Luke 22:24
And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐγένετο
there was
G1096
Ἐγένετο
there was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 12
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῶν
of them
G846
αὐτῶν
of them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 12
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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τίς
which
G5101
τίς
which
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
8 of 12
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
αὐτῶν
of them
G846
αὐτῶν
of them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 12
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
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture was intensely honor-focused, with elaborate social hierarchies and competition for status. Even Jesus's inner circle absorbed these values. They likely debated who would have the highest positions in the messianic kingdom they expected Jesus to establish. Reclining positions at meals indicated social rank, potentially triggering this dispute.
Questions for Reflection
- How do worldly definitions of greatness and success subtly infiltrate your thinking even in spiritual contexts?
- What does the timing of this dispute reveal about the persistence of pride in the human heart?
- In what areas of Christian ministry or service might competition for recognition replace genuine humility?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Shockingly, moments after discussing who would betray Jesus, there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest (φιλονεικία, philoneikia—love of strife, contention). The Greek indicates this was no mere disagreement but competitive rivalry for status. The disciples' self-focus in Christ's darkest hour exposes the depth of human pride and spiritual blindness.
Luke uniquely places this dispute at the Last Supper (Matthew and Mark record similar incidents earlier), emphasizing the disciples' persistent failure to grasp Jesus's kingdom values even after years of teaching. The contrast is devastating: Jesus about to die as a servant, disciples arguing about greatness. This scene reveals why the cross was necessary—even the best human hearts default to self-exaltation.