Luke 20:21

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:

And {G2532} they asked {G1905} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Master {G1320}, we know {G1492} that {G3754} thou sayest {G3004} and {G2532} teachest {G1321} rightly {G3723},{G2532} neither {G3756} acceptest thou {G2983} the person {G4383} of any, but {G235} teachest {G1321} the way {G3598} of God {G2316} truly {G225}{G1909}:

They put to him this sh’eilah: “Rabbi, we know that you speak and teach straightforwardly, showing no partiality but really teaching what God’s way is.

“Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

And they asked him, saying, Teacher, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, and acceptest not the person of any, but of a truth teachest the way of God:

Luke 20:21 presents a moment of intense cunning and subtle flattery by those seeking to entrap Jesus. This verse sets the stage for one of Jesus' most famous responses regarding submission to earthly and divine authority.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen and His bold challenge to the authority of the chief priests and scribes. Feeling their power threatened, these religious leaders sent "spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words" (Luke 20:20). Their opening statement in verse 21 is a masterclass in manipulative praise, designed to disarm Jesus and lead Him into a politically charged question about paying taxes to Caesar.

Key Themes

  • Flattery and Deception: The spies begin with seemingly genuine praise for Jesus' integrity and teaching. However, this praise is a smokescreen for their true intention: to catch Him in a statement that could be used against Him, either to the Roman authorities or the Jewish populace. It highlights the danger of words that appear complimentary but hide sinister motives.
  • Jesus' Impartiality: The statement "neither acceptest thou the person [of any]" is a significant acknowledgment, even from His enemies. It means Jesus does not show favoritism or bias based on someone's social status, wealth, or power. He teaches and judges based on truth, not personal gain or fear of repercussions. This aligns with the biblical principle that God shows no partiality.
  • Truthful Teaching of God's Way: "but teachest the way of God truly" is another grudging admission of Jesus' profound authority and authenticity. Even those who sought to destroy Him recognized that His teachings genuinely conveyed divine truth and revealed "the way of God." This refers to God's will, His moral requirements, and the path to righteousness and salvation. Jesus Himself would later declare, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "acceptest thou the person [of any]" translates the Greek idiom lambanō prosōpon (λαμβάνω πρόσωπον), which literally means "to take a face." This expression signifies showing partiality or favoritism, judging or treating individuals based on their outward appearance, status, or influence rather than their inherent worth or the objective truth. It's a common biblical concept opposing discrimination.

The phrase "teachest the way of God truly" uses hodon tou theou en aletheia (ὁδὸν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν ἀληθείᾳ), emphasizing that Jesus' instruction concerning God's path is delivered "in truth" or "with sincerity." This underscores the authenticity and divine origin of His teaching.

Practical Application

This verse offers several lessons for believers today:

  • Discernment: Be wary of flattery, especially when it precedes a difficult request or an attempt to manipulate. Not all praise is genuine.
  • Impartiality: Strive to live and interact with others without bias or favoritism. Judge and treat people based on their character and actions, not their external circumstances or social standing. This reflects God's own nature.
  • Commitment to Truth: Like Jesus, we are called to teach and live "the way of God truly." This means upholding biblical truth, even when it is unpopular or challenging, and living authentically according to God's principles.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 26:49

    And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

  • Matthew 26:50

    And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:4

    But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:5

    For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God [is] witness:

  • Matthew 22:16

    And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any [man]: for thou regardest not the person of men.

  • John 3:2

    The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

  • 2 Chronicles 19:7

    Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do [it]: for [there is] no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

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