Luke 20:5

KJV

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they reasoned {G4817} with {G4314} themselves {G1438}, saying {G3004},{G3754} If {G1437} we shall say {G2036}, From {G1537} heaven {G3772}; he will say {G2046}, Why {G1302} then {G3767} believed ye {G4100} him {G846} not {G3756}?

Complete Jewish Bible

They discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From Heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’

Berean Standard Bible

They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why did you not believe him?’

American Standard Version

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why did ye not believe him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 20:5 vividly portrays the internal deliberation of the chief priests, scribes, and elders as they confront Jesus' counter-question regarding the origin of John the Baptist's authority. This verse exposes their profound hypocrisy and self-serving pragmatism, revealing that their primary concern was not discerning truth or acknowledging divine revelation, but rather meticulously calculating the political and social repercussions of their answer to avoid public condemnation and preserve their earthly power and reputation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a high-stakes confrontation in the Temple courts immediately following Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and His subsequent cleansing of the Temple. Having asserted His authority through these actions, Jesus is directly challenged by the religious establishment—the chief priests, scribes, and elders—who demand to know "By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?" [Luke 20:2](/luke/20-2 "Luke 20:2 - Challenge to Jesus' Authority"). Instead of directly answering, Jesus poses a strategic counter-question: "The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?" [Luke 20:4](/luke/20-4 "Luke 20:4 - Jesus' Counter-Question"). Luke 20:5 then plunges the reader into the private, calculating discussion among these leaders, highlighting their fear of the people over their commitment to truth. Their inability to answer Jesus' question sets the stage for a series of parables and further confrontations that expose their spiritual blindness and impending judgment [Luke 20:9-19](/luke/20-9-19 "Luke 20:9-19 - Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Temple in Jerusalem was not only a religious center but also a hub of political and social activity, making public confrontations highly significant. The chief priests, scribes, and elders represented the highest echelons of Jewish religious and political authority, comprising the Sanhedrin. Their power was derived from their position within the Jewish hierarchy, often maintained through delicate negotiations with the Roman occupying forces. John the Baptist had been a highly popular prophetic figure, drawing large crowds and revered by many as a true prophet [Luke 7:26-29](/luke/7-26-29 "Luke 7:26-29 - Jesus' Testimony about John"). To deny John's divine authority would risk alienating the masses who believed in him, potentially inciting a riot or losing public support. Conversely, to affirm John's divine authority would logically compel them to accept his testimony about Jesus, which they vehemently rejected. Their dilemma in [Luke 20:5](/luke/20-5 "Luke 20:5 - The Leaders' Dilemma") thus reflects the precarious balance of their power, caught between popular opinion and their entrenched opposition to Jesus.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several critical themes. Foremost is the **Hypocrisy and Self-Preservation** of the religious leaders. Their internal debate is not a search for truth but a cynical calculation of consequences, prioritizing their reputation and authority over divine revelation. This is closely linked to the theme of **Fear of Man vs. Fear of God**, as their overriding concern is how the crowd will react if they admit John's divine origin [Luke 20:6](/luke/20-6 "Luke 20:6 - The Leaders' Fear of the People"), rather than fearing God or acknowledging His truth. Finally, the verse underscores their profound **Rejection of Divine Revelation**. By refusing to acknowledge John's prophetic role and the divine source of his ministry, they implicitly reject the preparatory work of God for the Messiah, revealing a deep-seated spiritual blindness and resistance to God's unfolding plan of salvation, which John had clearly announced [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - John Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **reasoned (Greek, _syllogízomai'_):** From the Strong's data, this word means "to reckon together (with oneself), i.e. deliberate." This is a crucial insight into the leaders' process. It implies a logical, calculating, and often self-serving internal debate, rather than a spiritual discernment or humble inquiry. They were not seeking wisdom from God but performing a strategic analysis of potential outcomes to outmaneuver Jesus and protect their own interests.
