Luke 22:25 Meaning and Explanation
“And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus observes that worldly kings lord it over people while collecting titles of generosity.
What Does Luke 22:25 Mean?
Jesus answers the rivalry by describing how power works among the nations: kings dominate, and the dominators are hailed as 'benefactors' - a title rulers of that age actually took for themselves. The flattery dresses lordship up as charity.
His point is diagnostic: the world measures greatness by how many serve you and what they call you. Jesus neither envies that order nor lets his followers copy it. Whenever authority among his people becomes a ladder for self, it has reverted to the pattern he names here. The alternative comes in the next verse.
Luke 22:25 in the Original Language
euergetes (εὐεργέτης), 'benefactors' -- doers of good; a title of honor claimed by Gentile kings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 22:25
What does Luke 22:25 mean?
Jesus observes that worldly kings lord it over people while collecting titles of generosity.