King James Version

What Does Luke 22:27 Mean?

Luke 22:27 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Luke 22:27 · KJV

Context

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.

26

But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

27

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.

28

Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.

29

And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth?—Jesus poses a rhetorical question with an obvious cultural answer: the one reclining (ἀνακείμενος, anakeimenos) at the banquet holds higher status than the servant (διακονῶν, diakonon) waiting tables. But then comes the shocking reversal: I am among you as he that serveth—The Son of God, the messianic King, identifies not with the master but with the slave.

This statement illuminates the entire incarnation. Jesus didn't merely teach servanthood abstractly; He embodied it supremely. Philippians 2:6-8 expands this: Christ "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant." At this very meal, He would soon wash the disciples' feet (John 13). The greatest theological truth—God serves man unto death—underpins Jesus's ethic of servant leadership.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Meals in the ancient world were carefully choreographed status displays. Reclining position, food quality, and service all communicated social hierarchy. Household servants or hired waiters served reclining diners, never eating with them. For Jesus to claim servant status while hosting the Passover meal demonstrated incarnational humility that shattered cultural categories.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's example of servant leadership challenge your understanding of what it means to follow Him in positions of influence?
  2. Where in your life are you demanding to be served rather than looking for opportunities to serve?
  3. What would change in the church if leaders consistently modeled Jesus's servant heart rather than worldly leadership styles?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
τίς1 of 20

“whether”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

γὰρ2 of 20

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

μείζων3 of 20

“is greater”

G3187

larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)

ὁ4 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνακείμενος5 of 20

“he that sitteth at meat”

G345

to recline (as a corpse or at a meal)

ἢ6 of 20

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ὁ7 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διακονῶν8 of 20

“he that serveth”

G1247

to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon

οὐχὶ9 of 20

“is not”

G3780

not indeed

ὁ10 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνακείμενος11 of 20

“he that sitteth at meat”

G345

to recline (as a corpse or at a meal)

ἐγὼ12 of 20

“I”

G1473

i, me

δὲ13 of 20

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἰμι14 of 20

“am”

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ἐν15 of 20

“among”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μέσῳ16 of 20
G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

ὑμῶν17 of 20

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὡς18 of 20

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ὁ19 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διακονῶν20 of 20

“he that serveth”

G1247

to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 22:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 22:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 20:28Luke 12:37John 13:5-162 Corinthians 8:9Philippians 2:7-8Luke 17:7-9

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