Devine Scripture

Luke 20:5

What does Luke 20:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 20:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 20:5 means

The religious leaders' internal debate revealed their true motivation: self-preservation, not a genuine search for truth. They reasoned that if they acknowledged John's authority as "from heaven," Jesus would then press them on why they did not believe John's message, which included his testimony about Jesus. This would expose their hypocrisy and unbelief. Their discussion underscores their human-centered concerns, prioritizing their reputation and power over any spiritual conviction regarding John's prophetic role. Their fear of consequences dictated their answer, rather than an honest assessment of John's ministry.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why did ye not believe him?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why did ye not believe him?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they said among themselves, If we say, From heaven; he will say, Why did you not have faith in him?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And they reasoned with themselves, saying--`If we may say, From heaven, he will say, Wherefore, then, did ye not believe him?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But they thought within themselves, saying: If we shall say, From heaven: he will say: Why then did you not believe in him?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we should say, Of heaven, he will say, Why have ye not believed him?

Context

This verse details the inner reasoning of the chief priests, scribes, and elders as they consider Jesus' question about John's authority. It reveals their fear of Jesus' logical follow-up and their concern for personal consistency and reputation. This internal dialogue directly precedes their eventual answer, demonstrating their duplicity and fear of either God or man, depending on the implication of their response.

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

v.5This passage

v.6But if we shall say, From men; all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.

Cross references

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

  • John 1:34

    And I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.

  • John 3:26

    And they came unto John, and said to him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond the Jordan, to whom thou hast borne witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

  • John 5:33

    Ye have sent unto John, and he hath borne witness unto the truth.

  • Acts 13:25

    And as John was fulfilling his course, he said, What suppose ye that I am? I am not he. But behold, there cometh one after me the shoes of whose feet I am not worthy to unloose.

  • John 1:30

    This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man who is become before me: for he was before me.

  • John 3:36

    He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.

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