Matthew 20:25

Matthew 20:25 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But Jesus said to them, You see that the rulers of the Gentiles are lords over them, and their great ones have authority over them.

Free Bible Version FBV

Jesus called them together and told them, “You know that foreign rulers lord it over their subjects, and powerful leaders oppress them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore Iesus called them vnto him, and saide, We knowe that the lordes of the Gentiles haue domination ouer them, and they that are great, exercise authoritie ouer them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Jesus having called them near, said, 'Ye have known that the rulers of the nations do exercise lordship over them, and those great do exercise authority over them,

World English Bible WEB

But Jesus summoned them, and said, “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But Jesus called them to him , and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But Jesus called them to him, and said: You know that the princes of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that are the greater, exercise power upon them.

Translation for Translators T4T

So Jesus called all of us together and said to us, “You know that those who rule the non-Jews enjoy showing them that they are powerful. Their chief rulers enjoy commanding the people under them.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 20:25

BAB

Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Matthew 20:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ο δε ιησους προσκαλεσαμενος αυτους ειπεν οιδατε οτι οι αρχοντες των εθνων κατακυριευουσιν αυτων και οι μεγαλοι κατεξουσιαζουσιν αυτων

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

δε de G1161 then Conj

ιησους Iēsous G2424 Joshua Noun-NSM

προσκαλεσαμενος proskaleō G4341 to call to/summon Verb-ADP-NSM

αυτους autos G846 it/s/he Pron-APM

ειπεν legō G3004 to say Verb-2AAI-3S

οιδατε eidō G1492 to perceive: see Verb-RAI-2P

οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj

οι ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPM

αρχοντες archōn G758 ruler Noun-NPM

των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPN

εθνων ethnos G1484 Gentiles Noun-GPN

κατακυριευουσιν katakurieuō G2634 to master Verb-PAI-3P

αυτων autos G846 it/s/he Pron-GPN

και kai G2532 and Conj

οι ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPM

μεγαλοι megas G3173 great Adj-NPM

κατεξουσιαζουσιν katexousiazō G2715 to rule Verb-PAI-3P

αυτων autos G846 it/s/he Pron-GPN

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 20:25

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

ιησους Iēsous G2424 "Joshua" Noun-NSM

Jesus is the Greek name for Joshua, which means God is salvation. It is used to refer to Jesus Christ, the son of God, as well as other Israelites with the same name. The name Jesus appears over 900 times in the New Testament.

Definition: Ἰωσή, see: Ἰωσῆς - -ῆ (Rec. -ή Luk.3:29; AV, Jose; see: Ἰησοῦς, 3), and -ῆτος (Mk, ll with), ὁ, Joses; __1. brother of our Lord: Mrk.6:3, Mat.13:55 (Rec., see: Ἰωσήφ). __2. Son of Mary: Mat.27:56 (-σήφ), WH, txt), Mrk.15:40, 47 __3. see: Βαρνάβας.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 932 NT verses. KJV: Jesus See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.

προσκαλεσαμενος proskaleō G4341 "to call to/summon" Verb-ADP-NSM

To call to or summon means to invite someone to come near, like in Matthew 10:1 and Mark 3:13. This can be a physical or spiritual call, where God or someone in authority is inviting others to follow or respond.

Definition: προσ-καλέω, -ῶ [in LXX chiefly for קָרָא ;] to call to. Mid., to call to oneself (see M, Pr., 157): with accusative of person(s), Mat.10:1, Mrk.3:13 6:7, Luk.7:19, Act.5:40, Jas.5:14, al. Metaphorical, of the Divine call: Act.2:39; with inf., Act.16:10 (see Bl., § 69, 4); before εἰς, Act.13:2.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 31 NT verses. KJV: call (for, to, unto) See also: Acts 2:39; Luke 18:16; James 5:14.

αυτους autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-APM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

ειπεν legō G3004 "to say" Verb-2AAI-3S

This word means to say or speak, and it is used by Jesus and others in the New Testament to share teachings and tell stories. It appears in Matthew 9:34 and John 1:29.