* **themselves (Greek, _heautoû'_):** This reflexive pronoun emphasizes the internal, private nature of their deliberation. "With themselves" indicates a closed-off, insular discussion, reinforcing that their concern was not about external truth or public benefit, but solely about their own position and safety. It highlights their self-centeredness in this critical moment of spiritual decision.
* **heaven (Greek, _ouranós'_):** Beyond simply referring to the sky, this word, as per Strong's, extends to "heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel (Christianity)." When Jesus asks if John's baptism was "from heaven," He is asking if its authority and origin were divine. The leaders' reluctance to affirm this reveals their unwillingness to acknowledge God's direct involvement in John's ministry, and by extension, in Jesus' own ministry, which John heralded. Their refusal to acknowledge this divine origin underscores their rejection of God's authority.
* **believed (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** This word means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." Jesus' follow-up question, "Why then believed ye him not?" directly challenges their lack of faith and trust in John's divinely sanctioned message. It exposes their spiritual failure to respond in faith to God's messenger, revealing a deeper issue than mere political calculation—a fundamental resistance to God's truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they reasoned with themselves, saying,"**: This opening clause reveals the private, internal deliberation of the religious leaders. The Greek verb `syllogízomai` (reasoned) indicates a process of careful calculation and logical deduction, not a search for spiritual truth. They are engaged in a strategic discussion among themselves, weighing the pros and cons of their potential answers to Jesus' question, rather than seeking divine guidance or acknowledging the obvious spiritual implications of John's ministry.
* **"If we shall say, From heaven;"**: This represents the first hypothetical answer considered by the leaders. They acknowledge that affirming John's authority as divinely ordained ("from heaven") is a plausible and popular response, given John's widespread public acceptance as a prophet. This option is presented as a direct quote of their internal thought process, showcasing their awareness of public opinion and the perceived spiritual legitimacy of John.
* **"he will say, Why then believed ye him not?"**: This is the immediate and damning consequence they foresee if they were to admit John's divine authority. Jesus' anticipated follow-up question would expose their hypocrisy and unbelief. If John was indeed a prophet sent by God, why did they, the spiritual leaders, fail to believe his message of repentance and his testimony about the coming Messiah? This reveals their fear of being publicly shamed and cornered by Jesus, highlighting their spiritual bankruptcy and their fundamental resistance to the truth that John proclaimed.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 20:5 effectively employs several literary devices to convey the leaders' character and the dramatic tension of the scene. The most prominent is **Internal Monologue** or **Soliloquy**, as the verse grants the reader direct access to the private thoughts and calculations of the chief priests, scribes, and elders. This allows for a deeper understanding of their motivations, revealing their self-serving nature and fear of man, which contrast sharply with Jesus' pursuit of truth. The verse also features a **Rhetorical Question** within their internal debate ("Why then believed ye him not?"), which, although posed by them in anticipation of Jesus' response, serves to highlight their own culpability and the inescapable logic of Jesus' challenge. Finally, there is a strong element of **Irony**: in their desperate attempt to avoid being trapped by Jesus' question, they inadvertently trap themselves, revealing their spiritual blindness and lack of genuine faith to both Jesus and the reader. Their cunning calculation ultimately exposes their spiritual bankruptcy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:5 stands as a stark theological commentary on the nature of true authority and the resistance to divine truth. The religious leaders, ostensibly guardians of God's law, demonstrate a profound spiritual blindness and a prioritizing of human approval over divine revelation. Their internal debate is a chilling example of how those in positions of spiritual leadership can become so entrenched in their own power structures and self-preservation that they actively resist God's clear working. This passage underscores the critical difference between external religious observance and genuine faith, revealing that true belief involves submission to God's messengers and His truth, regardless of personal cost or public opinion. It serves as a timeless warning against hypocrisy and the dangers of allowing the fear of man to eclipse the fear of God.

