New Testament
John 13:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Truly, truly, I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him."
Compare translations
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
What John 13:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the principle of humility and the importance of recognizing one's position in relation to others. He states that a servant cannot be greater than their master, highlighting the idea that authority and roles are defined by the relationship between individuals. This teaching serves as a reminder that those who serve should not seek to elevate themselves above their leaders or those who have sent them. It also reflects the nature of discipleship, where followers are to emulate their teacher and understand their place within the hierarchy of service. Jesus, as the master, exemplifies this humility by serving others, and He calls His followers to adopt the same attitude. This verse encourages believers to embrace their roles with humility and to respect the authority of those who lead them, recognizing that true greatness comes from serving others rather than seeking power or status.
How to apply John 13:16 to your life
In our daily lives, we can apply this teaching by practicing humility in our relationships. Whether at work, home, or in our communities, we should serve others without seeking recognition or power. Embracing a servant's heart fosters unity and respect among peers and leaders alike.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Washing the Disciples' Feet (John 13:1–30)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 13:16
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 13:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 13:16 mean?
John 13:16 means that Jesus is teaching about humility and the importance of recognizing one's role in relation to others. He emphasizes that a servant cannot be greater than their master, highlighting the need for respect and understanding in relationships.
What is the meaning of servanthood in John 13:16?
In John 13:16, servanthood refers to the attitude of humility and service that Jesus exemplifies. It teaches that true greatness comes from serving others rather than seeking to elevate oneself above others.
How does John 13:16 apply to leadership?
John 13:16 applies to leadership by reminding leaders to serve those they lead with humility. It encourages leaders to recognize their role and to foster an environment where serving others is valued over seeking power.
What can we learn from John 13:16?
From John 13:16, we learn the importance of humility and the value of serving others. It teaches that we should embrace our roles without seeking recognition and respect the authority of those who lead us.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.