Paragraph 10:24–25

10:24a

A disciple is not above his teacher: Here the word disciple refers to disciples or students in general. It does not refer only to Jesus’ disciples. Some English versions translate this word as “student” or “pupil.”

The word above is used in this context to refer to something greater in importance. Students are not more important than their teachers.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

No pupil is greater than his teacher (Good News Translation)
-or-
A student is not better than his teacher (New Century Version)
-or-
A student is not more important/honored than his teacher.

10:24b

nor a servant above his master: This clause means that a servant/slave is not more important than his master. This clause is similar in meaning to the clause in 10:24a.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

no slave is greater than his master (Good News Translation)
-or-
and a servant is not better than his master (New Century Version)

servant: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as servant is often translated as “slave.” But the difference between a “slave” and a “servant” is not important here. It refers to someone who serves or works for another person. For example:

worker/laborer
-or-
one who serves

master: This word refers to the person who owns the slave, or the person who rules the servant.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

boss/owner

-or-

one who rules

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