Matthew 20:28
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
3 of 18
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἦλθεν
came
G2064
ἦλθεν
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
7 of 18
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
διακονῆσαι
to be ministered unto
G1247
διακονῆσαι
to be ministered unto
Strong's:
G1247
Word #:
8 of 18
to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
διακονῆσαι
to be ministered unto
G1247
διακονῆσαι
to be ministered unto
Strong's:
G1247
Word #:
10 of 18
to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δοῦναι
to give
G1325
δοῦναι
to give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
12 of 18
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχὴν
life
G5590
ψυχὴν
life
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
14 of 18
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 18
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
λύτρον
a ransom
G3083
λύτρον
a ransom
Strong's:
G3083
Word #:
16 of 18
something to loosen with, i.e., a redemption price (figuratively, atonement)
Cross References
Hebrews 9:28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.Luke 22:27For 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.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.1 Peter 3:18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:1 Timothy 2:6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.Revelation 1:5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,Hebrews 5:8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;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.Ephesians 1:7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;Mark 14:24And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
Historical Context
The 'ransom' concept came from slave markets where purchase price freed slaves. In Jewish thought, God 'ransomed' Israel from Egypt (Deuteronomy 7:8). Jesus declares His death as the ultimate ransom, freeing humanity from sin's slavery. This Passion prediction (the third in Matthew) comes shortly before Jesus enters Jerusalem for crucifixion week. The theological weight of 'ransom for many' is immense.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's example of servant leadership challenge your ministry approach?
- What does it mean personally that Christ gave His life as ransom for you?
- How should substitutionary atonement shape your understanding of leadership and service?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus presents Himself as the ultimate example: 'the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.' This verse encapsulates the gospel—Christ's incarnation, servanthood, and substitutionary atonement. The word 'ransom' (Greek 'lutron'—redemption price) indicates payment securing freedom from slavery. Reformed soteriology sees here penal substitution: Christ's death pays the debt sinners owe, satisfying divine justice and liberating from sin's bondage. The 'many' refers to the elect, for whom Christ specifically died.