Luke 22:26

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὑμεῖς
G5210
ye
you (as subjective of verb)
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
οὐχ
G3756
shall not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#4
οὕτως
G3779
be so
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#5
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#6
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
μείζων
G3187
he that is greatest
larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)
#8
ἐν
G1722
among
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
ὑμῖν
G5213
you
to (with or by) you
#10
γενέσθω
G1096
let him be
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#11
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#12
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
νεώτερος
G3501
the younger
"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate
#14
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἡγούμενος
G2233
he that is chief
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
#17
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#18
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
διακονῶν
G1247
he that doth serve
to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources