And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

MATTHEW 21:27KJV
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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.

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.

“said” Greek G5346 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
  • Luke 22:70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
  • Acts 23:17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

“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 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
  • Romans 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.