King James Version

What Does Luke 20:21 Mean?

Luke 20:21 in the King James Version says “And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly : truly: or, of a truth

Luke 20:21 · KJV


Context

19

And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.

20

And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

21

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly : truly: or, of a truth

22

Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?

23

But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The spies' flattery begins with Master (Διδάσκαλε, Didaskale, 'Teacher'), feigning respect. We know that thou sayest and teachest rightly—ironically, they speak truth while intending deceit. Neither acceptest thou the person of any (οὐ λαμβάνεις πρόσωπον, ou lambaneis prosōpon)—literally 'you do not receive the face,' meaning you show no partiality.

But teachest the way of God truly (τὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐπ' ἀληθείας, tēn hodon tou theou ep' alētheias)—'the way of God in truth.' Their accurate theological assessment becomes the setup for their trap. They acknowledge Jesus's fearless truthfulness, then pose a question designed to make that truthfulness politically fatal. Satan often quotes truth to serve lies.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Flattery was a common rhetorical device in Mediterranean culture, used both sincerely and manipulatively. The phrase 'accepting the person' (showing partiality) was a Hebrew idiom (nasa panim) that Greek-speaking Jews translated literally. Impartiality was considered essential for true prophets and teachers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can acknowledging someone's integrity become a tool of manipulation rather than genuine honor?
  2. When have you used flattery to set up someone for failure or embarrassment?
  3. What does this passage teach about the danger of weaponizing theological compliments?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

And

G2532

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

ἐπηρώτησαν2 of 23

they asked

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

αὐτὸν3 of 23

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

λέγεις4 of 23

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

Διδάσκαλε5 of 23

Master

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

οἴδαμεν6 of 23

we know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι7 of 23

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὀρθῶς8 of 23

rightly

G3723

in a straight manner, i.e., (figuratively) correctly (also morally)

λέγεις9 of 23

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

καὶ10 of 23

And

G2532

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

διδάσκεις·11 of 23

teachest

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

καὶ12 of 23

And

G2532

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

οὐ13 of 23

neither

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

λαμβάνεις14 of 23

acceptest thou

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

πρόσωπον15 of 23

the person

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

ἀλλ'16 of 23

of any but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐπ'17 of 23
G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ἀληθείας18 of 23

truly

G225

truth

τὴν19 of 23
G3588

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

ὁδὸν20 of 23

the way

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

τοῦ21 of 23
G3588

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

θεοῦ22 of 23

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

διδάσκεις·23 of 23

teachest

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)


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 20:21 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 20:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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