The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

MATTHEW 10:24KJV
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Matthew 10:24 (KJV)

What does Matthew 10:24 mean?

Matthew 10:24 means that a student should not expect to be treated better than their teacher, and a servant should not expect to be above their master. Jesus is telling His followers that they will face the same kinds of challenges and opposition that He does, and should not be surprised by this.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples as He prepares them to go out and spread His message. He is warning them that, just as He faces criticism and hardship, they will too. The verse sets the expectation that following Jesus involves sharing in both His mission and the difficulties that come with it.

The Greek behind Matthew 10:24

  • μαθητής (mathētēs, "disciple"): This word means a learner or student, emphasizing the close relationship between a teacher and their follower. Here, it highlights that disciples are meant to follow the example set by their teacher.
  • διδάσκαλος (didaskalos, "master"): This term refers to a teacher or instructor. The comparison shows that the disciple’s role is to learn from and not surpass the teacher.
  • δοῦλος (doulos, "servant"): This word means a servant or slave, pointing to a position of humility and service. It underscores that servants should not expect a status higher than their lord.
  • κύριος (kyrios, "lord"): This means master or lord, someone with authority. The pairing with δοῦλος (doulos) stresses the proper order in relationships.

Why Matthew 10:24 matters

  • Matthew 10:24 clarifies that discipleship involves accepting the same hardships as the teacher, which helps correct the idea that following Jesus guarantees an easier life.
  • The verse prepares readers for the reality of opposition, especially in the context of Jesus sending out His disciples to face possible rejection or persecution.
  • This statement connects to the wider passage, where Jesus is instructing His followers about the costs and realities of their mission, encouraging them to remain faithful even when facing difficulties.

Where else these words appear

“master” Greek G1320 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
  • Mark 12:19 Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
  • Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

“servant” Greek G1401 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

“nor” Greek G3761 · used in 125 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
  • Romans 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

“above” Greek G5228 · used in 144 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Romans 16:4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
  • Ephesians 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.