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Luke 22:25
ESV And he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.
NIV Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.
NASB And He said to them, 'The kings of the Gentiles domineer over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’
CSB But he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who have authority over them have themselves called ‘Benefactors.’
NLT Jesus told them, 'In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’
KJV And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
NKJV And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’

What does Luke 22:25 mean?

Luke describes an argument during the Last Supper. He is the only one to include it, though some scholars think it is the catalyst for Jesus washing the disciples' feet (John 13:1–17). The dispute and Jesus' response is the core of the chapter: the disciples are going to be leaders; what kind of leaders will they be?

Will they be like Gentile rulers? Herod Antipas arrested John the Baptist because John spoke the truth. Then he beheaded John because Antipas got caught in a foolish vow (Matthew 14:1–12). Pilate stole from the temple treasury to build aqueducts, had those protesting beaten, crucified Jesus because the Jewish leaders blackmailed him (John 19:12), and killed Samaritans who had gotten caught by a charlatan (Josephus, War 2.9.4, 175–77; Antiquities 18.3.32, 60–62; 18.4.1–2, 85–89).

It is these men—Antipas, Pilate, and the one who deceived the Samaritans—who are called "benefactors." A benefactor should refer to those who do good for the community, like the centurion who built a synagogue (Luke 7:5). But by this time, the title "benefactor" is also bestowed on tyrants who rule through cruelty.

Jesus gives them a better way. Don't lord over people; serve them. Follow His example. The disciples will receive authority over the twelve tribes of Israel as God the Father dictates and in His timing; they don't have to fight for that right. They just need to remain faithful and learn how to lead well (Luke 22:26–30).
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