King James Version

What Does Luke 20:40 Mean?

Luke 20:40 in the King James Version says “And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.”

Luke 20:40 · KJV

Context

38

For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

39

Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.

40

And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.

41

And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?

42

And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Read Luke 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And after that they durst not ask him any question at all (οὐκέτι γὰρ ἐτόλμων ἐπερωτᾶν αὐτὸν οὐδέν, ouketi gar etolmōn eperōtan auton ouden)—Tolmaō (to dare, have courage) in the imperfect tense shows they no longer possessed courage to challenge Jesus. Eperōtaō (to question, interrogate) suggests hostile examination, not sincere inquiry. Ouden (nothing, not anything) is emphatic: absolutely no more questions.

This marks the end of three challenge questions: (1) by what authority Jesus acted (20:1-8), (2) whether to pay Roman taxes (20:20-26), (3) the resurrection riddle (20:27-38). Jesus masterfully answered all three, turning traps into teaching moments. His opponents are now intellectually defeated, leaving only violent options. Silencing opponents through superior wisdom fulfills Messianic expectation: 'The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him... the spirit of wisdom and understanding' (Isaiah 11:2).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Public debates were common in Jewish teaching culture, with honor won through rhetorical skill. Jesus's consistent victories humiliated the religious establishment, eroding their authority before the people. Unable to defeat Him in argument, they would resort to false accusations and illegal proceedings to eliminate Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's wisdom in controversy demonstrate the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy?
  2. What does the shift from questioning to plotting violence reveal about hearts closed to truth?
  3. When intellectual arguments fail to silence truth, what dangerous alternatives do opponents often pursue?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
οὐκέτι1 of 6

“after that”

G3765

not yet, no longer

δὲ2 of 6

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐτόλμων3 of 6

“they durst”

G5111

to venture (objectively or in act; while g2292 is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous

ἐπερωτᾶν4 of 6

“ask”

G1905

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

αὐτὸν5 of 6

“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

οὐδέν6 of 6

“any”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

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 20:40 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 20:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 22:46Mark 12:34Proverbs 26:5

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