For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

For which is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am in the midst of you as he that serveth.

for who is greater? he who is reclining (at meat), or he who is ministering? is it not he who is reclining (at meat)? and I, I am in your midst as he who is ministering.

For whether is greater, he that sits at meat, or he that serves? is not he that sits at meat? but I am among you as he that serves.

For which is the greater - he who sits at table, or he who waits on him? Is it not he who sits at table? But my position among you is that of one who waits on others.

For which is greater, the guest who is seated at a meal or the servant who is waiting on him? is it not the guest? but I am among you as a servant.

For who is greater: he who sits at table, or he who serves? Is not he who sits at table? Yet I am in your midst as one who serves.

For whether is greater,.... Christ appeals to themselves, and puts a case that is plain and obvious to any one, who is the greater, and more honourable person;
he that sitteth at meat; that sits, or lies down at table, and another waits on him:
or he that serveth? that stands behind, observes orders, and ministers to those that sit down:
is not he that sitteth at meat? you, and every one must own, that he is the greatest, and most honourable person:
but I am among you as he that serveth; Christ took upon him the form of a servant, and instead of being ministered unto, ministered to others; and had very lately, but two days before, gird himself, and took a basin and a towel, and washed and wiped the feet of his disciples: now our Lord, by his own example throughout the whole of his conduct among them, as well as by such a single action, would dissuade from their ambitious views of superiority over each other, and learn of him who was meek and lowly, and by love serve one another.

For - This he proves by his own example. I am in the midst of you - Just now: see with your eyes. I take no state upon me, but sit in the midst, on a level with the lowest of you.