Luke 6:40 kjv
The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.
Luke 6:40 nkjv
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.
Luke 6:40 niv
The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.
Luke 6:40 esv
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
Luke 6:40 nlt
Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.
Luke 6 40 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Mt 10:24-25 | A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master... it is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher... | Direct parallel on disciple's relationship |
| Jn 13:16 | Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. | Principle of servant not exceeding master |
| Jn 15:20 | Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ | Reinforces the principle of servant-master |
| Lk 6:39 | He also told them a parable: ‘Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a ditch?’ | Context: danger of unqualified teachers |
| Lk 6:43-45 | For no good tree bears bad fruit... A good person produces good out of the good stored up in his heart... | Immediate context: character shown by fruit |
| Rom 8:29 | For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son... | Goal of discipleship: Christ-likeness |
| 2 Cor 3:18 | And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image... | Ongoing transformation into Christ's image |
| Php 2:5 | Have this mind among yourselves, which is in Christ Jesus... | Developing Christ-like mindset |
| Col 1:28 | Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present every person mature in Christ. | Aim of teaching: spiritual maturity in Christ |
| 1 Jn 3:2 | ...when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. | Future ultimate Christ-likeness |
| 1 Pet 2:21 | For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. | Christ as the example to follow |
| Eph 4:13 | ...until we all attain to the unity of the faith... to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ... | Growth to Christ's full measure |
| Mt 11:29 | Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart... | Direct call to learn from Jesus |
| 1 Cor 11:1 | Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. | Principle of spiritual imitation |
| Eph 4:11-12 | And he gave the apostles... evangelists... shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry... | Purpose of gifted teachers to equip |
| Heb 5:12 | For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles... | Need for continued fundamental teaching |
| Heb 5:14 | But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice... | Maturity from training and practice |
| 2 Tim 3:16-17 | All Scripture is breathed out by God... profitable for teaching... for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. | Scripture as the tool for training/equipping |
| Gal 6:1 | Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. | Katartizo (related to "fully trained") as restoring |
| 1 Pet 5:10 | And after you have suffered... the God of all grace... will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. | God's role in perfecting/equipping believers |
| Jas 3:2 | For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. | Striving for moral perfection in speech |
| Col 1:9-10 | ...asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will... so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord... | Knowledge leading to worthy conduct |
| Prov 23:7 | For as he thinks in his heart, so is he... | Inner state shapes outward being |
Luke 6 verses
Luke 6 40 Meaning
Luke 6:40 states a fundamental principle of spiritual formation: a student cannot surpass their instructor in the learning process, but the ultimate goal and outcome of thorough training is for the disciple to embody the qualities and teachings of their master. It underscores that true discipleship involves profound imitation and assimilation, leading to a state of being and acting that mirrors the teacher, particularly when that teacher is Christ Himself. The verse implies both the authority of the teacher and the transformative potential of dedicated learning, highlighting that effective training leads to becoming like the one who teaches.
Luke 6 40 Context
Luke 6:40 is part of Jesus's Sermon on the Plain, following immediately after His exhortations against judgmentalism (vv. 37-38) and the parable of the blind guiding the blind (v. 39). This discourse highlights the necessity of inner transformation, right living, and the dangers of hypocrisy. The preceding verse (39) sets the stage by warning about unqualified leadership. Luke 6:40 logically continues this theme, emphasizing that a disciple cannot surpass their teacher, reinforcing Jesus's own ultimate authority as the Teacher, and pointing to the quality of the disciple being a direct reflection of the quality of their training under that teacher. It leads into the analogy of judging trees by their fruit (vv. 43-45) and building on a solid foundation (vv. 46-49), all stressing the importance of inner reality leading to outward action and stable character. The broader historical and cultural context recognizes the profound significance of the Rabbi (teacher) - Talmid (disciple) relationship in Jewish society, where disciples fully immersed themselves in their master's teachings, lifestyle, and even his way of interpreting the Law, aspiring to emulate him fully. Jesus, as the ultimate Rabbi, called for a similar, yet deeper, level of identification with Him.
