New Testament
Luke 22:27
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus contrasts the roles of those who are served and those who serve.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
For who is greater, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who sits at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
For 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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus contrasts the roles of those who are served and those who serve. Typically, the person sitting at the table is seen as more important than the one serving. However, Jesus flips this expectation by identifying Himself as a servant among His followers. He emphasizes that true greatness is found in serving others rather than seeking status or recognition. This teaching challenges societal norms about power and authority, highlighting that humility and service are the true marks of greatness in God's kingdom. Jesus exemplifies this by His own actions, demonstrating that leadership is about serving others selflessly. His message encourages His followers to adopt a servant's heart, prioritizing the needs of others over their own desires for honor or prestige. This radical approach to leadership and community is foundational to the Christian faith, urging believers to live out their faith through acts of love and service. Explore related servanthood.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 22:27 to your life
To apply this teaching, look for opportunities to serve others in your daily life. Whether at home, work, or in your community, prioritize helping those around you. Embrace a mindset of humility, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from serving rather than being served.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 22:27 mean?
Luke 22:27 highlights the contrast between those who are served and those who serve. Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from serving others, as He exemplifies by being among His followers as a servant.
What is the meaning of servanthood in Luke 22:27?
In Luke 22:27, servanthood means prioritizing the needs of others over seeking status or recognition. Jesus redefines greatness by showing that serving others is the true mark of leadership.
How does Luke 22:27 apply to daily life?
Luke 22:27 encourages individuals to seek opportunities to serve others in their daily lives. By adopting a humble mindset and prioritizing service, one can find true fulfillment and embody Jesus' teachings.
What themes are present in Luke 22:27?
Key themes in Luke 22:27 include servanthood, humility, and selflessness. The verse emphasizes the importance of serving others and challenges conventional ideas of greatness and leadership.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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