Luke 22:27
For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
Original Language Analysis
τίς
whether
G5101
τίς
whether
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 20
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
μείζων
is greater
G3187
μείζων
is greater
Strong's:
G3187
Word #:
3 of 20
larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνακείμενος
he that sitteth at meat
G345
ἀνακείμενος
he that sitteth at meat
Strong's:
G345
Word #:
5 of 20
to recline (as a corpse or at a meal)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διακονῶν
he that serveth
G1247
διακονῶν
he that serveth
Strong's:
G1247
Word #:
8 of 20
to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνακείμενος
he that sitteth at meat
G345
ἀνακείμενος
he that sitteth at meat
Strong's:
G345
Word #:
11 of 20
to recline (as a corpse or at a meal)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
18 of 20
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
Matthew 20:28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.Luke 12:37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.2 Corinthians 8:9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
Historical Context
Meals in the ancient world were carefully choreographed status displays. Reclining position, food quality, and service all communicated social hierarchy. Household servants or hired waiters served reclining diners, never eating with them. For Jesus to claim servant status while hosting the Passover meal demonstrated incarnational humility that shattered cultural categories.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's example of servant leadership challenge your understanding of what it means to follow Him in positions of influence?
- Where in your life are you demanding to be served rather than looking for opportunities to serve?
- What would change in the church if leaders consistently modeled Jesus's servant heart rather than worldly leadership styles?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth?—Jesus poses a rhetorical question with an obvious cultural answer: the one reclining (ἀνακείμενος, anakeimenos) at the banquet holds higher status than the servant (διακονῶν, diakonon) waiting tables. But then comes the shocking reversal: I am among you as he that serveth—The Son of God, the messianic King, identifies not with the master but with the slave.
This statement illuminates the entire incarnation. Jesus didn't merely teach servanthood abstractly; He embodied it supremely. Philippians 2:6-8 expands this: Christ "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant." At this very meal, He would soon wash the disciples' feet (John 13). The greatest theological truth—God serves man unto death—underpins Jesus's ethic of servant leadership.