Question 1

What does Luke 6:40 mean?

Accepted Answer

Luke 6:40 says that a student is not greater than their teacher, but when a student is fully trained, they will be like their teacher. This means that disciples can expect to become similar to their teacher, not surpass them, once they have learned everything the teacher has to offer. In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his followers, using the relationship between a disciple and a master to make a point about learning and growth. The setting is part of a larger teaching where Jesus is explaining the attitudes and behaviors expected of his followers. The verse highlights the natural outcome of discipleship: students will reflect the character and ways of their teacher, but not exceed them.

Question 2

The Greek behind Luke 6:40

Accepted Answer

μαθητής (mathētēs, "disciple"): This word means a learner or student, emphasizing the close, ongoing relationship between the follower and the teacher. τέλειος (teleios, "perfect"): This word is often understood as "fully trained" or "mature," not flawless, but complete in the sense of being fully developed as a student. ἔσται (estai, "shall be"): This verb means "will be," pointing to the future result of the training process—a disciple becoming like the teacher. ὡς (hōs, "as"): This word means "like" or "as," stressing similarity, not equality or superiority.

Question 3

Why Luke 6:40 matters

Accepted Answer

Luke 6:40 clears up the idea that discipleship is about surpassing the teacher; instead, it is about becoming like the teacher in character and understanding. The verse emphasizes the importance of choosing the right teacher, since students will inevitably reflect their teacher’s qualities and values. In the wider passage, this teaching fits into Jesus’ broader message about humility, growth, and the influence leaders have on their followers.

Luke 6:40 (KJV)