King James Version

What Does Luke 20:7 Mean?

Luke 20:7 in the King James Version says “And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.”

Luke 20:7 · KJV

Context

5

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

6

But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.

7

And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.

8

And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

9

Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was—The Greek οὐκ εἰδέναι (ouk eidenai, "not to know") reveals their cowardly evasion. This wasn't honest uncertainty but deliberate refusal to state the obvious. They claim ignorance about what they actually knew, choosing the safety of agnosticism over the risk of truth. Their "we cannot tell" is intellectual dishonesty masquerading as judicious caution.

This response reveals the moral dimension of truth-seeking. They possessed sufficient evidence to judge John's ministry—crowds, prophecies fulfilled, powerful preaching, holy lifestyle. Their profession of uncertainty wasn't lack of evidence but lack of courage. By refusing to commit, they thought to escape Jesus' trap, but instead they disqualified themselves as judges of His authority. If they couldn't discern John's obvious prophetic credentials, they had no standing to evaluate Jesus. Their evasion exposed their incompetence or dishonesty—either way, they lost authority to question Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Sanhedrin's role included evaluating prophetic claims and protecting Israel from false prophets (Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 18:20-22). Their profession of inability to judge John's ministry was an admission of failure. In first-century Judaism, discerning true from false prophets was a core responsibility of religious leadership. Their evasion wasn't humble agnosticism but abdication of duty, revealing that political expedience had replaced spiritual discernment as their operating principle.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does claiming uncertainty about clear truth become a form of moral cowardice?
  2. What does this evasion teach about the relationship between intellectual honesty and spiritual authority?
  3. In what situations are Christians today tempted to claim uncertainty rather than speak costly truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 5 words
καὶ1 of 5

“And”

G2532

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

ἀπεκρίθησαν2 of 5

“they 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)

μὴ3 of 5

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εἰδέναι4 of 5

“tell”

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

πόθεν5 of 5

“whence”

G4159

from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause

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 20:7 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 20:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 8:7-9Isaiah 44:182 Thessalonians 2:10-12Malachi 2:7-9Isaiah 26:11John 3:19-20

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