King James Version

What Does Luke 20:1 Mean?

Luke 20:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chie... — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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,

Luke 20:1 · KJV


Context

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,

2

And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

3

And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Luke sets the confrontation during Jesus' teaching ministry in the temple courts. The phrase "preached the gospel" (εὐαγγελιζομένου, euangelizomenou) shows Jesus actively proclaiming good news, not merely teaching ethics. The opposition coalition—chief priests (ἀρχιερεῖς, archiereis), scribes (γραμματεῖς, grammateis), and elders (πρεσβύτεροι, presbyteroi)—represents the Sanhedrin's power structure.

The verb "came upon" (ἐπέστησαν, epestēsan) suggests sudden, aggressive confrontation, not polite inquiry. This occurs after Jesus cleansed the temple (19:45-46), directly challenging their authority and revenue stream. Their question about authority (v. 2) attempts to trap Jesus: claiming divine authority invites blasphemy charges, while claiming human authority undermines His prophetic stance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This confrontation occurred during Jesus' final week in Jerusalem, likely Tuesday of Passion Week. The temple Jesus taught in was Herod's temple, the center of Jewish worship and the Sanhedrin's power base. The chief priests controlled temple operations and profited from the money-changing system Jesus had just disrupted. Scribes were legal experts in Torah, while elders represented wealthy lay aristocracy. Together they formed the Sanhedrin, which would condemn Jesus three days later.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus' proclamation of the gospel in the temple courts threaten the religious establishment's authority?
  2. How does the coalition of religious leaders reveal the nature of opposition to God's truth?
  3. What does the timing of this confrontation (after cleansing the temple) tell us about defending corrupt religious systems?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
καὶ1 of 25

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγένετο2 of 25

it came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐν3 of 25

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μιᾷ4 of 25
G1520

one

τῶν5 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡμερῶν6 of 25

days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἐκείνων,7 of 25

of those

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

διδάσκοντος8 of 25

as he taught

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

αὐτοῦ9 of 25
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὸν10 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λαὸν11 of 25

the people

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

ἐν12 of 25

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ13 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἱερῷ14 of 25

the temple

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

καὶ15 of 25

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εὐαγγελιζομένου16 of 25

preached the gospel

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

ἐπέστησαν17 of 25

came upon

G2186

to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)

οἱ18 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχιερεῖς19 of 25

the chief priests

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

καὶ20 of 25

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ21 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γραμματεῖς22 of 25

the scribes

G1122

a professional writer

σὺν23 of 25

him with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τοῖς24 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρεσβυτέροις25 of 25

the elders

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 20:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 20:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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