Luke 20:7 (KJV)

What does Luke 20:7 mean?

Luke 20:7 records the religious leaders telling Jesus that they do not know where John the Baptist’s authority came from. They admit their inability or unwillingness to answer Jesus’ question about the source of John’s baptism.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking with the chief priests, scribes, and elders in the temple. He has just asked them whether John’s baptism was from heaven or from men. The leaders, caught between public opinion and their own position, respond that they cannot say, revealing their lack of honesty or courage in front of the crowd.

The Greek behind Luke 20:7

• οὐκ (ouk, G3361) — This is a strong negative, meaning “not.” Here, it emphasizes the leaders’ refusal or inability to provide an answer.
• εἰπεῖν (eipein, G1492) — This verb means “to tell” or “to say.” In this context, it shows the leaders’ admission that they cannot provide an answer, not just that they do not know, but that they are unwilling to commit.
• πόθεν (pothen, G4159) — This word means “from where” or “whence.” It points to the question of the source or origin of John’s authority, which is the heart of Jesus’ challenge to them.

Why Luke 20:7 matters

• Luke 20:7 highlights the leaders’ fear of the crowd and their unwillingness to take a stand, exposing their lack of integrity.
• This verse connects directly to the wider passage, where Jesus uses their answer to avoid their trap and to reveal their motives.
• The verse shows the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, setting the stage for further conflict and teaching in the following verses.