Luke 22:25
And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 16
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
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεῖς
The kings
G935
βασιλεῖς
The kings
Strong's:
G935
Word #:
6 of 16
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐθνῶν
of the Gentiles
G1484
ἐθνῶν
of the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
8 of 16
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 16
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 16
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
Hellenistic monarchs and Roman emperors commonly took titles like Soter (Savior) and Euergetes (Benefactor) while maintaining totalitarian control. The Ptolemies of Egypt and Seleucids of Syria used this propaganda extensively. Jesus's disciples, living under Roman occupation, knew firsthand the reality behind such hollow titles—taxation, military force, and execution for dissent.
Questions for Reflection
- How do Christian leaders sometimes adopt worldly models of hierarchical power while using spiritual language to justify them?
- In what ways can serving others become another form of self-promotion rather than genuine humility?
- What current cultural or political leadership models contradict Jesus's teaching here?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them (κυριεύουσιν, kyrieuousin—to have dominion, rule as master). Jesus contrasts pagan power structures with kingdom values. Benefactors (εὐεργέται, euergetai) was an official title Hellenistic rulers adopted, claiming to serve the people while actually exploiting them for glory. Roman emperors and Eastern kings took this title to justify autocratic rule as paternalistic care.
Jesus exposes the fundamental corruption of worldly leadership: it seeks to be served rather than to serve. The Greek construction emphasizes oppressive domination (κατεξουσιάζω, katexousiazo—to exercise authority over, lord it over), where supposed "benefactors" actually enslaved populations while demanding praise. This is Satan's kingdom paradigm—power used for self-glorification.