And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

MATTHEW 21:23KJV
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Matthew 21:23 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:23 mean?

Matthew 21:23 describes a moment when Jesus enters the temple and is confronted by the chief priests and elders, who question Him about the source of His authority to teach and act as He does. They want to know who gave Jesus permission to do these things, challenging His right to speak and act in the temple.

In this scene, Jesus is teaching in the temple courts in Jerusalem when the religious leaders approach Him. The chief priests and elders represent the recognized authority in Jewish religious life, and their question highlights their concern and suspicion about Jesus’ growing influence. Their challenge is not just about curiosity; it is a direct test of Jesus’ legitimacy and a way to assert their own authority over religious matters.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:23

  • ἐξουσία (exousia) — "authority": This word often means the right or power to act. Here, the religious leaders are asking about the official or divine backing behind Jesus’ actions, not just His ability but His right to do them.
  • διδάσκων (didaskōn) — "teaching": The Greek word emphasizes that Jesus was actively instructing people in the temple, which was a role reserved for those with recognized status or approval.
  • ἔδωκεν (edōken) — "gave": The question "who gave you this authority?" points to the expectation that legitimate authority in the temple comes from a recognized source, such as ordination or appointment by established leaders.

Why Matthew 21:23 matters

  • This verse shows the tension between Jesus and the established religious authorities, setting the stage for further conflict in the days leading up to His arrest.
  • The question about authority is central to understanding why the leaders opposed Jesus; they saw Him as a threat to their control and traditions.
  • Matthew 21:23 connects to the wider passage by highlighting the theme of true versus false authority, which Jesus will address in His response and in the parables that follow.

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 12:28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
  • John 18:32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.

“temple” Greek G2411 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
  • Luke 19:47 And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,
  • Acts 3:3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

“elders” Greek G4245 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
  • Luke 20:1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,
  • 1 Timothy 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

“came” Greek G4334 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Matthew 21:14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
  • Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.