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.