John 13:16
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
Original Language Analysis
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
δοῦλος
The servant
G1401
δοῦλος
The servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
7 of 17
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
μείζων
greater than
G3187
μείζων
greater than
Strong's:
G3187
Word #:
8 of 17
larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
lord
G2962
κυρίου
lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
10 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀπόστολος
he that is sent
G652
ἀπόστολος
he that is sent
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
13 of 17
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
μείζων
greater than
G3187
μείζων
greater than
Strong's:
G3187
Word #:
14 of 17
larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 6:40The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.John 15:20Remember 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 your's also.John 3:5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.John 3:3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Historical Context
Master-servant relationships structured ancient society. Jewish rabbis expected disciples to serve them in menial tasks, but not vice versa. Jesus inverts this by serving, then citing the master-servant hierarchy to enforce mutual service. Written to late first-century Christians facing persecution, John preserves this saying to encourage endurance—if Christ suffered, His followers should expect no less.
Questions for Reflection
- How does accepting your identity as "sent one" (apostle) under Christ prevent spiritual pride?
- In what areas are you tempted to claim exemption from humble service that Christ performed?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Verily, verily (ἀμὴν ἀμήν, amēn amēn)—Jesus' signature formula marking solemn, authoritative pronouncement. The doubled "amen" appears 25 times in John, always introducing crucial teaching. The servant is not greater than his lord (δοῦλος, doulos; κύριος, kyrios)—a proverbial truth Jesus applies to justify the foot-washing command. If the Master serves, the slave cannot claim exemption from service.
Neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him (ἀπόστολος, apostolos; πέμψας, pempsas)—the second clause uses apostolic terminology. "He that is sent" translates the root of apostolos (apostle). Since Jesus Himself is the sent One (the ultimate Apostle, Hebrews 3:1), His followers who are also sent cannot claim superiority to their sender. This principle governs all Christian ministry: representatives cannot exceed their representative capacity. Jesus used this same saying in Matthew 10:24 regarding persecution—disciples should expect treatment no better than their Master received.