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:

LUKE 20:21KJV
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Luke 20:21 (KJV)

What does Luke 20:21 mean?

Luke 20:21 describes how some people approached Jesus and addressed him as "Master," saying they recognized that he taught honestly, without showing favoritism, and that he truly taught the way of God. They were acknowledging his reputation for integrity and fairness in teaching spiritual matters.

In this scene, religious leaders are speaking to Jesus in public, but their words are not entirely sincere—they are trying to flatter him before asking a tricky question. The verse highlights that Jesus was known for teaching what was right ("rightly") and for not treating people differently based on their status or appearance. This sets up the tension for the question they are about to ask, showing their attempt to catch him off guard while also revealing the respect his teaching had earned.

The Greek behind Luke 20:21

  • διδάσκαλε (didaskale, "Master" or "Teacher"): This word shows the respectful title the speakers use for Jesus, even as they try to trap him.
  • ὀρθῶς (orthōs, "rightly"): This word means "correctly" or "uprightly," emphasizing that Jesus' teaching is seen as accurate and morally sound.
  • πρόσωπον (prosōpon, "person" or "face"): The phrase "neither acceptest thou the person of any" uses this word, which literally means "face." In Greek, this idiom means not showing partiality or favoritism.
  • ἀληθῶς (alēthōs, "truly"): This word underlines that Jesus is being recognized as someone who teaches the genuine way of God, not just opinions or traditions.

Why Luke 20:21 matters

  • This verse shows the religious leaders' strategy of using flattery to set Jesus up for a challenging question, revealing their motives and the tense atmosphere.
  • The description of Jesus as someone who teaches "rightly" and "truly" without favoritism highlights the respect he commanded, even among those who opposed him.
  • Understanding this verse helps clarify the dynamics of the conversation that follows, where Jesus' wisdom and integrity are put to the test.

Where else these words appear

“rightly” Greek G3723 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 7:35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.
  • Luke 7:43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
  • Luke 10:28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

“Master” Greek G1320 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
  • Mark 12:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
  • Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

“asked” Greek G1905 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
  • Mark 9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
  • Luke 8:30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

“person” Greek G4383 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: