A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The word translated "perfect" actually carries a sense of being "fully trained" or "thoroughly prepared," implying a process of completion. This means a disciple isn't just like their teacher, but ideally, after dedicated learning and shaping, will reach the same level of understanding and character as their teacher.
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just instructed the crowds about the dangers of judging others harshly and the importance of generosity. He then turns to his disciples, warning them of the persecution they will face for his name and the need for endurance. Following this intense warning, he uses the proverb that a disciple isn't above their teacher to underscore that they should expect to share the same difficult experiences and ultimate character as their Master, Jesus.
Have you ever felt like you're constantly trying to 'outdo' your mentors or teachers? This verse challenges that idea, pointing to a different kind of aspiration.
Jesus uses a simple, relatable principle: a student isn't meant to be above their teacher. This isn't about limiting potential, but about understanding the nature of discipleship.
The Master-Disciple Relationship
The core idea is that a disciple learns from a teacher. The teacher imparts knowledge, skills, and wisdom. The goal of the disciple isn't to somehow surpass the teacher in their learning, but to absorb the teaching so thoroughly that they become like them.
Fully Trained, Fully Like the Teacher
The verse states, 'everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.' This means that true mastery and completion in discipleship result in conformity to the teacher's character and way of life. It's about embodying the lessons learned, not just accumulating knowledge.
Jesus often spoke hard truths. This verse, while seemingly straightforward, carries weight, especially considering the context of persecution and difficult discipleship Jesus was describing.
When Jesus speaks of the disciple becoming 'like his teacher,' it's crucial to remember the backdrop against which he’s speaking. In the preceding verses (and in parallel passages in Matthew), Jesus warns his disciples about the intense opposition and hatred they will face because of his name.
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The Teacher's Example of Suffering
Jesus himself faced immense suffering, rejection, and ultimately crucifixion. His 'teaching' wasn't just words; it was a life lived in obedience to God, even unto death. When a disciple is called to be 'like his teacher,' it includes embracing the same path of potential suffering and opposition.
A Call to Enduring Likeness
Therefore, becoming 'like the teacher' means not only adopting his character and teachings but also his willingness to endure hardship for the sake of God's kingdom. The goal is not a comfortable, elevated status above the teacher, but a deep conformity that embraces the teacher's entire experience, including the difficult parts.
Understand the original words
mathētēs · Greek Noun
A student, learner, or apprentice of a master. In the New Testament, it signifies one who adheres to the teachings and life of Jesus Christ, actively imitating His ways.
didaskalos · Greek Noun
One who instructs or provides doctrine. In the New Testament, it refers to Christ or those authorized by Him to explain the will of God and lead others in the truth.
katērtismenos · Greek Verb (Participle)
To be perfected, equipped, or brought to a state of completion. It implies the process of being fully instructed and prepared to reach the maturity of one's master.
This passage reiterates the principle that a servant is not greater than his master, directly paralleling the idea that a disciple's status is defined by their teacher's.
1 Corinthians 11:1Paul calls believers to imitate him as he imitates Christ, showing how the model of the teacher (Christ) shapes the disciple (Paul) and, by extension, all believers.
Galatians 6:1This verse speaks of restoring those who fall into sin, using the concept of 'perfecting' or 'setting right,' which echoes the idea in Luke 6:40 of being fully trained or perfected like the teacher.
Matthew 10:24-25This parallel passage in Matthew emphasizes the disciple's close identification with the master, even to the point of sharing in the master's potential mistreatment, reinforcing the idea of becoming like the teacher.
calvinLuke 6:40: "The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master."
- And the brother will deliver up the brother to death, and the father the son, and the children will rise up against the parents, and will put them to death. 22. And you will be hated by all on account of my name: but he who shall endure to the end [588] will be saved. 23. And when they shall persecute you in this city, flee into another: for verily I say unto you, You will not have gone…
calvinLuke 6:37-42: "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"
- Judge not, that you may not be judged. 2. For with what judgment you judge you shall be judged, and with what measure you measure, it shall be measured to you again. 3. And why seest thou the straw, which is in thy brother's eye, and perceivest not the beam which is in thine eye? 4. Or how shall thou say to thy brother, Allow me to pull the straw out of thine…
The word translated "perfect" actually carries a sense of being "fully trained" or "thoroughly prepared," implying a process of completion. This means a disciple isn't just like their teacher, but ideally, after dedicated learning and shaping, will reach the same level of understanding and character as their teacher.
Jesus has just instructed the crowds about the dangers of judging others harshly and the importance of generosity. He then turns to his disciples, warning them of the persecution they will face for his name and the need for endurance. Following this intense warning, he uses the proverb that a disciple isn't above their teacher to underscore that they should expect to share the same difficult experiences and ultimate character as their Master, Jesus.
Jesus has just instructed the crowds about the dangers of judging others harshly and the importance of generosity. He then turns to his disciples, warning them of the persecution they will face for his name and the need for endurance. Following this intense warning, he uses the proverb that a disciple isn't above their teacher to underscore that they should expect to share the same difficult experiences and ultimate character as their Master, Jesus.
"A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." — The word translated "perfect" actually carries a sense of being "fully trained" or "thoroughly prepared," implying a process of completion. This means a disciple isn't just like their teacher, but…
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Last reviewed October 2026