Luke 6:40
New International Version
The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

New Living Translation
Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.

English Standard Version
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Berean Standard Bible
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Berean Literal Bible
A disciple is not above the teacher, and everyone fully trained will be like his teacher.

King James Bible
The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

New King James Version
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.

New American Standard Bible
A student is not above the teacher; but everyone, when he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.

NASB 1995
“A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.

NASB 1977
“A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.

Legacy Standard Bible
A student is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.

Amplified Bible
A student is not superior to his teacher; but everyone, after he has been completely trained, will be like his teacher.

Christian Standard Bible
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

American Standard Version
The disciple is not above his teacher: but every one when he is perfected shall be as his teacher.

Contemporary English Version
Are students better than their teacher? But when they are fully trained, they will be like their teacher.

English Revised Version
The disciple is not above his master: but every one when he is perfected shall be as his master.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A student is no better than his teacher. But everyone who is well-trained will be like his teacher.

Good News Translation
No pupils are greater than their teacher; but all pupils, when they have completed their training, will be like their teacher.

International Standard Version
A disciple is not better than his teacher. But everyone who is fully-trained will be like his teacher.

Majority Standard Bible
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

NET Bible
A disciple is not greater than his teacher, but everyone when fully trained will be like his teacher.

New Heart English Bible
A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Webster's Bible Translation
The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect, shall be as his master.

Weymouth New Testament
There is no disciple who is superior to his teacher; but every one whose instruction is complete will be like his teacher.

World English Bible
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone perfected will be as his teacher.

Berean Literal Bible
A disciple is not above the teacher, and everyone fully trained will be like his teacher.

Young's Literal Translation
A disciple is not above his teacher, but every one perfected shall be as his teacher.

Smith's Literal Translation
For the learner is not above his teacher: and every one set in order shall be as his teacher.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The disciple is not above his master: but every one shall be perfect, if he be as his master.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The disciple is not above his teacher. But each one will be perfected, if he is like his teacher.

New American Bible
No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.

New Revised Standard Version
A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
There is no disciple who is more important than his teacher; for every man who is well developed will be like his teacher.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“There is no disciple greater than his mentor, for everyone who is perfected shall be like his mentor.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
The disciple is not above his teacher; but every accomplished disciple shall be as his teacher.

Godbey New Testament
The disciple is not above his teacher; but every one having been made perfect shall be as his teacher.

Haweis New Testament
The disciple is not above his teacher; but every one who is completely taught shall be as his master.

Mace New Testament
The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

Weymouth New Testament
There is no disciple who is superior to his teacher; but every one whose instruction is complete will be like his teacher.

Worrell New Testament
A disciple is not above the teacher; but every one, when perfected, shall be as his teacher.

Worsley New Testament
the learner is not above his teacher, tho' every complete scholar will become as learned as his master.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Do Not Judge
39Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?…

Cross References
Matthew 10:24-25
A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. / It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!

John 13:16
Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

John 15:20
Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.

Matthew 23:8-10
But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. / And do not call anyone on earth your father, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. / Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1
You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

Philippians 2:5
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus:

1 John 2:6
Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.

Romans 8:29
For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

Ephesians 4:13
until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.

2 Timothy 3:14-17
But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them. / From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. / All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ...

Proverbs 13:20
He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.

Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Isaiah 50:4
The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

Jeremiah 3:15
Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

Malachi 2:7
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts.


Treasury of Scripture

The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

disciple.

Matthew 10:24,25
The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord…

John 13:16
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

John 15:20
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

that is perfect shall be as his master.

Matthew 23:15
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

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Luke 6
1. Jesus reproves the Pharisees;
12. chooses apostles;
17. heals the diseased;
20. preaches to his disciples before the people: the beattitudes;
27. Love your Enemy
37. Do not Judge
43. A Tree and Its Fruit
46. The House on the Rock














A disciple
The term "disciple" comes from the Greek word "μαθητής" (mathētēs), which means a learner or pupil. In the historical context of the New Testament, a disciple was someone who followed a teacher to learn not only their teachings but also their way of life. This relationship was deeply personal and transformative, emphasizing the importance of living out the teachings of Christ. In the conservative Christian perspective, being a disciple of Jesus means committing to a lifelong journey of learning and spiritual growth, striving to emulate Christ in all aspects of life.

