Luke 20:21

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

“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.

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 20:21 captures a pivotal moment of deceptive flattery and veiled hostility, as religious leaders, disguised as sincere inquirers, attempt to trap Jesus with a politically charged question. Their opening statement, though seemingly commendatory, is a calculated maneuver designed to force Jesus into a dilemma regarding His allegiance, while paradoxically acknowledging His profound integrity, impartial teaching, and authentic revelation of God's truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of confrontations between Jesus and the religious authorities in Jerusalem during His final week before the crucifixion. Immediately preceding this, Jesus had delivered the [Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen](/luke/20-9-19 "Luke 20:9-19 - The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers"), which clearly indicted the chief priests and scribes as those who rejected God's messengers and would ultimately reject His Son. This parable enraged them, as they "perceived that he had spoken this parable against them" ([Luke 20:19](/luke/20-19 "Luke 20:19 - Religious Leaders Understand the Parable")). Consequently, they sought to arrest Him but feared the people. Instead, they sent "spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor" ([Luke 20:20](/luke/20-20 "Luke 20:20 - The Trap Laid for Jesus")). Verse 21 is the opening gambit of these spies, setting the stage for the infamous question about paying taxes to Caesar.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem under Roman occupation. The Jewish people harbored deep resentment towards Roman rule, particularly the imposition of taxes. Paying taxes to Caesar was a highly contentious issue, viewed by many zealous Jews as a betrayal of God's sovereignty over Israel. The religious leaders, specifically the chief priests and scribes, were caught between maintaining their authority among the Jewish populace and avoiding direct confrontation with the Roman authorities. By asking Jesus about taxes, they aimed to corner Him: if He said "yes," He would alienate the Jewish masses who opposed Roman taxation; if He said "no," He could be accused of sedition and handed over to the Roman governor, Pilate, for treason. This was a common tactic used by the authorities to discredit or eliminate perceived threats to their power or the Roman order.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **deception and hypocrisy**, as the religious leaders employ flattery and pretense to achieve their malicious aims, contrasting sharply with Jesus' radical honesty. Secondly, it underscores **Jesus' divine wisdom and discernment**, as He sees through their cunning trap and responds with unparalleled insight, demonstrating His ability to navigate complex ethical and political dilemmas. Thirdly, the spies' grudging acknowledgment of Jesus' impartiality ("neither acceptest thou the person [of any]") and His truthful teaching of "the way of God" points to Jesus' **unwavering integrity and divine authority**. This aligns with the biblical principle that God Himself "is no respecter of persons" ([Acts 10:34](/acts/10-34 "Acts 10:34 - God Shows No Partiality")), and that Jesus embodies the very [truth of God](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos_):** From `G1320`, meaning "an instructor" or "teacher." This term of address, while seemingly respectful, is used here with a manipulative intent. The spies acknowledge Jesus' public reputation as a teacher, aiming to draw Him into a pedagogical discussion where they can then spring their trap. It's a recognition of His perceived authority in teaching, even from those who oppose Him.
* **Person (Greek, _prósōpon_):** From `G4383`, meaning "the front," "countenance," or "aspect," by implication, "presence, person." In the phrase "acceptest thou the person [of any]," the Greek idiom `lambánō prósōpon` literally means "to take a face." This idiom, derived from `G2983` (`lambánō`) and `G4383` (`prósōpon`), signifies showing partiality, favoritism, or judging based on outward appearance, status, or influence rather than objective truth or intrinsic worth. The spies admit that Jesus does not discriminate or show bias based on who someone is.
* **Truly (Greek, _alḗtheia_):** From `G225`, meaning "truth" or "verity." This adverb, often used with `G1909` (`epí`) to mean "in truth" or "with truth," emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity of Jesus' teaching. Even His adversaries concede that His instruction regarding "the way of God" is genuinely rooted in divine truth, not human opinion or political expediency.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they asked him, saying, Master,"**: This opening sets the scene for the confrontation. The "they" refers to the spies sent by the chief priests and scribes, who feigned righteousness. Their address "Master" (_didáskalos_) is a calculated act of flattery, designed to disarm Jesus and establish a seemingly respectful tone before posing their loaded question.
* **"we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly,"**: This clause continues the flattery, acknowledging Jesus' reputation for sound and accurate teaching. The word "rightly" (_orthōs_) implies correctness, both intellectually and morally. This admission, coming from His enemies, is a remarkable testament to Jesus' public perception and the undeniable quality of His instruction.
* **"neither acceptest thou the person [of any],"**: This is a crucial admission of Jesus' impartiality. The idiom `lambánō prósōpon` (to take a face) means Jesus does not show favoritism or bias based on someone's social standing, wealth, or power. He treats all people equally, judging and teaching based on truth, not on who they are or what influence they possess. This quality was widely recognized, even by those seeking to destroy Him.
* **"but teachest the way of God truly:"**: This final clause completes their seemingly laudatory statement, affirming that Jesus' teaching authentically conveys "the way of God." "The way of God" (_hodós tou theou_) refers to God's will, His moral requirements, and the path to righteousness and salvation. The adverb "truly" (_alḗtheia_) underscores the sincerity, authenticity, and divine origin of His instruction. This is a profound, albeit manipulative, acknowledgment of Jesus' authority as a divine revealer of truth.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 20:21 is rich with **Irony**. The very individuals who are plotting to destroy Jesus begin by praising His integrity and truthfulness. Their words, intended to deceive, inadvertently highlight the very qualities that make Jesus distinct and powerful. This creates a stark contrast between their outward pretense of respect and their inward malicious intent. Furthermore, the verse employs **Flattery** as a primary rhetorical strategy. The spies' effusive praise is not genuine admiration but a calculated attempt to manipulate Jesus into a false sense of security, hoping He will drop His guard and speak carelessly. The phrase "neither acceptest thou the person [of any]" is an example of a common **Idiom** in biblical Greek (`lambánō prósōpon`), which means to show partiality. Its inclusion here underscores Jesus' reputation for impartiality, even among His adversaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the biblical theme of divine impartiality and the nature of truth. The spies' reluctant acknowledgment that Jesus "acceptest not the person [of any]" echoes the Old Testament principle that God Himself "regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward" ([Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God Shows No Partiality")). This divine characteristic is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who consistently ministered to all, regardless of social status, wealth, or religious background. His teaching "the way of God truly" further underscores His role as the ultimate revealer of divine truth, a truth that stands in stark contrast to the deceptive tactics of His accusers. This encounter serves as a powerful reminder that genuine truth and integrity often provoke opposition from those who operate in darkness and deceit.

