Luke 20:39

¶ Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.

Then {G1161} certain {G5100} of the scribes {G1122} answering {G611} said {G2036}, Master {G1320}, thou hast well {G2573} said {G2036}.

Some of the Torah-teachers answered, “Well spoken, Rabbi.”

Some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, You have spoken well!”

And certain of the scribes answering said, Teacher, thou hast well said.

Context of Luke 20:39

Luke 20:39 occurs immediately after Jesus has masterfully silenced the Sadducees, who had attempted to trap Him with a complex question about marriage in the resurrection (Luke 20:27-38). The Sadducees were a Jewish sect known for rejecting the belief in a bodily resurrection, angels, or spirits (Acts 23:8). Jesus' profound and biblically grounded answer, which affirmed the resurrection from passages in the Torah that even the Sadducees accepted, left them speechless. This verse records the reaction of "certain of the scribes," who were often associated with the Pharisees and, unlike the Sadducees, did believe in the resurrection. Their commendation highlights Jesus' undeniable wisdom and the theological divide among the Jewish leaders of the time.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Acknowledgement of Jesus' Wisdom and Authority: The scribes' declaration, "Master, thou hast well said," is a significant endorsement of Jesus' teaching. Even if not all scribes were His followers, they recognized the profound truth and irrefutable logic in His response to the Sadducees. This moment underscores Jesus' unparalleled authority as a teacher of God's Word (Matthew 7:29).
  • Theological Affirmation of Resurrection: The scribes' agreement implicitly affirms the doctrine of resurrection, which Jesus had just powerfully defended. Their approval contrasts sharply with the Sadducees' silence, demonstrating the victory of truth over error.
  • Divisions Among Jewish Leadership: This verse subtly reveals the internal conflicts and differing theological positions within the Jewish leadership. The scribes' praise of Jesus' refutation of the Sadducees indicates that not all religious leaders were united in opposition to Him; some acknowledged the truth of His teachings, at least on certain points.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "well said" translates the Greek kalōs eipas (καλῶς εἶπας). The word kalōs means "well," "rightly," or "excellently." It's a strong affirmation, suggesting not just that what Jesus said was good, but that it was entirely correct, appropriate, and skillfully articulated. It implies a recognition of His wisdom and the soundness of His argument.

Practical Application

Luke 20:39 reminds us of the power of divine truth to silence opposition and gain recognition, even from unexpected sources. It encourages believers to:

  • Seek and Affirm Truth: Like the scribes, we should be willing to acknowledge and affirm truth, regardless of who speaks it, especially when it aligns with God's Word.
  • Trust in God's Wisdom: Jesus' ability to answer complex theological questions with clarity and authority assures us that God's wisdom is sufficient for all life's challenges and doubts.
  • Stand Firm on Core Doctrines: The scribes' agreement on the resurrection highlights the importance of fundamental beliefs in our faith. Understanding and defending essential doctrines is crucial for spiritual clarity and growth.
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.

  • Mark 12:28

    ¶ And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?

  • Mark 12:34

    And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him [any question].

  • Matthew 22:34

    ¶ But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.

  • Matthew 22:40

    On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

  • Acts 23:9

    And there arose a great cry: and the scribes [that were] of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

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