But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

MATTHEW 20:25KJV
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Matthew 20:25 (KJV)

What does Matthew 20:25 mean?

Matthew 20:25 describes Jesus gathering his disciples and pointing out that rulers among non-Jewish nations (Gentiles) tend to dominate and exercise power over their people. Jesus is highlighting the way worldly leaders use authority, setting up a contrast for what he is about to teach his followers.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples after they argued about who would be the greatest among them. He draws their attention to how leadership typically works among the Gentiles, where those in charge often "exercise dominion" and "authority" over others. This sets the stage for Jesus to teach a different way of leading—one based on service rather than control.

The Greek behind Matthew 20:25

  • ἄρχοντες (archontes, "princes"): This word refers to rulers or those in positions of authority. Jesus uses it to describe the kind of leaders the disciples would recognize from the surrounding nations.
  • κατακυριεύουσιν (katakurieuousin, "exercise dominion over"): This verb means to rule over in a dominating or controlling way. The Greek here carries the sense of heavy-handed or oppressive leadership, not just ordinary authority.
  • μεγάλοι (megaloi, "great"): This word means "great ones" or those considered important or influential. Jesus points out that even those who are simply regarded as "great" tend to assert their authority over others.
  • κατεξουσιάζουσιν (katexousiazousin, "exercise authority upon"): This verb is related to having power or control, often in a forceful or commanding manner. It emphasizes the top-down, power-based leadership style Jesus is critiquing.

Why Matthew 20:25 matters

  • Matthew 20:25 clears up the idea that Jesus’ view of leadership is just like what people see in the world; he is about to show that his way is very different.
  • This verse prepares the reader for Jesus’ teaching that true greatness in his kingdom comes from serving others, not from holding power over them.
  • By referencing Gentile rulers, Jesus helps his Jewish disciples see that the kind of leadership they are used to is not the model he wants them to follow, making his next words about servant leadership even more striking.

Where else these words appear

“upon” Greek G2715 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 10:42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

“over” Greek G2634 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 10:42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
  • Acts 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
  • 1 Peter 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

“called” Greek G4341 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
  • Mark 8:1 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,
  • Acts 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

“princes” Greek G758 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Luke 23:35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
  • Acts 4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.