* [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God Shows No Partiality")
* [Galatians 2:6](/galatians/2-6 "Galatians 2:6 - God Shows No Partiality")
* [James 2:1-4](/james/2-1-4 "James 2:1-4 - Warning Against Partiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 20:21 offers profound insights into human nature, the nature of truth, and the character of Christ. It challenges us to cultivate discernment, recognizing that not all praise is genuine, and that manipulative intentions can hide behind seemingly respectful words. Just as Jesus saw through the spies' flattery, we are called to develop spiritual discernment, relying on the Holy Spirit to help us perceive the true motives behind words and actions. Furthermore, this verse calls us to embody the impartiality that Jesus exemplified. In a world often driven by status, wealth, and power, believers are commissioned to treat all people with dignity and respect, showing no favoritism based on external circumstances. Our teaching and living should reflect "the way of God truly," upholding biblical truth with integrity and authenticity, even when it is unpopular or costly. This means living consistently with our faith, allowing God's truth to guide our interactions and decisions, and standing firm against the pressures of compromise or deception.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize flattery or manipulative intentions in my own life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to show partiality, and how can I strive to reflect God's impartiality more consistently?**
* **What does it mean for me to "teach the way of God truly" in my daily interactions and witness?**

### FAQ

**Why did the religious leaders begin with flattery instead of directly asking their question?**

Answer: The religious leaders, specifically the chief priests and scribes, began with flattery as a calculated psychological tactic. As described in [Luke 20:20](/luke/20-20 "Luke 20:20 - The Trap Laid for Jesus"), they sent "spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words." Their goal was to trap Jesus, not to genuinely learn from Him. By praising His integrity, impartial teaching, and truthfulness, they aimed to disarm Him, make Him feel comfortable, and perhaps encourage Him to speak openly and without caution. They hoped that by acknowledging His respected public image, Jesus would be more likely to give a direct, compromising answer to their subsequent question about paying taxes to Caesar, thus providing them with grounds for accusation, either to the Roman authorities or the Jewish populace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:21, though spoken by Jesus' adversaries, inadvertently highlights key aspects of His divine person and mission, finding profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The spies' acknowledgment that Jesus "teachest the way of God truly" points to Him as the ultimate revelation of God's truth. Jesus is not merely a teacher of the way, but He declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He embodies the very truth He proclaims. Furthermore, their admission that He "neither acceptest thou the person [of any]" foreshadows His impartial grace and redemptive work. Jesus' ministry consistently demonstrated that He came "not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" ([Luke 5:32](/luke/5-32 "Luke 5:32 - Jesus Calls Sinners")), showing no favoritism based on social status, ethnicity, or past sins. His ultimate act of impartiality was offering His life as a ransom for all, "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). Thus, the qualities grudgingly recognized by His enemies in [Luke 20:21](/luke/20-21 "Luke 20:21 - The Spies' Flattery of Jesus") are perfectly fulfilled in the person and saving work of Christ, the impartial and truthful Savior of the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.