Definition: λέγω, [in LXX very freq., chiefly for אמר; λέγει for נְאֻם, Gen.22:16, al. ;] __1. in Hom., to pick out, gather, reckon, recount. __2. In Hdt. and Att., to say, speak, affirm, declare: absol., Act.13:15, 24:10; before orat. dir., Mat.9:34, Mrk.3:11, Jhn.1:29, al.; before ὅτι recit., Mrk.3:21, Luk.1:24, Jhn.6:14, al.; accusative and inf., Luk.11:18, Jhn.12:29, al.; after another verb of speaking, προσφωνεῖν κ. λέγειν, Mat.11:17, al.; ἀπεκρίθη (ἐλάλησεν) λέγων (καὶ λέγει; Dalman, Words, 24 ff.), Mat.25:9, Mrk.3:33, 7:28, Luk.24:6, 7, al.; of unspoken thought, λ. ἐν ἑαυτῷ, Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, al.; of writing, 2Co.8:8, Php.4:11, al.; λέγει ἡ γραφή, Rom.4:3, Jas.2:23, al.; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.8:8, 9:33, Jhn.5:34, al.; σὺ λέγεις (a non-committal phrase; Swete, Mk., 359, 369f.), Mat.27:11, Mrk.15:2, Luk.23:3, Jhn.18:37; with dative of person(s), before orat. dir., Mat.8:20, Mrk.2:17, al. mult.; id. before ὅτι, Mat.3:9, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, etc., Mrk.4:41, Jhn.11:56, Heb.9:5, al.; to mean (cl.), Mrk.14:71, Jhn.6:71, 1Co.10:29, al.; to call, name, Mrk.10:18; pass., Mat.9:9, Mrk.15:7, al (cf. ἀντι-, δια- (-μαι), προ-, συλ-λέγω). SYN.: λαλέω, which refers to the utterance, as λέγω to the meaning of what is said, its correspondence with thought (Tr., Syn., Ixxvi; Thayer, see word λαλέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1988 NT verses. KJV: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 6:2; Acts 19:3.

οιδατε eidō G1492 "to perceive: see" Verb-RAI-2P

This verb means to see or perceive, used in the Bible to describe spiritual awareness or insight. In Matthew 25:13 and John 10:4, it refers to recognizing God's presence or will. The verb is often used to encourage believers to seek spiritual understanding and discernment.

Definition: οἶδα, (from same root as εἶδον, which see), [in LXX chiefly for ידע ;] pf. with present meaning (plpf. as impf.; on irregular tense-forms, see App.), to have seen or perceived, hence, to know, have knowledge of: with accusative of thing(s), Mat.25:13, Mrk.10:19, Jhn.10:4, Rom.7:7, al.; with accusative of person(s), Mat.26:72, Jhn.1:31, Act.3:16, al.; τ. θεόν, 1Th.4:5, Tit.1:16, al.; with accusative and inf., Luk.4:41, al.; before ὅτι, Mat.9:6, Luk.20:21, Jhn.3:2, Rom.2:2 11:2, al.; before quaest. indir., Mat.26:70, Jhn.9:21, Eph.1:18, al.; with inf., to know how (cl.), Mat.7:11, Luk.11:13, Php.4:12, 1Th.4:4, al.; in unique sense of respect, appreciate: 1Th.5:12 (but see also ICC on 1Th.4:4). SYN.: see: γινώσκω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 295 NT verses. KJV: be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) know(-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wish, wot See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; Acts 26:27; 1 Peter 1:8.

οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj

This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.

Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.

οι ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

αρχοντες archōn G758 "ruler" Noun-NPM

A ruler or leader, like a chief or magistrate, is what this word means. Jesus is called a ruler in Revelation 1:5. It also refers to rulers of nations and judges.

Definition: ἄρχων, -οντος, ὁ (present ptcp. of ἄρχω), [in LXX for נָשִׂיא., רֹאשׁ, שַׂר, etc. ;] a ruler, chief: Jesus, Rev.1:5; rulers of nations, Mat.20:25, Act.4:26 7:35; magistrates, Act.23:5, Rom.13:3; judges, Luk.12:58, Act.7:27, 35 16:19; members of the Sanhedrin, Luk.14:1 23:13, 35 24:20, Jhn.3:1 7:26, 48 12:42, Act.3:17 4:5, 8 13:27 14:5; rulers of synagogues, Mat.9:18, 23, Luk.8:41 18:18; οἱ ἄ. τ. αἰῶνος τούτου, 1Co.2:6-8; of the devil: ἄ. τῶν δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34 12:24, Mrk.3:22, Luk.11:15; ὁ ἄ. τοῦ κόσμου, Jhn.12:31 14:30 16:11; ἄ. τ. ἐξουσίας τ. ἀέρος, Eph.2:2 (MM, see word; DB, iii, 838; Ext., 99 f; DCG, ii, 419; DCG, see word Archon).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 36 NT verses. KJV: chief (ruler), magistrate, prince, ruler See also: 1 Corinthians 2:6; John 14:30; Revelation 1:5.

