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Matthew 23:11

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 23:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Matthew 23:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 23

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren.
9And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, [even] he who is in heaven.
10Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, [even] the Christ.
11But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted.
13But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter[.]
14Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows` houses, even while for a pretence ye make long prayers: therefore ye shall receive greater condemnation.
← Matthew 23:10Matthew 23:12 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But he that is greatest among you, etc.] Either who really is so, having more grace, and greater gifts bestowed upon him, than others; which doubtless was the case of some of the disciples, or who desired to be the greatest, was ambitious of, and affected a superiority over others, and to be in the highest post and place, as it is certain some of them did. This was what they were often contending about among themselves, who should be greatest: and Christ here seems to have regard to that vain spirit, which appeared among them; and his view is, to check and restrain it: “shall be your servant”; or “let him be your servant”. Service is the way to honour; he that would be most esteemed ought to…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant--This plainly means, "shall show that he is so by becoming your servant"; as in Mat 20:27, compared with Mar 10:44.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 20:26. He that shall humble himself ... - God will exalt or honor him that is humble, and that seeks a lowly place among people. That is true religion, and God will reward it. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Mat 20:26. Matthew 23:12”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“23:11-12 Jesus’ disciples should lead by serving, in stark contrast to Israel’s religious leaders (who are described in 23:5-7).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mat 20:26, Mat 20:27; Mar 10:43, Mar 10:44; Luk 22:26, Luk 22:27; Joh 13:14, Joh 13:15; Co1 9:19; Co2 4:5; Co2 11:23; Gal 5:13; Phi 2:5-8 Matthew 23:12”
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Related study paths

Read Matthew 23 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification