Devine Scripture

Matthew 21:24

What does Matthew 21:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 21:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 21:24 means

Jesus skillfully responded to their challenge not by directly answering, but by posing His own question. He promised to reveal His authority if they first answered His query. This tactical move put the religious leaders on the spot, forcing them to consider a question related to divine authority that concerned not only Jesus but also a popular prophet whom they had also rejected.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one question, which if ye tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one question, which if ye tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus said to them in answer, I will put one question to you, and if you give me the answer, I will say by what authority I do these things.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus answering said to them, `I will ask you--I also--one word, which if ye may tell me, I also will tell you by what authority I do these things;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Jesus answering, said to them: I also will ask you one word, which if you shall tell me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus answering said to them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I also will tell you by what authority I do these things:

Context

This verse presents Jesus' shrewd counter-question, directly following the chief priests' and elders' challenge to His authority. It sets up a dilemma for His interrogators, requiring them to first answer a difficult question themselves. This immediately leads into their internal deliberation about how to respond to Jesus' inquiry, highlighting their fear of the crowds.

v.23And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

v.24This passage

v.25The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or from men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why then did ye not believe him?

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 10:16

    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

  • Luke 6:9

    And Jesus said unto them, I ask you, Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to destroy it?

  • Colossians 4:6

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

  • Proverbs 26:4

    Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.

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