46A dispute arose among them — who among them would be greater. [9:47] But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took hold of a young child and stood it beside himself, [9:48] and said to them: "Whoever receives this young child in my name receives me myself, and whoever receives me myself receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among you all — this one is great." [9:49] Answering, John said: "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we were hindering him, because he does not follow with us." [9:50] Jesus said to him: "Do not forbid him, for whoever is not against you is for you."
LUK 9:46-50
The Greatest in the Kingdom
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st-century Mediterranean world, status and honor were central to social identity. The disciples’ argument about who was the greatest reflects the pervasive honor-shame culture, where individuals sought recognition and precedence. Jesus’ response, using a (child), subverts this cultural norm. Children, especially , were among the lowest in the social hierarchy, dependent and without honor. By placing the child beside Him, Jesus redefines greatness as receiving the vulnerable in His (name), which carried His full authority and identity. This act would have been jarring to His audience, as it inverted societal expectations of power and status. John’s concern about someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name without following them reflects the Jewish context of authority and exclusivity in spiritual practices. Jesus’ reply emphasizes inclusivity, suggesting that acts done in His name, regardless of affiliation, align with His mission. This passage challenges the disciples’ assumptions about hierarchy and authority, reorienting them toward humility and openness.
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How other translations render this
LUK 9:46
- KJV
- Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.
- BSB
- Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.
- Koinōnos
- A dispute arose among them — who among them would be greater.
LUK 9:47
- KJV
- And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,
- BSB
- But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him.
- Koinōnos
- But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took hold of a young child and stood it beside himself,
LUK 9:48
- KJV
- And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
- BSB
- And He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.”
- Koinōnos
- and said to them: "Whoever receives this young child in my name receives me myself, and whoever receives me myself receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among you all — this one is great.
LUK 9:49
- KJV
- And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
- BSB
- “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”
- Koinōnos
- Answering, John said: "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we were hindering him, because he does not follow with us.
LUK 9:50
- KJV
- And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
- BSB
- “Do not stop him,” Jesus replied, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”
- Koinōnos
- Jesus said to him: "Do not forbid him, for whoever is not against you is for you.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
LUK 9:46
- an argument:The word translated 'an argument' here refers to an internal debate or reasoning process, often implying a questioning or disputing of something, rather than an external verbal quarrel.
LUK 9:47
- a child:The term used here for 'a child' specifically refers to a young child, often an infant or toddler, emphasizing their vulnerability and dependence.
LUK 9:48
- name:In this context, 'name' carries more than just an identifier; it represents the person's character, authority, and reputation, encompassing their entire being and influence.
LUK 9:49
- said;:The word translated 'said' is actually a title, 'Epistates,' which means 'master' or 'overseer,' indicating a position of authority and respect, often used by disciples addressing their teacher.