των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

εθνων ethnos G1484 "Gentiles" Noun-GPN

This word means a nation or people, often referring to non-Jewish people. In Matthew 21:43 and Acts 10:35, it describes the Gentiles or nations.

Definition: ἔθνος, -ους, τό, [in LXX chiefly for עַם ,גּוֹי ;] __1. a multitude, a company, whether of beasts or men (Hom.). __2. a nation, people: Mat.21:43 24:7, Mrk.13:8, Luk.22:25, Act.10:35, al.; in sing., of the Jewish people, Luk.7:5 23:2, Jhn.11:48, 50-53 18:35, Act.10:22 24:3, 10 26:4 28:19. __3. In pl., as in OT, τὰ ἔ. (like Heb. הַגּוֹיִם), the nations, as distinct from Israel, Gentiles: Mat.4:15 6:32, Act.26:17, Rom.3:29 11:11 15:10, Gal.2:8, al.; of Gentile Christians, Rom.11:13 15:27 16:4, Gal.2:12, 14, Eph.3:1. SYN.: λαός (see DCG, ii, 229; Cremer, 226). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 153 NT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people See also: 1 Corinthians 5:1; John 11:52; 1 Peter 2:9.

κατακυριευουσιν katakurieuō G2634 "to master" Verb-PAI-3P

To master means to have control or dominion over someone, like when Jesus talks about leaders in Matthew 20:25. It involves exercising power or authority, as seen in 1 Peter 5:3.

Definition: κατα-κυριεύω [in LXX: Gen.1:28 (כָּבַשׁ), Psa.110:2 Sir.17:4, al. ;] to gain or exercise dominion (over); __(a) absol. (Arist.); __(b) with genitive (Arist., al.): Mat.20:25, Mrk.10:42, Act.19:16, 1Pe.5:3.† SYN.: (κατεξουσιάζω) (see Swete, Mk., l.with) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: exercise dominion over (lordship), be lord over, overcome See also: 1 Peter 5:3; Mark 10:42; Matthew 20:25.

αυτων autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-GPN

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

οι ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

μεγαλοι megas G3173 "great" Adj-NPM

The Greek word for great, describing something big or intense, like a large stone in Matthew 2:60 or a strong wind in John 6:18. It's used to show importance or magnitude. In the Bible, it's often used to describe God's power and love.

Definition: μέγας, μεγάλη, μέγα, [in LXX chiefly for גָּדוֹל, also for מַרְבֶּה ,רַב (incl. μείζων), רֹב (μέγιστος) ;] great; __1. of external form, bodily size, measure, extent: λίθος, Mat.2:60; δράκων, Rev.12:3; ἰχθῦς, Jhn.21:11; πόλις, Rev.11:8; μάχαιρα, Rev.6:4, al. __2. Of intensity and degree: δύναμις, Act.4:33; φόβος, Mrk.4:41; ἀγάπη, Jhn.15:13; ἄνεμος, 'ib. 6:18; κραυγή, Act.23:9; φῶς, Mat.4:16; πυρετός, Luk.4:38; θλίψις, Mat.24:21. __3. Of rank; __(a) of persons: θεός (MM, xvi), Tit.2:13; Ἄρτεμις, Act.19:27; compar. (see infr.), Mat.18:1 (cf. Dalman, Words, 113f.); neut. for masc. (Bl., §32, 1), Mat.12:6; __(b) of things: ἁμαρτία, Jhn.19:11; μυστήριον, Eph.5:32; = μεγίστη (see infr., and cf. Field, Notes, 16f.), Mat.22:36; compar. for superl. (M, Pr., 78), 1Co.13:13. __4. __(a) Compar., μείζων: Mat.11:11 23:17, al.; neut. pl., μείζονα, contr. μείζω, Jhn.1:51; double compar., μειζότερος (M, Pr., 236; Bl., §11, 4), III Jo 4; __(b) superl, μέγιστος (Deiss., BS, 365), 2Pe.1:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 227 NT verses. KJV: (+ fear) exceedingly, great(-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years See also: 1 Corinthians 9:11; Luke 22:27; Hebrews 4:14.