is not above
The phrase "is not above" highlights the humility required in the relationship between a disciple and their teacher. The Greek word "ὑπέρ" (hyper) implies a position of superiority or authority. In the context of this verse, it serves as a reminder that disciples should not consider themselves superior to their teacher. This humility is a cornerstone of Christian discipleship, where believers are called to submit to the authority of Christ and His teachings, recognizing that true wisdom and understanding come from God.

his teacher
The word "teacher" is translated from the Greek "διδάσκαλος" (didaskalos), which refers to an instructor or master. In the Jewish tradition, a teacher was someone who imparted not only knowledge but also moral and spiritual guidance. Jesus, as the ultimate Teacher, provides the perfect example for His disciples to follow. Conservative Christians view Jesus as the embodiment of truth and wisdom, and His teachings as the foundation for living a righteous and godly life.

but everyone
The phrase "but everyone" introduces a contrast and a universal principle. The Greek word "πᾶς" (pas) means all or every, indicating that the following statement applies to all disciples without exception. This inclusivity underscores the idea that the process of becoming like one's teacher is available to all who commit to the path of discipleship, regardless of their background or status.

who is fully trained
"Fully trained" comes from the Greek word "καταρτίζω" (katartizō), which means to complete, perfect, or equip thoroughly. This term suggests a process of maturation and preparation, where a disciple undergoes rigorous training to develop the character and skills necessary to reflect their teacher. In the Christian context, this involves spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study of Scripture, and active participation in the life of the church. Conservative Christians emphasize the importance of being fully equipped for every good work, as outlined in 2 Timothy 3:17.

will be like
The phrase "will be like" indicates the goal of discipleship: to become similar in character and action to the teacher. The Greek word "ἔσται" (estai) is a future tense verb, suggesting a process that culminates in a future state of being. This transformation is central to the Christian faith, where believers are called to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). It is a journey of sanctification, where the Holy Spirit works within believers to mold them into the likeness of Jesus.

his teacher
Reiterating the term "teacher" emphasizes the ultimate aim of discipleship: to reflect the character and teachings of Jesus. In the conservative Christian view, Jesus is not only a teacher but also the Savior and Lord, whose life and teachings provide the perfect model for living. The aspiration to be like Jesus is both a privilege and a responsibility, calling believers to live out their faith with integrity and purpose, impacting the world around them for the glory of God.

(40) The disciple is not above his master.--See Notes on Matthew 10:24, John 15:20. Here the application of the proverb is obviously very different. The connection of thought is somewhat obscure, and we may not unreasonably believe that some links have been omitted. As it is, however, we can infer something from what precedes and follows. We are still in that section of the discourse which warns the disciples against taking on themselves the office of a judge. They were in this to follow the example of their Master. He, in His work on earth, taught, but did not judge (John 8:11-15; John 12:47; perhaps, also, Luke 12:14). Were they above their Master that they should do what He had refrained from doing?

Every one that is perfect.--Better, every one that is perfected. The marginal rendering, "Every one shall be perfected," is hardly tenable grammatically The implied thought is that the disciple or scholar who has been perfected by the education through which his Master has led him, will be like the Master in character and temper, i.e., in this special application of the maxim, will abstain from needless, or hasty, or uncharitable judgment. . . .

Verse 40. - The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. "Both," he went on to say, "will be lost hopelessly. You cannot expect the disciples of these mistaken men, surely, to be wiser than their teachers; for you know the oft-repeated saying, 'Every one that is perfect [better rendered, that has been perfected] shall be as his master;' in other words, the pupils of these censorious, evil-judging, narrow-minded, bitter men will grow up - as they become perfected in this teaching - in their turn equally narrow-minded and bitter as their masters." The conclusion, felt though not expressed, of course, is, "But my followers must be something different to these; another and nobler spirit, nobler because more generous, must rule in their hearts."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
A disciple
μαθητὴς (mathētēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

is
ἔστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

above
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

[his]
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

teacher,
διδάσκαλον (didaskalon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1320: A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

everyone [who is]
πᾶς (pas)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

fully trained
κατηρτισμένος (katērtismenos)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2675: From kata and a derivative of artios; to complete thoroughly, i.e. Repair or adjust.

will be
ἔσται (estai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

like
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

teacher.
διδάσκαλος (didaskalos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1320: A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.


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NT Gospels: Luke 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 6:39
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