasury of Scripture

For whether is greater, he that sits at meat, or he that serves? is not he that sits at meat? but I am among you as he that serves.

Luke 12:37
Blessedare those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

Luke 17:7-9
But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? …

Matthew 20:28
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

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Luke 22

1.The leaders conspire against Jesus.
3.Satan prepares Judas to betray him.
7.The apostles prepare the Passover.
19.Jesus institutes his holy supper;
21.covertly foretells of the traitor;
24.rebukes the rest of his apostles from ambition;
31.assures Peter his faith should not fail;
34.and yet he should deny him thrice.
39.He prays in the mount, and sweats blood;
47.is betrayed with a kiss;
50.he heals Malchus' ear;
54.he is thrice denied by Peter;
63.shamefully abused;
66.and confesses himself to be the Son of God.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves?
In the cultural context of the first century, reclining at the table was a sign of status and honor. Meals were significant social events, and those who reclined were typically the guests of honor or those of higher social standing. This question posed by Jesus challenges the conventional understanding of greatness and authority. In the Greco-Roman world, service was often associated with slaves or those of lower status, making Jesus' question provocative and counter-cultural.

Is it not the one who reclines?
This rhetorical question reflects the common societal belief that those who recline at the table are indeed greater. It acknowledges the prevailing norms of the time, where social hierarchy was clearly defined, and those with power and influence were served by others. This expectation is mirrored in other parts of the Gospels, where the disciples often argue about who among them is the greatest (e.g.,Luke 9:46).

But I am among you as one who serves.
Here, Jesus presents Himself as the ultimate example of servant leadership, subverting the traditional views of power and greatness. This statement is a direct reference to His mission and character, as seen throughout His ministry. Jesus' life exemplifies humility and service, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross. This phrase connects toPhilippians 2:7, where Paul describes Jesus as taking the form of a servant. It also fulfills the prophecy of the Suffering Servant inIsaiah 53, highlighting Jesus as the Messiah who serves humanity through His life and atoning sacrifice.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about true greatness through service.

2.The Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are being instructed on the nature of leadership and service.

3.The Last Supper
The setting of this teaching, where Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion.

4.Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, significant as the center of Jewish religious life.

5.The Kingdom of God
An underlying theme in Jesus' teaching, emphasizing the values of God's kingdom as opposed to worldly values.

Teaching Points

The Paradox of Greatness
In God's kingdom, true greatness is found in humility and service, not in power or status.

The Example of Christ
Jesus, though Lord of all, chose to serve. His life is the ultimate model for Christian behavior.

Servanthood as Leadership
Christian leadership is characterized by serving others, not by lording over them.

The Call to Imitate Christ
Believers are called to follow Jesus' example by serving others selflessly.

The Heart of a Servant
Cultivating a servant's heart requires a transformation of values, aligning with the principles of God's kingdom.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Luke 22:27?

2.How does Luke 22:27 redefine leadership and service in a Christian context?

3.What does "I am among you as one who serves" teach about humility?

4.How can we emulate Jesus' servant leadership in our daily interactions?

5.Compare Luke 22:27 with Philippians 2:7. How do they complement each other?

6.In what ways can church leaders apply the principles of Luke 22:27 today?

7.How does Luke 22:27 challenge traditional views of leadership and authority?

8.What does Luke 22:27 reveal about Jesus' understanding of servanthood?

9.How does the historical context of Luke 22:27 influence its interpretation?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 22?

11.Who was Martha in the Bible?

12.Did Jesus come to serve or be served?

13.Did Jesus come to serve or be served?

14.What makes leadership a valuable gift?

What Does Luke 22:27 Mean

For who is greater

Luke 22:27 opens by raising the question of greatness. In everyday society—and even among the disciples inLuke 22:24—status is measured by power and prestige. Jesus calls attention to that thinking so He can overturn it. This mirrors His teaching inMatthew 20:25-26 that “the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… Not so with you.”

Key takeaways:

- The world links greatness to position.

- Even believers can drift into that mindset (cf.Luke 9:46).

