Luke 22:26
But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
Original Language Analysis
οὐχ
shall not
G3756
οὐχ
shall not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
3 of 19
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μείζων
he that is greatest
G3187
μείζων
he that is greatest
Strong's:
G3187
Word #:
7 of 19
larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)
γενέσθω
let him be
G1096
γενέσθω
let him be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
10 of 19
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
11 of 19
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νεώτερος
the younger
G3501
νεώτερος
the younger
Strong's:
G3501
Word #:
13 of 19
"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡγούμενος
he that is chief
G2233
ἡγούμενος
he that is chief
Strong's:
G2233
Word #:
16 of 19
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
17 of 19
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.Mark 9:35And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.Luke 9:48And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.1 Peter 5:3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Historical Context
Ancient Mediterranean cultures were rigidly hierarchical. Age, birth order, social class, and gender determined fixed status. Younger sons served older siblings; servants existed to elevate masters. Jesus's teaching would have sounded culturally absurd—asking leaders to voluntarily take the position of household slaves. Yet this is precisely what He modeled.
Questions for Reflection
- What would it look like practically for you to take "the younger" position in your family, church, or workplace?
- How does the pursuit of leadership titles and recognition in ministry contradict Jesus's command here?
- In what ways do you resist serving roles that seem beneath your status or gifting?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But ye shall not be so (ὑμεῖς δὲ οὐχ οὕτως, hymeis de ouch houtos)—Emphatic contrast: "But you, not like this!" Kingdom leadership inverts worldly values completely. He that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger—The younger (νεώτερος, neoteros) held the lowest social status, expected to serve elders without demanding honor. He that is chief, as he that doth serve (ὁ διακονῶν, ho diakonon)—The root of "deacon," meaning one who serves tables, performs menial tasks.
Jesus establishes a radical leadership paradigm: authority is authenticated by servanthood, not vice versa. True greatness in God's kingdom is measured by sacrifice for others, not accumulation of power. This directly confronts the disciples' argument about status—the question isn't who is greatest, but who serves most humbly.