And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus points out that earthly rulers demand respect and are often called "benefactors," a title of honor that sounds grand but can be hollow. He highlights this contrast to show that true greatness in His kingdom isn't about titles or power, but about serving others humbly.
And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is addressing a dispute among his disciples about who among them is the greatest. He uses the example of Gentile kings, who exercise authority and are often flatteringly called "benefactors," to contrast with the humility and service he expects from his followers. This conversation happens just before his arrest and emphasizes that his kingdom operates on completely different principles of leadership than the world's.
Jesus often contrasted the ways of the world with the ways of His kingdom. This verse highlights a stark difference in how leaders operate.
In the world Jesus describes, power is about ruling and exercising authority. Kings 'exercise lordship' over their people. Those in power are even given titles like 'benefactors,' suggesting they are givers of favor or great deeds.
But Jesus' kingdom operates differently. He's about to show that true greatness in His kingdom isn't about dominating others, but about serving them. The rulers of the world are defined by their position and the titles they claim; Jesus' followers are defined by their humility and willingness to serve.
The title 'benefactor' sounds noble, but Jesus hints at something deceptive behind it. What was really meant by this grand title?
The term 'benefactor' (euergetes in Greek) was a prestigious title given to kings and rulers who were seen as conferring benefits upon their people. Historical examples include rulers of Egypt and Syria who adopted this title to enhance their image.
However, the context here reveals this title was often a compliment, or even flattery, applied to rulers regardless of their true character. Some might have genuinely benefited their people, but the title itself was a claim to power and favor bestowed from above. Jesus uses this worldly title to highlight how His kingdom's values are upside down: true 'benefactors' in His kingdom are those who humbly serve and give, not those who demand honor and exercise authority.
Understand the original words
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ethnos · Greek Noun
Literally 'nations'; biblically, it refers to those outside the covenant community of Israel. It is used here to contrast worldly power structures with the nature of Christ’s kingdom.
katakyrieuō · Greek Verb
To exercise power, rule over, or dominate. Biblically, this often implies a coercive or self-serving use of authority, which Jesus contrasts with servant leadership.
euergetēs · Greek Noun
A title historically given to rulers or wealthy patrons who provided for the public. It implies a position of superiority and is used by Jesus to describe worldly leaders who expect honor for their rule.
The title 'benefactor' was a common, often hollow, honorific for powerful rulers in Jesus' day. Jesus uses this earthly model of power and title to highlight how radically different leadership in His kingdom is – one of humble service, not of domination.
c. 3rd-1st century BC
Kings adopt
Several Hellenistic rulers, like Ptolemy III of Egypt and Antiochus VII of Syria, adopted the title 'Euergetes' (Benefactor) to promote their image as benevolent rulers. This title was also inscribed on coins.
Late 1st century BC - Early 1st century AD
Roman Emperors called Benefactors
The title 'Benefactor' (Euergetes) became commonly applied to Roman emperors, even if their rule was tyrannical. This was a way to flatter them and acknowledge any perceived benefits they provided to the empire.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus teaches on true greatness
During His ministry, Jesus repeatedly contrasted the Gentile style of leadership with the service-oriented model of His kingdom, emphasizing that true greatness comes from serving others.
c. AD 30— this verse
The Last Supper discussion
In the upper room during the Passover meal, just before His arrest, Jesus directly addresses the disciples' lingering ambition for status, contrasting the lordship of Gentile kings with the servant leadership He models.
c. AD 30
Peter's denial and restoration
Peter, who was present at this discussion, would soon deny Jesus. Later, after his restoration, he would echo Jesus' teaching by urging elders not to lord it over God's people but to be humble examples.
Jesus directly contrasts the gentile model of rulers who 'lord it over' their subjects with the humble service expected of his followers.
Mark 10:42Similar to Matthew, this passage highlights Jesus' teaching that greatness in his kingdom is found in serving, not dominating, directly challenging the desire for lordship.
1 Peter 5:2Peter, who was present at this conversation, later exhorts elders not to 'lord it over' their congregations but to act as humble examples, echoing Jesus' teaching.
Philippians 2:5This passage encourages believers to adopt the same mindset as Christ, who, despite his divine status, humbled himself and took the form of a servant, directly opposing the 'lordship' mentality.
Galatians 3:28In Christ, distinctions of earthly power and status are dissolved, as there is 'neither slave nor free,' pointing to a radical equality that stands against the worldly hierarchy Jesus describes.
pooleLuke 22:25: "And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors."
Ver. 25-27. See Poole on "Matthew 20:25" , and following verses to Matthew 20:28 . The sum is, our Saviour hereby teacheth all his disciples (his ministers especially) to avoid affectation of rule and dominion, as that which became heathens rather than Christians, and the kings of the Gentiles rather than the ministers of the Lord Jesus C…
barnesLuke 22:25: "And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors."
The kings of the Gentiles - The kings of the "nations," or of the earth. They do this, and it is to be expected of them, and it is right. Our Lord does not mean to say that it was wrong that there should be such authority, but that "his" kingdom was to be of a different character, and they were not to expect it there. Over them - That is,…
Jesus points out that earthly rulers demand respect and are often called "benefactors," a title of honor that sounds grand but can be hollow. He highlights this contrast to show that true greatness in His kingdom isn't about titles or power, but about serving others humbly.
Jesus is addressing a dispute among his disciples about who among them is the greatest. He uses the example of Gentile kings, who exercise authority and are often flatteringly called "benefactors," to contrast with the humility and service he expects from his followers. This conversation happens just before his arrest and emphasizes that his kingdom operates on completely different principles of leadership than the world's.
Jesus is addressing a dispute among his disciples about who among them is the greatest. He uses the example of Gentile kings, who exercise authority and are often flatteringly called "benefactors," to contrast with the humility and service he expects from his followers. This conversation happens just before his arrest and emphasizes that his kingdom operates on completely different principles of leadership than the world's.
"And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors." — Jesus points out that earthly rulers demand respect and are often called "benefactors," a title of honor that sounds grand but can be hollow. He highlights this contrast to show that true greatness i…
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Last reviewed October 2026