κατεξουσιαζουσιν katexousiazō G2715 "to rule" Verb-PAI-3P

Means to have complete authority or control over something, like a ruler exercising power in Matthew 20:25. It's about having the power to make decisions. Jesus teaches about this kind of authority in Mark 10:42.

Definition: κατ-εξουσιάζω to exercise authority over: with genitive of person(s), Mat.20:25, Mrk.10:42.† SYN: (κατακυριεύω) (see Swete, Mk., l.with) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: exercise authority See also: Mark 10:42; Matthew 20:25.

αυτων autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-GPN

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Study Notes — Matthew 20:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Matthew 20:25 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 20:25
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 20:25
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 20:25
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 20:25
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 20:25
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 20:25
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 20:25
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 20:25
Sermons on Matthew 20:25

Context — A Mother’s Request

23“You will indeed drink My cup,” Jesus said. “But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom My Father has prepared them.” 24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.

25But 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.

26It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave—

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Luke 22:25–27	So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. But 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. 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.
2	Matthew 20:25–28	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. It 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.”
3	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. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
4	Matthew 18:3–4	“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5	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.
6	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.
7	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.
8	Daniel 2:12–13	This response made the king so furious with anger that he gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. So the decree went out that the wise men were to be executed, and men went to look for Daniel and his friends to execute them.
9	Daniel 3:2–7	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. So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the rulers of the provinces assembled for the dedication of the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it. Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “O people of every nation and language, this is what you are commanded: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. And whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace.” Therefore, as soon as all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, and all kinds of music, the people of every nation and language would fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
10	Daniel 3:19–22	At this, Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He gave orders to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual, and he commanded some mighty men of valor in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing fiery furnace. So they were tied up, wearing robes, trousers, turbans, and other clothes, and they were thrown into the blazing fiery furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the fiery flames killed the men who carried up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Matthew 20:25 Summary

In Matthew 20:25, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the difference between how the world leads and how He wants them to lead. The world's leaders often try to dominate and control others, but Jesus says that His followers should lead by serving and loving others (see Matthew 20:26-27 and John 13:1-20). This means that, as followers of Jesus, we should strive to be humble and put others first, just like Jesus did when He washed His disciples' feet. By doing so, we can show the world what it means to truly love and serve others, as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-40.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jesus teaching about leadership in Matthew 20:25?

Jesus is highlighting the contrast between worldly leadership, where those in power dominate others, and godly leadership, as seen in Matthew 20:26-27, where leaders serve others (see also Mark 10:42-45).

How do the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over their people?

The rulers of the Gentiles, or non-Jewish nations, often abuse their power and exploit their people for personal gain, as seen in the Roman Empire, whereas Jesus teaches His followers to lead with humility and servanthood, as in Matthew 20:26-27 and John 13:1-20.

Is Jesus saying that all authority is bad?

No, Jesus is not saying that all authority is bad, but rather that the way the world exercises authority is often self-serving and oppressive, unlike the selfless leadership He models and teaches in Matthew 20:25-28 and Philippians 2:5-8.

How does this verse relate to our daily lives?

This verse reminds us that, as followers of Jesus, we are called to a different standard of leadership and interaction, one that prioritizes serving and loving others, as seen in Galatians 5:13 and Matthew 22:37-40.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can serve others in my daily life, just as Jesus served His disciples?
How can I apply the principle of servant-leadership in my relationships and community?
In what ways do I struggle with the temptation to 'lord it over' others, and how can I surrender this to God?
What does it mean for me to 'become great' in God's eyes, and how does this relate to serving others?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 20:25

But Jesus called them unto him,.... All his twelve disciples, perceiving that the same ambitious views prevailed in them all: to discourage which, and to prevent their quarrelling one with another,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 20:25

And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, For the exposition, see the notes at Mark 10:32-45.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 20:25

See Poole on "".

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 20:25

25 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. Ver. 25. Jesus called them to him, and said] We must (by Christ’ s example) advance, cherish concord all we can, among ministers especially, by casting out those mischief makers, emulation and ambition. Pareus was wont to say, that the only cause of all Church dissensions was, ministers reaching after rule and preeminence, as did Diotrephes. And that if this evil humour could possibly be purged out, there would be a sweet symmetry, a happy harmony of all hearts. And they that are great] The grandees of the earth. There is, saith one, a greatness belluine (brutal) and genuine. In that, a beast may and doth exceed us; in this we exceed ourselves and others. "Great men are not always wise," saith Elihu, Job 32:9. And Nemo me maior nisi qui iustior, No one is greater than me unless he is more just, said Agesilaus, when the king of Persia styled himself the great king. Calamitas nostra magnus est, Our harm is great, said Mimus concerning Pompey, the people applauding so handsome an impropriety. Privilegium unius conceditur in beneficium alterius, saith a learned doctor; et si vis esse vere magnus, ne sis instar utris folle tumidi, sed instar uteri prole gravidi; nec attollas inane supercilium, sed exhibeas utile ministerium. Goodness is the only greatness. Infelicium ecclesiae concertationem causam dixit ecclesiasticorum φιλαρχαιν. In vita Parei.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 20:25