Luke 6 40 Word analysis
A disciple (μαθητής - mathētēs): A learner, student, apprentice. It implies an active and voluntary engagement with the teachings and life of a master. Not merely an academic student but one who attaches themselves to a teacher, embracing their instruction and way of life.
is not (οὐκ - ouk) above (ὑπέρ - hyper): Emphasizes the subordinate position. A disciple cannot naturally rise above the level of knowledge, wisdom, or spiritual formation achieved by their teacher, especially in the context of learning the fundamental truths from them. It sets the natural boundary of initial training.
his teacher (διδάσκαλος - didaskalos): An instructor, master, or teacher. In the Gospels, this title is frequently given to Jesus, acknowledging His authority and wisdom in teaching the Way of God.
but (ἀλλά - alla): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a contrast or shift in perspective from the limitation to the positive potential.
everyone (πᾶς - pas): Universal in scope. Applies to every single person who commits to this path of training.
when he is fully trained (κατηρτισμένος - katērtismenos): This is a key term. From the verb
καταρτίζω(katartizō), meaning to mend, repair, restore, perfect, complete, equip, or train for a specific purpose. It suggests a thorough and effective process of equipping, mending, or bringing to a state of completion or readiness. It’s not just academic learning, but a deep spiritual formation and inner transformation that leads to practical competence and moral uprightness. It speaks of being made perfectly fit for purpose, or being fully brought into conformity with the ideal.will be like (ἔσται ὡς - estai hōs) his teacher: This is the ultimate goal and outcome. "Will be" (estai) signifies a certain future. The purpose of complete training is not to surpass but to replicate, to conform to the character, values, and practices of the teacher. In the context of Jesus, this means becoming Christ-like. It implies a moral and spiritual resemblance, reflecting the teacher’s character in one’s own life and conduct.
Luke 6 40 Bonus section
The emphasis on being "fully trained" (κατηρτισμένος) highlights that Christian discipleship is not passive reception but an active, developmental process. The Greek root implies a mending or perfecting process, suggesting that disciples are incomplete or broken prior to this training. This verse implies that incomplete training or a deficient teacher will yield incomplete or deficient disciples. Therefore, Jesus's teaching methods and His very Person are presented as the perfect model, able to produce disciples fully like Himself. The fully trained state refers to reaching maturity where one's life bears witness to the truth and power of the Master’s teachings, enabling one to live out Christian principles and even guide others with integrity (as opposed to the blind leading the blind from the preceding verse).
Luke 6 40 Commentary
Luke 6:40 serves as a foundational statement on the nature and aim of discipleship within Christ's kingdom. The first clause, "A disciple is not above his teacher," establishes the prerequisite humility and recognition of the teacher's authority and wisdom. It corrects any misguided aspiration to quickly surpass the master, emphasizing submission to instruction. The profound power of the verse lies in the second clause: "but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." This is a statement of assurance and promise. The term "fully trained" (κατηρτισμένος) is crucial, implying not just intellectual instruction but comprehensive equipping and spiritual maturation, like a broken bone being perfectly reset or a fishing net mended for full functionality.
For believers, Jesus Christ is the ultimate Teacher. His disciples are called to not just hear His words but to internalize His character, His Spirit, and His very nature. This training involves spiritual disciplines, the work of the Holy Spirit, obedience to His commands, and conformity to His image (Rom 8:29). The objective is transformation – not just learning about Christ, but learning from Christ to become like Christ. This includes His humility (Mt 11:29), His love, His discernment, and His selfless service. The disciple’s growth ultimately validates the teacher’s effectiveness and the disciple's earnestness in applying what has been taught. This verse challenges both students and teachers: teachers to live authentically as examples, and disciples to wholeheartedly embrace the transformative process so they might fully reflect their Teacher.