Matthew 20 27

Matthew 20:27 kjv

And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

Matthew 20:27 nkjv

And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave?

Matthew 20:27 niv

and whoever wants to be first must be your slave?

Matthew 20:27 esv

and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,

Matthew 20:27 nlt

and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.

Matthew 20 verses

Matthew 20 27 Meaning

Matthew 20:27 teaches that within the Kingdom of God, true greatness and the path to spiritual leadership are not found in seeking hierarchical dominance or earthly power, but in embracing the role of a humble servant, completely dedicated to ministering to others, reflecting Christ's own example of self-sacrifice.

Matthew 20 27 Context

Matthew chapter 20 primarily details Jesus' third explicit prophecy of His impending passion, His interaction with the mother of James and John, and the healing of two blind men. Verse 27 arises directly from the ambition of James and John, facilitated by their mother, who asks Jesus to grant her sons places of preeminence in His Kingdom (Matt 20:20-21). This request reveals a misunderstanding of the nature of Christ's Kingdom and a worldly conception of power and prestige. In response, Jesus gathers all the disciples (Matt 20:24) to directly confront their similar human desires for status (Mark 10:41) and redefine what "first" truly means in His Kingdom. Historically and culturally, Jewish society, under Roman rule, still highly valued positions of authority and honor. Religious leaders (Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes) openly sought public acclaim and prominent seating. Roman power was explicitly about domination and patronage. Jesus' teaching here directly counters both the disciples' flawed perception and the prevalent societal norms, establishing a radical counter-cultural principle for His followers: greatness is not found in lording it over others, but in serving them.

Matthew 20 27 Word analysis

• And (καὶ - kai): A simple conjunction, connecting this principle to the previous statement in verse 26, emphasizing that both aspects ("least" as servant and "first" as slave) define kingdom leadership.
• whoever (ὅστις - hostis): Indefinite relative pronoun, meaning "whosoever," or "anyone who." It speaks to a broad, inclusive application of this principle to all disciples. It implies a personal choice or inclination.
• desires (θέλει - thelei): From the Greek verb thelō, meaning "to wish," "to will," "to want," "to desire." This word signifies an internal intention, a deliberate choice of will. It doesn't prohibit the desire to excel or lead, but directs the way that desire should be pursued.
• to be (γενέσθαι - genesthai): A form of ginomai, "to become," "to happen," "to be born." Here, "to become" or "to be." It indicates the desired state or identity of the person.
• first (πρῶτος - prōtos): "First," "chief," "foremost," "leading." It denotes preeminence in rank, order, or importance. In a worldly sense, this refers to a position of power or high esteem. Jesus redefines what it means to be "first" in His Kingdom, redirecting the aim of ambition.
• among you (ἐν ὑμῖν - en hymin): Refers to the community of disciples, indicating that this principle applies specifically within the new societal structure of the Kingdom of God, distinguishing it from external worldly norms.
• let him be (ἔσται - estai): From eimi, "to be." The future indicative implies a direct command or inevitable consequence; this is what must be. It's not a suggestion but a fundamental requirement for anyone seeking the described preeminence.
• your (ὑμῶν - hymōn): Plural possessive pronoun, further emphasizing the collective context of the disciples.
• servant (δοῦλος - doulos): This is a critical word. It translates as "slave" or "bond-servant." This term does not refer to a hired employee (who could leave), but one completely subject to another's will, essentially owning nothing and possessing no personal rights. In this context, it describes a total dedication to others' needs, a complete self-emptying, mirroring Christ's life.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "and whoever desires to be first": This phrase directly addresses human ambition. It acknowledges that the desire for preeminence or influence can exist, but it immediately redefines the nature of true "firstness" in the Kingdom of God. It implies an intentional aspiration for a leading role or position, but Jesus redirects its manifestation.
• "among you": This highlights the distinct internal dynamic of Christ's community, sharply contrasting with external societal values. Kingdom leadership operates under a different paradigm than worldly leadership.
• "let him be your servant": This is the core revolutionary command. The use of "servant" (doulos - slave) is the most radical redefinition. To be "first" requires not commanding but submitting, not being served but serving, echoing the most humble and selfless position available in society, completely overturning the conventional understanding of leadership and power. It's a call to identify with those in the lowest positions and to put the needs of others above one's own.

Matthew 20 27 Bonus section

The strength of "doulos" (servant/slave) is profound here. In the Greco-Roman world, a doulos had no rights, lived under another's command, and was considered property. For Jesus to command that those aspiring to be "first" should take on such a status was scandalous and revolutionary. It directly confronted the aristocratic values prevalent among the religious elite of the day, who often pursued honorific titles and public recognition (e.g., Matt 23:5-7). The concept of leadership through servitude is central to Jesus' ministry and distinct from nearly every worldly system of power, which often consolidates authority and demands obedience. This principle also functions as a prophetic word against any form of spiritual tyranny or hierarchical abuses that would later emerge within the Christian faith. It sets the permanent standard that true Christian leadership is exercised downward, empowering and blessing those who are served, rather than dominating them.

Matthew 20 27 Commentary

Matthew 20:27 presents a radical, counter-intuitive principle of Kingdom leadership, directly challenging humanity's inherent drive for status and power. Coming immediately after Jesus corrects the disciples' misunderstanding of power dynamics within His nascent community, this verse succinctly states that aspiration for preeminence is not condemned per se, but its path is utterly transformed. The world seeks to be first by exercising authority, control, and by being served. Jesus commands that in His Kingdom, to be truly "first" (meaning to hold significant influence, honor, or spiritual authority) one must actively choose to become a doulos—a slave. This is the deepest form of servitude, implying self-renunciation, willing subordination, and unreserved devotion to the needs and welfare of others. This is not mere helpfulness but a fundamental shift in identity and purpose, echoing Christ’s own sacrificial ministry (Matt 20:28; Phil 2:7). This teaching emphasizes that authority in God’s Kingdom flows from selfless service and a willingness to subordinate personal interests for the common good and the advancement of others, not from dominating or extracting service.

Practical applications might include:

• Leaders consistently asking, "How can I serve?" rather than "How can I be served?"
• Recognizing the value in doing humble tasks that benefit the community without seeking credit.
• Prioritizing the needs of the vulnerable, overlooked, or less fortunate over personal gain.