Devine Scripture

Matthew 21:27

What does Matthew 21:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 21:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 21:27 means

Ultimately, the religious leaders chose not to answer Jesus' question, feigning ignorance by saying, "We know not." They prioritized self-preservation over truth. In response, Jesus also refused to disclose His authority. This exchange exposed their hypocrisy and demonstrated that they were not genuinely seeking truth, but rather seeking to trap Jesus and undermine His influence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they answered Jesus, and said, We know not. He also said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they answered Jesus, and said, We know not. He also said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they made answer and said, We have no idea. Then he said to them, And I will not say to you by what authority I do these things.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And answering Jesus they said, `We have not known.' He said to them--he also--`Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And answering Jesus, they said: We know not. He also said to them: Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And answering Jesus they said, We do not know. He also said to them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Context

This verse presents the chief priests' and elders' final, evasive answer to Jesus' counter-question, directly consequent to their internal deliberation. Jesus' immediate refusal to answer their initial question follows, bringing their challenge to a rhetorical stalemate. This exchange sets the stage for Jesus to then use parables to expose their spiritual condition and the nature of the Kingdom of God.

v.26But if we shall say, From men; we fear the multitude; for all hold John as a prophet.

v.27This passage

v.28But what think ye? A man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to-day in the vineyard.

Cross references

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

  • Malachi 2:6

    The law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity.

  • Matthew 16:3

    And in the morning, It will be foul weather to-day: for the heaven is red and lowering. Ye know how to discern the face of the heaven; but ye cannot discern the signs of the times.

  • Jeremiah 8:7

    Yea, the stork in the heavens knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle-dove and the swallow and the crane observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the law of Jehovah.

  • Matthew 23:16

    Woe unto you, ye blind guides, that say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor.

  • Isaiah 56:10

    His watchmen are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber.

  • John 9:40

    Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said unto him, Are we also blind?

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