- Jesus always starts where His listeners are before redirecting them.

the one who reclines at the table

In first-century banquets, the honored guests reclined, leaning on cushions while servants stood ready. Jesus’ hearers knew exactly who looked important. This recalls His parable about choosing seats of honor (Luke 14:7-11).

Points to notice:

- Reclining signals privilege and comfort.

- It exemplifies “first place” thinking that Jesus warns against inMatthew 23:6-11.

- Our culture has its own equivalents—corner offices, VIP sections—where self-importance still thrives.

or the one who serves?

A servant, by contrast, remains on his feet, attends to needs, and receives little recognition. Jesus’ wording forces a contrast between visible honor and hidden service, much like His earlier words inLuke 12:37 where He promises to serve faithful servants at His return.

Consider:

- Service often happens in the background, unnoticed by crowds.

- Throughout Scripture God elevates the humble (Proverbs 29:23;James 4:10).

- True greatness, therefore, cannot be anchored in external applause.

Is it not the one who reclines?

Jesus answers according to common thinking: everyone assumes the recliner is greater. He lets that conclusion stand for a moment to expose its emptiness, echoingLuke 22:25 where worldly rulers call themselves “Benefactors.”

Reflection:

- Human reasoning defaults to rank and privilege.

- Jesus repeatedly dismantles those assumptions (Mark 9:35).

- The disciples must recognize how deeply the world’s values have shaped them.

But I am among you as one who serves.

Here Jesus overturns the whole equation. Though rightfully “greater” (John 1:1-3;Colossians 1:16-18), He chooses the servant’s role. Within hours He will illustrate this by washing feet (John 13:4-15) and by the cross itself (Mark 10:45;Philippians 2:5-8).

Practical implications:

- Greatness in God’s kingdom equals humble, sacrificial service.

- Leaders are first servants (1 Peter 5:2-3).

- Every believer is called to imitate Christ’s pattern:

- Notice needs.

- Step in personally.

- Expect no earthly acclaim.

summary

Luke 22:27 contrasts society’s view of greatness with Christ’s. While people admire the one comfortably reclining, Jesus—rightly supreme—takes the lower place, modeling that true honor lies in self-giving service. His example calls every follower to measure greatness not by status, but by willingness to serve in love, trusting God to exalt the humble in His time.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(27)I am among you as he that serveth.--An obviously undesigned coincidence presents itself on a comparison of the words with the narrative ofJohn 13:1-16, where see Notes. The Lord had actually on that very evening been among them, "as he that serveth," girded, like a slave, with the linen towel, and washing the feet of the disciples. He had seen, at the beginning of the feast, the latent germs of rivalry, the later development of which not even that example had been able to check.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

For
γὰρ(gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

who
τίς(tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

[is] greater,
μείζων(meizōn)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 3173:Large, great, in the widest sense.

the [one who]
ὁ(ho)
Article - Nominative 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.

reclines at the table
ἀνακείμενος(anakeimenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 345:To recline, especially at a dinner-table. From ana and keimai; to recline.

or
ἢ(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228:Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

the [one who]
ὁ(ho)
Article - Nominative 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.

serves?
διακονῶν(diakonōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1247:From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon.

[Is it] not
οὐχὶ(ouchi)
IntPrtcl
Strong's 3780:By no means, not at all. Intensive of ou; not indeed.

the [one who]
ὁ(ho)
Article - Nominative 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.

reclines?
ἀνακείμενος(anakeimenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 345:To recline, especially at a dinner-table. From ana and keimai; to recline.

But
δὲ(de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.

I
ἐγὼ(egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

am
εἰμι(eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st 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.

among you
μέσῳ(mesō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3319:Middle, in the middle, between, in the midst of. From meta; middle (neuter) noun).

as
ὡς(hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

the [One who]
ὁ(ho)
Article - Nominative 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.

serves.
διακονῶν(diakonōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1247:From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon.

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NT Gospels: Luke 22:27 For who is greater one who sits (Luke Lu Lk)