Matthew 20:26
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὃς
G3739
ὃς
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐὰν
whosoever
G1437
ἐὰν
whosoever
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
9 of 17
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
θέλῃ
will
G2309
θέλῃ
will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
10 of 17
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
μέγας
great
G3173
μέγας
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
13 of 17
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
γενέσθαι
be
G1096
γενέσθαι
be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
14 of 17
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Cross References
Mark 10:43But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:Mark 10:45For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.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.1 Peter 5:3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.Luke 18:14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.1 Peter 4:11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.Matthew 25:44Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?Hebrews 1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?John 18:36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.2 Corinthians 1:24Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
Historical Context
This teaching follows James and John's request for chief positions (20:20-23), revealing continuing worldly ambition among disciples. Jesus contrasts Gentile rulers who 'exercise dominion' and 'exercise authority' with kingdom values. The Roman Empire's hierarchical power structure provided the negative example. Jesus' own ministry modeled servant leadership.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your leadership reflect service versus status-seeking?
- What worldly power dynamics have infiltrated church leadership?
- How can you measure ministry success by servanthood rather than influence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus declares 'it shall not be so among you,' contrasting kingdom leadership with worldly power structures. Instead of exercising dominion, Christian leaders serve: 'whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.' The Greek 'diakonos' (minister/servant) indicates one who serves others' needs. Reformed church government emphasizes servant leadership, not hierarchical domination. Greatness in Christ's kingdom is measured by service, not status; by humility, not power.