John Calvin Commentary Luke 6:40

"The disciple is not above his teacher: but every one when he is perfected shall be as his teacher." — Luke 6:40 (ASV)

The disciple is not above his master, but every one shall be conformed to his master (Luke 6:40). Luke gives this sentence without any connection, as if it had been spoken abruptly in the midst of other discourses. However, since Matthew explains very clearly in his account to what it relates, I have chosen not to insert it in any other place.

Regarding the translation, I have chosen neither to follow Erasmus nor the old translator, for the following reason: The participle κατηρτισμένος signifies perfect, but it also signifies fit and suitable. Now, as Christ is speaking not about perfection but about resemblance, He must therefore mean that nothing is more suitable for a disciple than to be formed after the example of his master. Consequently, the latter meaning appeared to me to be more appropriate.