And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

MATTHEW 21:24KJV
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Matthew 21:24 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:24 mean?

Matthew 21:24 shows Jesus responding to a challenge from religious leaders by saying He will also ask them a question, and if they answer Him, He will tell them by what authority He does what He does. Jesus is turning their question back on them, making His answer depend on their willingness to respond honestly.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to the chief priests and elders in the temple after they questioned His authority. Instead of answering directly, Jesus sets a condition: He will reveal the source of His authority if they first answer His question. This approach puts the religious leaders in a difficult position and highlights Jesus’ wisdom in dealing with their challenge.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:24

  • The word for "authority" is ἐξουσία (exousia), which often means the right or power to act. Here, it emphasizes the official or divine source behind Jesus’ actions, which is exactly what the leaders are questioning.
  • The phrase "in like wise" is from κἀγώ (kagō), meaning "I also" or "I likewise." This shows Jesus is making a fair exchange—He will answer if they do.
  • The Greek word for "ask" is ἐρωτάω (erōtaō), which can mean to request or question. Jesus is not just deflecting; He is engaging them in a dialogue that tests their sincerity.

Why Matthew 21:24 matters

  • This verse shows Jesus’ skill in handling attempts to trap Him, revealing His wisdom and authority in a tense situation.
  • The exchange sets up the following verses, where Jesus’ question exposes the leaders’ unwillingness to answer truthfully, highlighting their motives.
  • Understanding this moment helps clarify the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, a key theme throughout Matthew’s account.

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.

“ask” Greek G2065 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
  • John 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
  • John 16:30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

“also” Greek G2504 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“tell” Greek G2046 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
  • Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
  • Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?