* [Matthew 21:23-27](/matthew/21-23-27 "Matthew 21:23-27 - Parallel Account of Jesus' Authority Question")
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man Brings a Snare")
* [John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 20:5 offers a powerful mirror for self-reflection for believers today. We are often faced with situations where acknowledging uncomfortable truths or aligning ourselves with God's revealed will might carry social, professional, or personal costs. Like the religious leaders, we might be tempted to engage in "reasoning with ourselves" to find the most convenient or least challenging path, rather than the path of integrity and obedience to Christ. This passage challenges us to examine our motives: Are we genuinely seeking God's truth, or are we more concerned with maintaining our reputation, avoiding conflict, or preserving our comfort? True discipleship calls for a humble heart that is willing to believe and obey God, even when it means standing against popular opinion or admitting our own shortcomings. Our faith should not be a calculated risk assessment, but a wholehearted entrustment of ourselves to the One whose authority is truly "from heaven."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing human approval or social convenience over God's truth?**
* **Am I willing to acknowledge and embrace truths from God's Word that might challenge my comfort, reputation, or worldview?**
* **How does the fear of man manifest in my own decision-making, and how can I cultivate a greater fear of God?**
* **What does it mean for me to "believe" in a way that goes beyond intellectual assent to genuine trust and obedience?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus ask the religious leaders about John's baptism instead of directly answering their question about His authority?**

Answer: Jesus' counter-question was a strategic and brilliant move designed to expose the true motives and spiritual bankruptcy of the religious leaders. By asking about John's baptism, Jesus forced them into a dilemma that revealed their hypocrisy. If they admitted John's authority was "from heaven," they would be compelled to explain why they, as spiritual leaders, had not believed or followed John, who had testified about Jesus [John 1:29-34](/john/1-29-34 "John 1:29-34 - John's Testimony about Jesus"). If they said John's authority was "of men," they risked inciting the people, who largely regarded John as a prophet [Luke 20:6](/luke/20-6 "Luke 20:6 - The People Held John as a Prophet"). Their inability to answer demonstrated that their concern was not truth or God's will, but self-preservation and fear of public opinion. This skillfully turned their challenge back on them, revealing their lack of genuine spiritual authority.

**What was the significance of John the Baptist's baptism that made it such a critical point of contention?**

Answer: John the Baptist's baptism was highly significant because it was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, preparing the way for the Messiah [Luke 3:3-6](/luke/3-3-6 "Luke 3:3-6 - John's Preaching of Repentance"). John was recognized by many as a prophet sent by God, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about one who would prepare the way for the Lord [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - Messenger to Prepare the Way"). His ministry was divinely appointed to announce the immediate coming of God's kingdom and to point to Jesus as the Lamb of God [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - John Identifies Jesus"). Therefore, acknowledging the divine origin of John's baptism would logically require the religious leaders to acknowledge John's prophetic message and, by extension, the Messiah whom John proclaimed. Their rejection of John's authority was, in essence, a rejection of God's preparatory work for the coming of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:5, though seemingly a mere political maneuver by the religious elite, profoundly underscores the absolute and divine authority of Jesus Christ. The leaders' internal debate about whether John's authority was "from heaven" or "of men" serves as a foil to the undeniable truth that Jesus' own authority *is* unequivocally from heaven, not derived from human institutions or popular acclaim. John the Baptist was God's divinely appointed forerunner, whose entire ministry was to point to Jesus as the Messiah [John 1:6-8](/john/1-6-8 "John 1:6-8 - John's Purpose to Bear Witness to the Light"). The leaders' refusal to believe John was, therefore, a direct rejection of God's preparation for His Son. This passage foreshadows the broader rejection of Christ by those in power, who, blinded by their own self-interest and fear of losing control, refused to acknowledge the very Son of God standing before them. Ultimately, Jesus' authority, though challenged and rejected by human leaders, was vindicated by His resurrection and ascension, establishing Him as Lord of all, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). The leaders' fear of the people pales in comparison to the eternal consequences of rejecting the One who truly holds all power and judgment [John 5:22-23](/john/5-22-23 "John 5:22-23 - The Father Has Given All Judgment to the Son").

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

John 1:15

¶ John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

John 1:18

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].

John 1:34

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

John 1:30

This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

Acts 13:25

And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not [he]. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of [his] feet I am not worthy to loose.

John 5:33

Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.

John 5:35

He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.