Devine Scripture

Luke 20:3

What does Luke 20:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 20:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 20:3 means

Jesus, recognizing the malicious intent behind their question, did not directly answer. Instead, He responded with a counter-question, a common rabbinic teaching method, saying, "I also will ask you a question; and tell me." This tactic demonstrates Jesus' wisdom and His ability to expose the true motives of His interrogators. He would not allow Himself to be trapped by their insincere inquiries. His willingness to engage them on His own terms indicates His sovereign control over the situation, even when surrounded by His enemies who sought to ensnare Him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he answered and said unto them, I also will ask you a question; and tell me:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he answered and said unto them, I also will ask you a question; and tell me:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And in answer he said to them, I will put a question to you, and do you give me an answer:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he answering said unto them, `I will question you--I also--one thing, and tell me:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus answering, said to them: I will also ask you one thing. Answer me:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he answering said to them, I also will ask you [one] thing, and tell me:

Context

Jesus' response marks a shift in the immediate confrontation. Instead of directly addressing their challenge to His authority, He strategically redirects the conversation. This move prepares the way for His own question about John the Baptist, which will expose the leaders' fear and hypocrisy, thereby silencing them and allowing Jesus to avoid their trap without denying His divine authority.

v.2and they spake, saying unto him, Tell us: By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

v.3This passage

v.4The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 15:2

    Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

  • Luke 22:68

    and if I ask you, ye will not answer.

  • Colossians 4:6

    Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one.

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