Luke 20:21

Luke 20:21 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)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:
• New International Version (NIV)So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
• English Standard Version (ESV)So they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God.
• New King James Version (NKJV)Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth:

Context of Luke 20:21

19The scribes and the chief priests tried to [find a way to] arrest Him at that very hour, but they were afraid of the people; because they understood that He spoke this parable against them. 20So they watched [for a chance to trap] Him. They sent spies who pretended to be upright and sincere, in order that they might catch Him in some statement [that they could distort and use against Him], so that they could turn Him over to the control and authority of [Pilate] the governor. They asked Him, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and that You show no partiality to anyone, but teach the way of God truthfully. 22Is it lawful [according to Jewish law and tradition] for us to pay taxes (tribute money) to Caesar or not?” 23But He saw through their trickery and said to them,

Luke 20:21 word by word

καὶ ἐπηρώτησαν αὐτὸν λέγοντες· διδάσκαλε, οἴδαμεν ὅτι ὀρθῶς λέγεις καὶ διδάσκεις καὶ οὐ λαμβάνεις πρόσωπον ἀλλ᾽ ἐπ᾽ ἀληθείας τὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ θεοῦ διδάσκεις.Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• Andκαίkai · andG2532
• they askedἐπερωτάωeperōtaō · to questionG1905
• himαὐτόςautos · it/s/heG846
• sayingλέγωlegō · to sayG3004
• Masterδιδάσκαλοςdidaskalos · teacherG1320
• we knowεἴδωeidō · to perceive: understandG1492
• thatὅτιhoti · that/since: thatG3754
• teachestδιδάσκωdidaskō · to teachG1321
• rightlyὀρθῶςorthōs · correctlyG3723
• neitherοὐou · noG3756
• acceptest thouλαμβάνωlambanō · to takeG2983
• the personπρόσωπονprosōpon · faceG4383
• butἀλλάalla · butG235
• the wayὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• the wayὁδόςhodos · roadG3598
• of Godθεόςtheos · GodG2316
• ·ἐπίepi · upon/to/againstG1909
• trulyἀλήθειαalētheia · truthG225

Cross-references for Luke 20:21

• Psalms 12:2They speak deceitful and worthless words to one another; With flattering lips and a double heart they speak.
• Psalms 55:21The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But his heart was hostile; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.
• Jeremiah 42:2and said to Jeremiah the prophet, “Please let our petition be presented before you, and pray to the Lord your God for us, that is, for all this remnant [of the people of Judah]; for we were once many, but now [only] a few of us are left, as you see with your own eyes, [so please pray]
• Matthew 22:16They sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are sincere and that You teach the way of God truthfully, without concerning Yourself about [what] anyone [thinks or says of Your teachings]; for You are impartial and do not seek anyone’s favor [and You treat all people alike, regardless of status].
• Matthew 26:49Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Greetings (rejoice), Rabbi!” And he kissed Him [in a deliberate act of betrayal].
• Mark 12:14They came and said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and have no personal bias toward anyone; for You are not influenced by outward appearances or social status, but in truth You teach the way of God. Is it lawful [according to Jewish law and tradition] to pay the poll-tax to [Tiberius] Caesar, or not?
• John 3:2who came to Jesus at night and said to Him, “Rabbi (Teacher), we know [without any doubt] that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs [these wonders, these attesting miracles] that You do unless God is with him.”
• 2 Corinthians 2:17For we are not like many, [acting like merchants] peddling God’s word [shortchanging and adulterating God’s message]; but from pure [uncompromised] motives, as [commissioned and sent] from God, we speak [His message] in Christ in the sight of God.
• Galatians 1:10Am I now trying to win the favor and approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I were still trying to be popular with men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:4But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel [that tells the good news of salvation through faith in Christ], so we speak, not as [if we were trying] to please people [to gain power and popularity], but to please God who examines our hearts [expecting our best].
• 2 Chronicles 19:7So now let the fear (reverent awe) of the Lord be on you [to keep you from making unjust decisions]; be careful in what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality, or acceptance of a bribe.”
• Job 34:19Who is not partial to princes, Nor does He regard the rich above the poor, For they all are the work of His hands.
• Acts 10:34Opening his mouth, Peter said: “Most certainly I understand now that God is not one to show partiality [to people as though Gentiles were excluded from God’s blessing],
• Galatians 2:6But from those who were of high reputation (whatever they were—in terms of individual importance—makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality—He is not impressed with the positions that people hold nor does He recognize distinctions such as fame or power)—well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me [that is, they had nothing to add to my gospel message nor did they impose any new requirements on me].

Commentaries on Luke 20:21

• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 20-38Verses 20-38 See this explained in the Mark 12:13-27 notes.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 20-26Verses 20-26 Those who are most crafty in their designs against Christ and his gospel, cannot hide them. He did not give a direct answer, but reproved them for offering to impose upon him; and they could not fasten upon any thing wherewith to stir up either the governor or the people against him. The wisdom which is from above, will direct all who teach the way of God truly, to avoid the snares laid for them by wicked men; and will teach our duty to God…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 21we know that You speak and teach correctly: These dishonest words of praise were meant to trick Jesus (see Psalms 5:9; 12:2–3; 78:36; Proverbs 26:28; 28:23; 29:5; Ezekiel 12:24).Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 20-4020-26. sent forth--after consulting (Mt 22:15) on the best plan. spies--"of the Pharisees and Herodians" (Mr 12:13). See Mr 3:6.Read the comment

Topics related to Luke 20:21

• Craftiness
• Flattery
• Hypocrisy
• Jesus Continued
• Jesus, the Christ

In the dictionaries

• God
• god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry
• Jesus Christ
• Luke, the Gospel of
• Respect of Persons
• Truth
• Money
• tax, tribute, taxation, taxpayer, tax collector

Commentaries on Luke 20

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Catena Aurea
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• John Lightfoot Commentary
• Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• The Fourfold Gospel and Commentary on Acts
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings