King James Version

What Does Luke 20:2 Mean?

Luke 20:2 in the King James Version says “And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authori...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 20:2 · 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:

4

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

Read Luke 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? The question ἐξουσίᾳ (exousia, authority) appears twice, emphasizing the central issue. Exousia means legitimate power, jurisdiction, or right to act—not mere ability but authorized permission. "These things" (ταῦτα, tauta) refers to teaching in the temple, proclaiming the gospel, and especially cleansing the temple (19:45-46).

The double question creates a false dilemma: identify the source of authority. If Jesus claims divine authority, they'll charge Him with blasphemy. If He claims human authority (like the prophets commissioned by God), they'll demand credentials. Jesus' response (vv. 3-8) masterfully exposes their bad faith—they're not genuinely seeking truth but setting a trap. This question reveals the fundamental conflict between human religious authority and divine authority breaking into the establishment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Temple authorities controlled who could teach in the courts. Rabbis derived authority from recognized teachers in the chain of tradition. Jesus had no formal rabbinic training (John 7:15) and claimed authority directly from God, bypassing the establishment. The leaders' question was legally proper—they had responsibility to protect the temple from false teachers. However, their earlier rejection of John the Baptist (whom they also questioned, John 1:19-28) and their opposition to Jesus' miracles revealed hearts closed to divine authentication.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do religious leaders today sometimes demand credentials while rejecting clear evidence of God's work?
  2. What is the difference between genuinely seeking to understand authority versus using authority questions as a trap?
  3. Why is the question of Jesus' authority still the central issue every person must answer?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

Εἰπε2 of 21

“Tell”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς3 of 21

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτόν4 of 21

“him”

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

λέγοντες5 of 21

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Εἰπε6 of 21

“Tell”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἡμῖν7 of 21

“us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

ἐν8 of 21

“by”

G1722

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

ποίᾳ9 of 21

“what”

G4169

individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one

ἐξουσίαν10 of 21

“authority”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ταῦτα11 of 21

“these things”

G5023

these things

ποιεῖς12 of 21

“doest thou”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἢ13 of 21

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τίς14 of 21

“who”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐστιν15 of 21

“is he”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὁ16 of 21
G3588

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

δούς17 of 21

“that gave”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

σοι18 of 21

“thee”

G4671

to thee

τὴν19 of 21
G3588

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

ἐξουσίαν20 of 21

“authority”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ταύτην21 of 21
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

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 20:2 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 20:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 2:18Mark 11:28-33Exodus 2:14Matthew 21:23-27Acts 7:27Acts 7:35-39

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