Luke 20:3

KJV

And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, I {G2504} will {G2065} also {G2504} ask {G2065} you {G5209} one {G1520} thing {G3056}; and {G2532} answer {G2036} me {G3427}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered, “I too will ask you a question. Tell me,

Berean Standard Bible

“I will also ask you a question,” Jesus replied. “Tell Me:

American Standard Version

And he answered and said unto them, I also will ask you a question; and tell me:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 20:3, Jesus masterfully responds to the chief priests, scribes, and elders who had challenged His authority while He was teaching in the temple. Rather than directly answering their loaded question, which was designed to trap Him, Jesus turns the tables by posing a counter-question. This strategic move not only deflects their malicious intent but also sets the stage for a profound demonstration of His divine wisdom and discernment, forcing His interrogators to confront their own hypocrisy and lack of integrity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of confrontations between Jesus and the religious authorities in Jerusalem during the final week of His earthly ministry, often referred to as Passion Week. Immediately preceding this, in [Luke 20:1-2](/luke/20-1-2 "Luke 20:1-2 - Challenge to Jesus' Authority"), the chief priests, scribes, and elders, representing the highest religious and political powers, accost Jesus as He teaches in the Temple. They demand to know "By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?" Their question is not a genuine inquiry but a calculated attempt to either force Jesus into a seditious statement against Roman authority or a blasphemous claim of divine authority that they could condemn. Jesus' response in [Luke 20:3](/luke/20-3 "Luke 20:3 - Jesus' Counter-Question") is a brilliant tactical maneuver, characteristic of His encounters with those who sought to trap Him, and it sets up the subsequent dilemma for His adversaries concerning John the Baptist, as detailed in [Luke 20:4-8](/luke/20-4-8 "Luke 20:4-8 - The Dilemma of John's Baptism").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Temple courts in Jerusalem, a public and highly charged environment, especially during the Passover festival when the city swelled with pilgrims and religious fervor was high. The religious leaders, particularly the chief priests (Sadducees) and scribes (Pharisees), held significant power and were deeply invested in maintaining the existing religious and social order. Rabbinic debate, common in this period, often involved answering a question with another question, especially when the initial question was perceived as hostile or designed to trap. This was a recognized rhetorical strategy to shift the burden of proof or expose the interrogator's underlying motives. Jesus' use of this method would have been understood by His audience as a sophisticated and legitimate form of intellectual engagement, though His adversaries would have found it frustratingly effective. The question of authority was paramount in Jewish society, as it determined legitimacy in teaching, healing, and performing religious acts.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 20:3](/luke/20-3 "Luke 20:3 - Jesus' Strategic Response") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **Jesus' Divine Wisdom and Discernment**. He consistently demonstrates an unparalleled ability to navigate hostile interrogations, exposing the hearts of His questioners rather than falling into their traps. This wisdom is rooted in His divine nature, contrasting sharply with the earthly cunning of His opponents, as seen throughout His ministry (e.g., [Luke 11:14-26](/luke/11-14-26 "Luke 11:14-26 - Jesus and Beelzebub")). Secondly, the passage underscores the theme of **Authority Challenged and Affirmed**. While the religious leaders question Jesus' authority, His very method of response subtly yet powerfully affirms it. He demonstrates a superior, God-given authority by His ability to disarm His adversaries and expose their hypocrisy, proving Himself to be the true teacher and Messiah. Lastly, it exemplifies the theme of **Exposing Hypocrisy and Spiritual Blindness**. Jesus' counter-question forces the religious leaders to reveal their true motivations—not a desire for truth, but a concern for their own reputation and power, ultimately demonstrating their spiritual inability to recognize God's work among them, a recurring motif in Luke (e.g., [Luke 16:14-15](/luke/16-14-15 "Luke 16:14-15 - The Pharisees, Lovers of Money")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **answered (Greek, _apokrínomai'_):** This verb means "to conclude for oneself," or by implication, "to respond." In a Hebraic sense, it can also mean "to begin to speak" when an address is expected. Here, it signifies Jesus' deliberate and considered response, not a hasty reaction, to the challenge posed by the religious leaders. It suggests a thoughtful, authoritative reply rather than a simple reaction.
* **ask (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** This verb means "to interrogate" or "to request." It implies a formal or serious inquiry, often with the expectation of an answer. Jesus is not merely posing a casual question; He is initiating a formal interrogation of His own, demanding a response that will expose His adversaries' true position.
* **thing (Greek, _lógos'_):** Derived from the verb "to speak," _logos_ here refers to "something said," "a topic," "a subject of discourse," or "a question." It denotes a significant point or proposition that requires a thoughtful and revealing answer. Jesus' "one thing" is not a trivial query but a pivotal matter designed to expose the spiritual and intellectual bankruptcy of His interrogators.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he answered and said unto them,"**: This opening clause establishes Jesus' deliberate and composed response to the challenge laid before Him. It signals a formal address, indicating that Jesus is not caught off guard but is intentionally engaging with His accusers. The dual verbs "answered and said" emphasize the solemnity and authority of His forthcoming statement, indicating a prepared and strategic reply.
* **"I will also ask you one thing;"**: Here, Jesus immediately shifts the dynamic, turning the tables on His interrogators. The inclusion of "also" (G2504 _kagō_) highlights the reciprocity of the challenge: just as they have questioned Him, He will now question them. The phrase "one thing" (G1520 _heîs_ G3056 _lógos_) suggests a singular, focused, and crucial point that will serve as a counter-challenge, designed to expose their motives and intellectual dishonesty.
* **"and answer me:"**: This concluding imperative underscores Jesus' authority and His demand for a direct response. He is not merely suggesting a question but commanding an answer, placing the religious leaders in the very position they sought to place Him. This command forces them to consider the implications of their own beliefs and public standing, particularly concerning John the Baptist, before they can expect an answer from Him.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 20:3 is rich in literary technique, primarily employing the **Counter-Question** as a strategic rhetorical device. Jesus avoids a direct answer to the religious leaders' trap by posing a question of His own, thereby shifting the burden of proof and forcing His adversaries into a dilemma. This is a classic example of **Ironic Reversal**, where the one being interrogated becomes the interrogator, exposing the true intentions and intellectual bankruptcy of the challengers. Furthermore, this method can be seen as an application of the **Socratic Method**, where questions are used not just to gain information but to expose contradictions in an opponent's reasoning or to lead them to a deeper, often uncomfortable, truth. The succinctness of Jesus' statement, combined with its profound implications, also demonstrates **Conciseness** and **Strategic Foresight**, as He anticipates their inability to answer His question without incriminating themselves, thereby disarming their initial challenge without directly engaging on their terms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:3 is a profound demonstration of divine wisdom in the face of human cunning and hostility. It underscores the theological truth that God's ways are higher than human ways, and His wisdom is incomparable. Jesus' refusal to be drawn into a direct answer to a trap question reveals His sovereign control over the narrative and His perfect discernment of hearts. The passage highlights the recurring biblical theme of true authority stemming from God, not from human institutions or popular acclaim. The religious leaders, despite their titles and positions, lacked genuine spiritual authority because their hearts were far from God and their motives were impure. Jesus, by contrast, embodies true authority, which is characterized by truth, integrity, and the ability to expose darkness with light. This encounter foreshadows the ultimate confrontation between God's truth and human rebellion, a conflict that culminates in the cross and resurrection.

