Luke 22:25
New International Version
Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.

New Living Translation
Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’

English Standard Version
And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.

Berean Standard Bible
So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors.

Berean Literal Bible
And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles rule over them, and those exercising authority over them are called benefactors.

King James Bible
And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

New King James Version
And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’

New American Standard Bible
And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles domineer over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’

NASB 1995
And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’

NASB 1977
And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’

Legacy Standard Bible
And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’

Amplified Bible
Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles have absolute power and lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’

Christian Standard Bible
But he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who have authority over them have themselves called ‘Benefactors.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles dominate them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’

American Standard Version
And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles have lordship over them; and they that have authority over them are called Benefactors.

Contemporary English Version
So Jesus told them: Foreign kings order their people around, and powerful rulers call themselves everyone's friends.

English Revised Version
And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles have lordship over them; and they that have authority over them are called Benefactors.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus said to them, "The kings of nations have power over their people, and those in authority call themselves friends of the people.

Good News Translation
Jesus said to them, "The kings of the pagans have power over their people, and the rulers claim the title 'Friends of the People.'

International Standard Version
But he told them, "The kings of the unbelievers lord it over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called benefactors.

Majority Standard Bible
So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors.

NET Bible
So Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them are called 'benefactors.'

New Heart English Bible
He said to them, "The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called 'benefactors.'

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said to them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them, are called benefactors.

Weymouth New Testament
But He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles are their masters, and those who exercise authority over them are called Benefactors.

World English Bible
He said to them, “The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And He said to them, “The kings of the nations exercise lordship over them, and those exercising authority on them are called benefactors;

Berean Literal Bible
And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles rule over them, and those exercising authority over them are called benefactors.

Young's Literal Translation
And he said to them, 'The kings of the nations do exercise lordship over them, and those exercising authority upon them are called benefactors;

Smith's Literal Translation
And he said to them, The kings of the nations rule over them; and they exercising power over them are called benefactors.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said to them: The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that have power over them, are called beneficent.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said to them: “The kings of the Gentiles dominate them; and those who hold authority over them are called beneficent.

New American Bible
He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as ‘Benefactors’;

New Revised Standard Version
But he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Jesus said to them, The kings of the Gentiles are also their owners; and those who rule over them are called benefactors.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Then Yeshua said to them, “The Kings of the nations are their lords and they who rule over them are called Benefactors.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he said to them: The kings of the nations have dominion over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called benefactors.

Godbey New Testament
And He said to them, The kings of the Gentiles domineer over them; and those exercising authority over them are called Benefactors.

Haweis New Testament
And he said to them, The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they who exercise authority over them are called benefactors.

Mace New Testament
Jesus therefore told them, the kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they, who are invested with their authority, take the title of benefactors.

Weymouth New Testament
But He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles are their masters, and those who exercise authority over them are called Benefactors.

Worrell New Testament
But He said to them, "The kings of the gentiles exercise lordship over them; and those having authority over them are called 'Benefactors.'

Worsley New Testament
but He said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority are called benefactors.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Who is the Greatest?
24A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them would be considered the greatest. 25So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. 26But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves.…

Cross References
Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ...

Mark 10:42-45
So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. ...

John 13:13-17
You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. / So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. / I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. ...

Philippians 2:5-7
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.

1 Peter 5:3
not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Matthew 23:11-12
The greatest among you shall be your servant. / For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

1 Corinthians 9:19
Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.

2 Corinthians 1:24
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.

Galatians 5:13
For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.

Ephesians 5:21
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23
A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.

Isaiah 42:1
“Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.


Treasury of Scripture

And he said to them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority on them are called benefactors.

Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them…

Mark 10:41-45
And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John…

Jump to Previous
Authority Exercise Exercising Gentiles Jesus Kings Lordship Masters Names Nations Rule Themselves
Jump to Next
Authority Exercise Exercising Gentiles Jesus Kings Lordship Masters Names Nations Rule Themselves
Luke 22
1. The leaders conspire against Jesus.
3. Satan prepares Judas to betray him.
7. The apostles prepare the Passover.
19. Jesus institutes his holy supper;
21. covertly foretells of the traitor;
24. rebukes the rest of his apostles from ambition;
31. assures Peter his faith should not fail;
34. and yet he should deny him thrice.
39. He prays in the mount, and sweats blood;
47. is betrayed with a kiss;
50. he heals Malchus' ear;
54. he is thrice denied by Peter;
63. shamefully abused;
66. and confesses himself to be the Son of God.














