King James Version

What Does Luke 20:3 Mean?

Luke 20:3 in the King James Version says “And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 20:3 · 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?

5

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?

Read Luke 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will also ask you one thing; and answer me—Jesus' counter-question demonstrates rabbinic teaching method but also exposes His interrogators' hypocrisy. The phrase "I will ask" (ἐρωτήσω, erōtēsō) and "answer me" (εἴπατέ, eipate) mirrors their demand in verse 2, turning the tables. Jesus doesn't evade the authority question but reframes it in terms that will reveal their bad faith.

This response shows divine wisdom confounding human schemes. By linking His authority to John's baptism, Jesus forces them to confront truth they've already rejected. The authority question isn't merely academic—it requires moral courage to accept the answer. Jesus demonstrates that those unwilling to acknowledge obvious truth (John's prophetic ministry) are not genuinely seeking truth about His authority either.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Rabbinic dialogue often involved answering questions with questions, a teaching technique called "dialectic." However, Jesus' question wasn't mere rhetoric but a trap for the trappers. John the Baptist's ministry (26-29 AD) was recent memory, and the leaders' rejection of John was public knowledge. Everyone knew they hadn't supported John despite his obvious prophetic credentials (massive following, ascetic lifestyle, powerful preaching, fulfillment of Isaiah 40:3).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' counter-question demonstrate that authority questions require honest seekers, not hostile critics?
  2. What does this exchange teach about engaging with those asking questions in bad faith?
  3. Why must accepting Jesus' authority begin with accepting the testimony of those who pointed to Him?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἀποκριθεὶς1 of 13

“he answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

δὲ2 of 13

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἴπατέ3 of 13

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς4 of 13

“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,

αὐτούς5 of 13

“them”

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

Ἐρωτήσω6 of 13

“ask”

G2065

to interrogate; by implication, to request

ὑμᾶς7 of 13

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

κἀγὼ8 of 13

“I”

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

ἕνα9 of 13

“one”

G1520

one

λόγον10 of 13

“thing”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

καὶ11 of 13

“and”

G2532

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

εἴπατέ12 of 13

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

μοι·13 of 13

“me”

G3427

to me

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 20:3 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 20:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 4:6Matthew 15:2-3Luke 22:68

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