Matthew 21:27 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:27 mean?

Matthew 21:27 shows the religious leaders telling Jesus, “We cannot tell,” when asked about John the Baptist’s authority, and Jesus responding that He will not tell them by what authority He does His works. This exchange highlights that Jesus refuses to answer their question because they are unwilling to answer His.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to the chief priests and elders in the Temple after they challenge His authority. By turning their question back on them and then withholding His answer, Jesus exposes their unwillingness to commit to the truth about John the Baptist, which would also reveal the truth about Himself. The moment shows a standoff: the leaders avoid the risk of angering the crowd or condemning themselves, and Jesus refuses to play into their trap.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:27

• οὐκ (ouk, “not”) and οἴδαμεν (oidamen, “we know”): Combined, these form “we cannot tell” or more literally, “we do not know.” The Greek here carries the sense of deliberate avoidance, not just ignorance.
• ἐξουσίᾳ (exousia, “authority”): This word means delegated power or the right to act. The leaders’ question was about the source of Jesus’ authority, and Jesus’ refusal to answer underscores the importance of recognizing true authority.
• λέγω (legō, “I tell”): Jesus uses the same word for “tell” as the leaders, mirroring their response and emphasizing the symmetry of the exchange.

Why Matthew 21:27 matters

• Matthew 21:27 clarifies that Jesus does not answer questions meant to trap Him, especially when the questioners are not sincere.
• The verse highlights the leaders’ unwillingness to take a stand on John the Baptist, revealing their fear of public opinion and lack of integrity.
• This moment connects to the larger theme in Matthew of Jesus’ authority being questioned and misunderstood, setting up further conflict between Jesus and the religious establishment.