* [Proverbs 26:4-5](/proverbs/26-4-5 "Proverbs 26:4-5 - Answering a Fool")
* [Matthew 21:23-27](/matthew/21-23-27 "Matthew 21:23-27 - Jesus' Authority Challenged")
* [John 8:6-9](/john/8-6-9 "John 8:6-9 - Jesus and the Adulterous Woman")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' encounter in Luke 20:3 offers invaluable lessons for believers navigating a world often hostile to truth and integrity. We are frequently confronted with challenging questions, criticisms, or even outright attacks, whether in personal conversations, professional settings, or public discourse. This passage teaches us the importance of **discernment**—not every question deserves a direct answer, especially if its intent is to trap, mislead, or simply to argue rather than to understand. Like Jesus, we are called to seek God's wisdom in such moments, trusting that He will provide the right response or strategy, which may not always be what is expected. This might involve rephrasing the question, asking a counter-question, or even remaining silent, as Jesus did before Pilate. Ultimately, our aim should be to honor God and uphold truth, rather than to win an argument or defend our reputation. It reminds us that true authority and influence come from a place of integrity and spiritual wisdom, not from human power or cleverness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with challenging or hostile questions, how do you typically respond? Do you tend to react immediately, or do you seek discernment and wisdom before speaking?**
* **Can you recall a situation where a direct answer would have been counterproductive, and a more strategic or discerning response was needed? What was the outcome?**
* **How does Jesus' example of turning the tables on His accusers inspire you to rely on God's wisdom rather than your own in difficult conversations?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to prioritize reputation or expediency over integrity and truth, similar to the religious leaders?**

### FAQ

**Why didn't Jesus just directly answer the religious leaders' question about His authority?**

Answer: Jesus did not directly answer the religious leaders' question because their intent was not to genuinely seek understanding or truth. As [Luke 20:2](/luke/20-2 "Luke 20:2 - The Challenge to Jesus' Authority") indicates, they were trying to trap Him, either into a seditious statement against Roman authority (claiming kingly authority) or a blasphemous one against God (claiming divine authority without their approval). A direct "yes" would have been used to accuse Him of rebellion, and a direct "no" would have undermined His ministry. By posing a counter-question about John the Baptist's authority, Jesus exposed their hypocrisy and shifted the burden of proof back onto them, demonstrating that their problem was not a lack of evidence but a lack of willingness to believe. This strategic move disarmed their trap and revealed their true motives.

**What was the "one thing" Jesus asked them?**

Answer: The "one thing" Jesus asked them, as revealed in the subsequent verses ([Luke 20:4](/luke/20-4 "Luke 20:4 - Jesus' Question about John's Baptism")), was about the source of John the Baptist's baptism: "The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?" This question was brilliant because John the Baptist was widely regarded as a prophet by the people, and the religious leaders had publicly refused to acknowledge his ministry. If they said John's authority was "from heaven," they would condemn themselves for not believing him and by extension, for not believing Jesus, whom John proclaimed. If they said "of men," they would fear the backlash from the people who revered John. Their inability to answer exposed their fear of man over God and their spiritual dishonesty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:3, though seemingly a simple rhetorical exchange, profoundly reveals the person and work of Christ. Jesus' divine wisdom, displayed in His strategic counter-question, is a manifestation of His very nature as the [Logos, the Word of God](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), through whom all things were made and in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")). His ability to disarm His adversaries without resorting to human power or cunning underscores His unique authority, not merely as a prophet or teacher, but as the Son of God, whose authority is inherent and absolute ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). This encounter in the Temple foreshadows the ultimate confrontation between the Light of the World and the darkness of human sin and rebellion. Just as Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, He would ultimately expose the futility of human efforts to achieve righteousness apart from Him, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice to reconcile humanity to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His strategic silence and piercing questions in this moment prefigure His ultimate triumph over the powers of sin and death, demonstrating that His kingdom is not of this world, yet it holds all true authority ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This 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 15:2

Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

Matthew 15:3

But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

Luke 22:68

And if I also ask [you], ye will not answer me, nor let [me] go.

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.