(25) Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles.—No words of reproof could more strongly point the contrast between the true and the false views of the Messiah’s kingdom. The popular Jewish expectations, shared by the disciples, were really heathen in their character, substituting might for right, and ambition for the true greatness of service. Exercise dominion over them.—Better, as in 1 Peter 5:3, lord it over them. It is not easy to find a like forcible rendering for the other word, but we must remember that it, too, implies a wrong exercise of authority, in the interest, not of the subjects, but of the rulers.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 20:25

Verse 25. Exercise dominion - and - exercise authority upon them.] They tyrannized and exercised arbitrary power over the people. This was certainly true of the governments in our Lord's time, both in the east and in the west. I have endeavoured to express, as nearly as possible, the meaning of the two Greek verbs, κατακυριευουσιν, and κατεξουσιαζουσιν; and those who understand the genius of the language will perceive that I have not exhausted their sense, however some may think that no emphasis was intended, and that these compound verbs are used for the simple κυριευειν, and εξουσιαζειν. See Wakefield and Rosenmuller. The government of the Church of Christ is widely different from secular governments. It is founded in humility and brotherly love: it is derived from Christ, the great Head of the Church, and is ever conducted by his maxims and spirit. When political matters are brought into the Church of Christ, both are ruined. The Church has more than once ruined the State; the State has often corrupted the Church: it is certainly for the interests of both to be kept separate. This has already been abundantly exemplified in both cases, and will continue so to be, over the whole world, wherever the Church and State are united in secular matters.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 20:25

25. Jesus called them unto him, and said] Jesus points out the inversion of earthly ideas in the Kingdom of heaven. The gradation and contrast of the original are hardly brought out in E. V. In the Kingdom of heaven the ambition must be to serve not to reign; that Kingdom is in every way the reverse of the kingdoms of the world. In the latter the gradation of rank is (1) the supreme prince; (2) the nobles (the great); (3) the ministers or attendants; (4) the slaves. In the Kingdom of heaven he that will be the noble must be the minister or attendant; he that will be the monarch must be the slave. What Jesus teaches is the dignity of service in the Kingdom of heaven. The bearing of such passages as this on the alleviation of slavery in the ancient world should be considered. The influence of this towards the abolition of slavery in modern times might have been still greater if the translators had used the word “slave” rather than “servant” in the E. V.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 20:25

25. Princes of the Gentiles — Especially of the Romans. Exercise dominion — Authority for authority’s sake. Obtain power to enjoy power. They exercise dominion to gratify their love of rule.

Sermons on Matthew 20:25

	Sermon	Description
	The Nature of Jesus - Part 2 by Gayle Erwin	In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about a man who was carrying ten boxes on top of a bus. Despite his exhaustion, the man was fixated on counting the boxes and watching peo
	The Spirit and Message of My Life by Paul Hershberger	In this sermon, the speaker questions the spirit behind our enthusiasm for worldly things such as electronics, gadgets, and cars. He suggests that we should consider whether these
	Living in Light of Eternity by Brent Yim	In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of living in light of eternity and evaluating our priorities. He admits that even he struggles with placing things before God,
	(Radical Jesus) 24 Radical Sacrifice by Glenn Meldrum	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of being a servant to God. He uses the analogy of a master and servant to illustrate the level of commitment and sacrifice that i
	Missions Conference 2012 by Carter Conlon	The video shown during the sermon was about a SYP (presumably a youth group) and their experience with the presence of the Lord. The speaker mentioned that they started with nine d
	The Lord Jesus Christ and Authority by Frank Viola	Frank Viola delivers a powerful sermon on hierarchical leadership structures, contrasting the Roman model of top-down authority with Jesus Christ's teachings on servant leadership
	The Spirit of the Bondservant by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the spirit of servanthood as exemplified by Jesus Christ, who took on the form of a bondservant, serving others selflessly and with love. He highlights