The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship, &c.— "Among the Gentiles, they are reckoned the greatest men who have the greatest power, and who exercise it in the most absolute manner. Such, however, have at times affected the pompous title of Benefactors, Ευεργετης, (a surname, which some of the kings of Egypt and of Syria assumed) and thereby have tacitly acknowledged that true greatness consists in goodness. But your greatness shall not be like theirs, shall not consist in the exercise of tyrannical power, though it should be joined with an affectation of titles, which denote qualities truly honourable. Whoever desires to be great or chief among you, let him be so by humility, and by his serviceableness to the rest; in imitation of me your Master, whose greatness consists in this,—that I am become the servant of you all." Instead of greatest, Luke 22:26 the original word might be rendered more properly eldest, as it is opposed to the youngest. Comp. Romans 9.
12. According to the manners of the Jews, the aged expected great service and submission from the younger. See the notes on Matthew 20:25; Matthew 20:34.