Jesus uses the Greek word for "to lord it over" to describe how rulers of the Gentiles treat people as possessions, not individuals. He points out that even their "great ones" – the powerful figures beneath the top rulers – exercise authority in a similar oppressive way. This shows the disciples the stark contrast to the humble leadership style He's about to teach them.
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following Jesus' third announcement of his impending suffering and death, the disciples, particularly James and John, reveal their ambition by asking for the highest positions in his kingdom. When the other ten hear this, they become indignant, exposing their own similar desires. Jesus then gathers them together to contrast the Gentile model of rulers who exercise dominance with the radically different way of leadership in his kingdom.
Ever notice how leaders in the world often seem to 'lord it over' others? Jesus points this out directly here. What does that look like, and why does it matter?
Jesus uses the 'Gentiles'—the non-Jewish world—as a clear example of how power is typically exercised.
Domination and Authority
Jesus isn't just making an observation; He's setting up a stark contrast with the way leadership works in His kingdom.
Jesus doesn't just point out the problem with worldly power; He offers a completely different model. What does true greatness look like in His eyes?
Jesus immediately contrasts the Gentile model with His own kingdom's principles. The ambition that drives worldly rulers is seen as something to be rejected by His followers.
The Way of the Servant
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Jesus shows that true leadership in His kingdom is defined by humility and service, not by domination.
Understand the original words
archōn · Greek Noun
One who exercises power, control, or sovereignty over a people or territory. In this context, it refers to secular or political leaders who use their status for self-aggrandizement.
katakyrieuō · Greek Verb
To dominate, bully, or exert oppressive control over others. It describes the abusive exercise of power for personal benefit rather than for the good of those led.
diakonos · Greek Noun
A person who serves others, often in a position of humble ministry or work. Biblically, it signifies someone who willingly subordinates their interests to benefit others.
doulos · Greek Noun
One who is legally owned by another and lacks personal freedom. In the kingdom of God, it denotes total submission to the will of another for the purpose of serving them.
ho huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title used by Jesus, referencing Daniel 7:13-14, emphasizing both His human nature and His divine authority, eschatological role, and suffering.
lytron · Greek Noun
The price paid to redeem or set free someone held in bondage or captivity. Biblically, it refers to the sacrificial death of Christ as the payment required to liberate humanity from the penalty of sin.
c. 27 BC - AD 14
Reign of Augustus Caesar
Augustus established the Roman Empire, ushering in a period of relative peace but also solidifying a hierarchical system of governance where rulers exercised absolute authority over their subjects.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus taught and healed throughout Galilee, gathering disciples and challenging the established religious and social norms of his time.
c. AD 30— this verse
Disciples' Ambition and Jesus' Teaching
Following Jesus' third prediction of his suffering and death, the disciples James and John (and likely others) vied for positions of honor in Jesus' future kingdom, prompting Jesus' direct teaching on servant leadership.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus and his disciples were on their way to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, a journey that would culminate in his crucifixion and resurrection.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' teaching, highlighting the stark contrast between the power-over style of Gentile rulers and the servant leadership He calls His followers to embrace.
Luke 22:25Similar to Mark's account, Luke records Jesus' rebuke of the disciples' desire for status, contrasting the 'benefactors' of the world with the humility expected within His kingdom.
Philippians 2:5-8This passage offers the ultimate example of the counter-cultural leadership Jesus is describing, showing Christ's own voluntary humility and self-emptying, contrasting with the self-exaltation of worldly rulers.
1 Peter 5:2-3Peter echoes Jesus' teaching by urging elders not to 'lord it over' their charges, directly applying the principle of servant leadership taught here to church governance.
calvinMark 10:41-45: "And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John."
- And when the ten heard it, [659] they were displeased with the two brethren. 25. And Jesus called them to him, and said, You know that the princes of the Gentiles rule over them, and they who are great exercise authority over them. 26. It shall not be so among you: but whoever wishes to be great among you, let him be your minister; 27. And he that wishes to be chief among you, let him be your s…
ellicottMark 10:42: "But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them."
(42) Exercise lordship. . . . exercise authority. —On the force of the two words, see Note on Matthew 20:25 .
Jesus uses the Greek word for "to lord it over" to describe how rulers of the Gentiles treat people as possessions, not individuals. He points out that even their "great ones" – the powerful figures beneath the top rulers – exercise authority in a similar oppressive way. This shows the disciples the stark contrast to the humble leadership style He's about to teach them.
Following Jesus' third announcement of his impending suffering and death, the disciples, particularly James and John, reveal their ambition by asking for the highest positions in his kingdom. When the other ten hear this, they become indignant, exposing their own similar desires. Jesus then gathers them together to contrast the Gentile model of rulers who exercise dominance with the radically different way of leadership in his kingdom.
Following Jesus' third announcement of his impending suffering and death, the disciples, particularly James and John, reveal their ambition by asking for the highest positions in his kingdom. When the other ten hear this, they become indignant, exposing their own similar desires. Jesus then gathers them together to contrast the Gentile model of rulers who exercise dominance with the radically different way of leadership in his kingdom.
"And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be grea…" — Jesus uses the Greek word for "to lord it over" to describe how rulers of the Gentiles treat people as possessions, not individuals. He points out that even their "great ones" – the powerful figures…
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Last reviewed October 2026
