And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

LUKE 20:8KJV
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Luke 20:8 (KJV)

What does Luke 20:8 mean?

Luke 20:8 records Jesus telling the religious leaders that He will not tell them by what authority He does the things He does. Jesus withholds an answer because the leaders had refused to answer His question about John the Baptist’s authority, exposing their unwillingness to engage honestly.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to the chief priests, scribes, and elders who have challenged Him in the temple about His authority. Instead of directly answering their demand, Jesus turns the tables by first asking them about John the Baptist’s authority. When they refuse to answer, Jesus responds that He likewise will not reveal the source of His own authority, highlighting the leaders’ lack of sincerity and their attempt to trap Him.

The Greek behind Luke 20:8

  • ἐξουσία (exousia): This word is translated as "authority." In this context, it refers to the right or power to act, especially in religious or spiritual matters. The religious leaders are questioning Jesus’ right to teach and act as He does in the temple.
  • ταῦτα (tauta): Translated as "these things," this word points specifically to Jesus’ actions in the temple, such as teaching and driving out money changers. It grounds the challenge in concrete events, not just abstract authority.

Why Luke 20:8 matters

  • Luke 20:8 shows that Jesus does not play into dishonest questioning; He exposes the motives of the religious leaders rather than simply answering their trap.
  • The verse highlights a turning point where Jesus refuses to justify Himself to those who are not genuinely seeking truth, emphasizing the importance of sincerity in spiritual matters.
  • This exchange sets the stage for the parable that follows, deepening the conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities and clarifying why they ultimately reject Him.

Where else these words appear

“what” Greek G4169 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
  • Mark 11:33 And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
  • John 18:32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.

“authority” Greek G1849 · used in 93 verses

  • Matthew 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
  • Luke 22:53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
  • Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

“Neither” Greek G3761 · used in 125 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
  • Romans 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.