So Jesus declared
This phrase introduces the authoritative teaching of Jesus. The Greek word for "declared" is "εἶπεν" (eipen), which is often used to denote a solemn or significant statement. In the context of the Gospels, when Jesus "declares" something, it is not merely a casual remark but a profound truth that demands attention and reflection. This sets the stage for the weighty teaching that follows, emphasizing the importance of His words.

The kings of the Gentiles
Here, "kings" refers to rulers or leaders, and "Gentiles" denotes non-Jewish nations. Historically, the Gentile rulers were known for their authoritarian and often oppressive rule. The Greek term "ἔθνη" (ethnē) for "Gentiles" highlights the distinction between the Jewish people, who were under God's covenant, and the surrounding nations. This phrase sets up a contrast between worldly leadership and the kind of leadership Jesus advocates.

lord it over them
The phrase "lord it over" comes from the Greek "κυριεύουσιν" (kurieuousin), which means to exercise dominion or control in a domineering manner. This reflects the common practice among Gentile rulers who often exerted power for personal gain and control. Jesus is critiquing this model of leadership, which is characterized by self-serving authority and exploitation.

and those in authority over them
The term "authority" is translated from the Greek "ἐξουσιάζοντες" (exousiazontes), indicating those who wield power or control. This phrase further describes the hierarchical structure of Gentile governance, where power is concentrated at the top and often used to subjugate others. It underscores the systemic nature of such leadership, which is contrary to the servant leadership Jesus exemplifies.

call themselves Benefactors
"Benefactors" is translated from the Greek "εὐεργέται" (euergetai), which means doers of good or patrons. In the ancient world, rulers often styled themselves as benefactors to project an image of generosity and benevolence, even when their actions were self-serving. This term is used ironically here, as Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of leaders who claim to serve the public good while primarily serving their own interests.

(25) The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them.--See Notes on Matthew 20:25; Mark 10:42. The repetition of the same words that had then been spoken in answer to the petition of the sons of Zebedee, suggests the probability that they were again prominent in the strife for pre-eminence.

Are called benefactors.--This takes the place of "their great ones exercise authority upon them," in St. Matthew and St. Mark. Antiochus VII. of Syria, and Ptolemy III. of Egypt, were examples of kings who had borne the title of Euergetes, or benefactor. There is apparently an emphasis on "are called" as contrasted with "let him become," in the next verse. The world gave the title of "benefactor" to those who were great in power only. In Christ's kingdom true greatness was to be attained by benefiting others in the humblest services.

Verse 25. - Are called benefactors (εὐεργέται). Those who were listening knew well how utterly false these high-sounding human titles often were. Αὐεργέτης (Euergetes), Benefactor, was the well-known title appropriated by Ptolemy Euergetes and other hated royal tyrants well known to the Jewish people.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[Jesus] declared,
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“The
Οἱ (Hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kings
βασιλεῖς (basileis)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Gentiles
ἐθνῶν (ethnōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 1484: Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.

lord it over
κυριεύουσιν (kyrieuousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2961: To have authority, rule over. From kurios; to rule.

them,
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

those
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

in authority over
ἐξουσιάζοντες (exousiazontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1850: To exercise (wield) power (authority), pass: To be ruled, be held under authority. From exousia; to control.

them
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

call themselves
καλοῦνται (kalountai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2564: (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.

benefactors.
εὐεργέται (euergetai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2110: A benefactor, well-doer. From eu and the base of ergon; a worker of good, i.e. a philanthropist.


Links
Luke 22:25 NIV
Luke 22:25 NLT
Luke 22:25 ESV
Luke 22:25 NASB
Luke 22:25 KJV

Luke 22:25 BibleApps.com
Luke 22:25 Biblia Paralela
Luke 22:25 Chinese Bible
Luke 22:25 French Bible
Luke 22:25 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Luke 22:25 He said to them The kings (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 22:24
Top of Page
Top of Page