Devine Scripture

Luke 20:21

What does Luke 20:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 20:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 20:21 means

The spies, feigning sincerity and using flattering words, approached Jesus, saying, "Teacher, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, and acceptest not the person of any, but of a truth teachest the way of God." This seemingly genuine praise was a manipulative tactic, designed to disarm Jesus and make Him more likely to give a direct answer to their loaded question. They acknowledged His reputation for truth and impartiality, hoping their flattery would obscure their treacherous intentions. This highlights their profound hypocrisy, using truth as a cloak for their deceitful agenda.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they asked him, saying, Teacher, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, and acceptest not the person of any, but of a truth teachest the way of God:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they asked him, saying, Teacher, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, and acceptest not the person of any, but of a truth teachest the way of God:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they put a question to him, saying, Master, we are certain that your teaching and your words are right, and that you have no respect for a man's position, but you are teaching the true way of God:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and they questioned him, saying, `Teacher, we have known that thou dost say and teach rightly, and dost not accept a person, but in truth the way of God dost teach;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they asked him, saying: Master, we know that thou speakest and teachest rightly: and thou dost not respect any person, but teachest the way of God in truth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they asked him saying, Teacher, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, and acceptest no [man's] person, but teachest with truth the way ofGod:

Context

This verse details the deceptive flattery used by the spies before they pose their trap question. It establishes their cunning approach, intended to make their subsequent question seem earnest. This sets the stage directly for the politically charged question about taxes, which they believe will force Jesus into a position where He will offend either the Roman authorities or the Jewish populace.

v.20And they watched him, and sent forth spies, who feigned themselves to be righteous, that they might take hold of his speech, so as to deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor.

v.21This passage

v.22Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 10:34

    And Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

  • Jeremiah 42:2

    and said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we pray thee, our supplication be presented before thee, and pray for us unto Jehovah thy God, even for all this remnant (for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us),

  • Mark 12:14

    And when they were come, they say unto him, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and carest not for any one; for thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?

  • Galatians 2:6

    But from those who were reputed to be somewhat (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth not man’s person)—they, I say, who were of repute imparted nothing to me:

  • 2 Corinthians 2:17

    For we are not as the many, corrupting the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ.

  • John 3:2

    the same came unto him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that thou doest, except God be with him.

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