King James Version

What Does Luke 20:8 Mean?

Luke 20:8 in the King James Version says “And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 20:8 · KJV

Context

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.

10

And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.

Read Luke 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things—Jesus' refusal (οὐδὲ ἐγὼ λέγω ὑμῖν, oude egō legō hymin) isn't evasion but justified silence before bad-faith interrogators. Since they won't acknowledge obvious truth about John, they've proven themselves unqualified and unwilling to recognize divine authority when confronted with it. Jesus' silence judges them more severely than explanation would.

This response demonstrates wisdom in spiritual warfare. Jesus doesn't cast pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). They didn't lack evidence for His authority—miracles, fulfilled prophecies, authoritative teaching, transformation of lives. Their question wasn't genuine inquiry but attempted entrapment. By refusing to answer those unwilling to face truth they already possessed, Jesus protects the sacred from profanation and exposes their hardened hearts. His silence also fulfills Isaiah 53:7—the Suffering Servant who "opened not his mouth" before unjust accusers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This exchange occurred in the temple courts during Passion Week, with large crowds listening. Jesus' response publicly exposed the leaders' hypocrisy while protecting Himself from premature arrest. The timing wasn't yet right—Jesus would die on God's schedule, not theirs. The leaders' failure here intensified their resolve to destroy Jesus, but they feared the crowds (19:47-48, 20:19). This confrontation set the stage for subsequent attempts to trap Jesus with questions about taxes (20:20-26), resurrection (20:27-40), and His identity (20:41-44).

Reflection Questions

  1. When is silence about spiritual truth the wisest response, and when is it cowardice?
  2. How does Jesus' refusal to answer demonstrate that divine authority doesn't submit to human interrogation?
  3. What does this exchange teach about discerning when questioners genuinely seek truth versus setting traps?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ2 of 14
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς3 of 14

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἶπεν4 of 14

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς5 of 14

“unto 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

Οὐδὲ6 of 14

“Neither”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

ἐγὼ7 of 14

“I”

G1473

i, me

λέγω8 of 14

“tell”

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

ὑμῖν9 of 14

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἐν10 of 14

“by”

G1722

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

ποίᾳ11 of 14

“what”

G4169

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

ἐξουσίᾳ12 of 14

“authority”

G1849

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

ταῦτα13 of 14

“these things”

G5023

these things

ποιῶ14 of 14

“I do”

G4160

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

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 20:8 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 20:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 15:14Job 5:12-13Mark 11:33Matthew 16:4Matthew 21:27Proverbs 26:4-5

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