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 22:27KJV
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Luke 22:27 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:27 mean?

Luke 22:27 shows Jesus telling his disciples that, although most people see the one sitting at the table as more important than the one serving, he himself is among them as one who serves. Jesus is highlighting that true greatness comes from serving others, not from being served.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his closest followers during the Last Supper. The disciples had been arguing about who among them was the greatest. Jesus uses the common picture of a meal, where the guest at the table is usually honored above the servant, to turn their thinking upside down. By saying he is "as he that serveth," Jesus points to his own example of humble service, even though he is their teacher and Lord.

The Greek behind Luke 22:27

  • "Serveth" (διακονεῖ, diakonei): This Greek word means "to serve" or "to wait on." Jesus uses it to describe his own role, making clear that he identifies with the servant, not the honored guest.
  • "Greater" (μείζων, meizōn): This word means "more important" or "higher in status." Jesus questions their assumptions about what makes someone truly great.
  • "Sitteth at meat" (ἀνακείμενος, anakeimenos): This phrase refers to reclining at the table, the position of a guest being served. Jesus contrasts this with the role of the one doing the serving.

Why Luke 22:27 matters

  • Luke 22:27 challenges the common idea that status and honor come from being served, showing that Jesus values humble service above social rank.
  • This verse helps explain why Jesus washes his disciples' feet in John’s Gospel, giving a living example of the principle he teaches here.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme in Luke of Jesus redefining greatness and leadership, urging his followers to imitate his example of self-giving service.

Where else these words appear

“meat” Greek G345 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
  • Matthew 26:20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
  • Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

“serveth” Greek G1247 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
  • Luke 8:3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

“greater” Greek G3187 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
  • Luke 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
  • John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

“not” Greek G3780 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
  • Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
  • 1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?