Luke 20:7

KJV

And they answered, that they could not tell whence [it was].

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they answered {G611}, that they could {G1492} not {G3361} tell {G1492} whence {G4159} it was.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they answered, “We don’t know where it came from.”

Berean Standard Bible

So they answered that they did not know where it was from.

American Standard Version

And they answered, that they knew not whence it was.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 20:7 records the evasive response of the chief priests, scribes, and elders to Jesus' counter-question regarding the authority of John's baptism. Faced with a dilemma that would either expose their hypocrisy to the people or their unbelief to Jesus, these religious leaders strategically declared their inability to state the origin of John's ministry. This verse serves as a critical moment in the escalating conflict between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, highlighting their spiritual blindness, fear of man, and unwillingness to acknowledge divine truth, ultimately setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent parables and further confrontations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 20:7 is embedded within a direct confrontation between Jesus and the religious establishment in Jerusalem, following His triumphal entry and the cleansing of the temple in [Luke 19](/luke/19 "Luke 19 - Triumphal Entry and Temple Cleansing"). Jesus was teaching in the temple courts when the chief priests, scribes, and elders challenged His authority, asking, "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 posed a counter-question about the baptism of John the Baptist: "The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?" ([Luke 20:4](/luke/20-4 "Luke 20:4 - Jesus' Counter-Question")). This shrewd move by Jesus placed the religious leaders in an impossible bind, as detailed in their internal deliberation in [Luke 20:5-6](/luke/20-5-6 "Luke 20:5-6 - Leaders' Dilemma"). Their response in verse 7 directly leads to Jesus' refusal to answer their initial question in [Luke 20:8](/luke/20-8 "Luke 20:8 - Jesus Refuses to Answer").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The chief priests, scribes, and elders represented the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish religious and judicial council, wielding significant authority under Roman rule. Their challenge to Jesus' authority was not merely academic; it was an attempt to discredit Him publicly and legally, especially given His recent actions in the temple. John the Baptist had been widely regarded as a prophet by the common people, and his baptism was seen as a movement of repentance and spiritual renewal. For the Sanhedrin to deny John's divine origin would risk a popular uprising, as the people "were persuaded that John was a prophet" ([Luke 20:6](/luke/20-6 "Luke 20:6 - People's View of John")). Conversely, to affirm John's divine origin would implicitly validate John's testimony about Jesus as the Messiah, which would undermine their own authority and opposition to Jesus. Their response in [Luke 20:7](/luke/20-7 "Luke 20:7 - Leaders' Evasion") was thus a calculated political and religious maneuver to avoid both public condemnation and theological concession.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal exchange in [Luke 20](/luke/20 "Luke 20 - Jesus' Authority Challenged") profoundly illuminates several key themes. Firstly, it exposes the **hypocrisy and spiritual blindness** of the religious leaders, who prioritize self-preservation and reputation over truth and divine revelation. Their claimed ignorance in [Luke 20:7](/luke/20-7 "Luke 20:7 - Leaders' Evasion") was a deliberate deception, revealing a heart unwilling to submit to God's will. Secondly, the passage highlights the stark contrast between **fear of man and fear of God**. The leaders' primary concern was the people's reaction, demonstrating a profound lack of reverence for God's authority and truth, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man"). Thirdly, Jesus' **divine wisdom and authority** are powerfully displayed. His counter-question masterfully unmasks their true motives and spiritual bankruptcy, demonstrating His superior discernment and control over the situation, even in the face of their attempts to entrap Him. This strategic engagement ultimately allowed Jesus to justly refuse to answer their original question, further asserting His unique authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **answered (Greek, _apokrínomai'_):** This verb (G611) means "to conclude for oneself" or "to respond." By Hebraism, it can also mean "to begin to speak where an address is expected." In this context, it signifies their verbal response to Jesus' question, but the nature of their answer—an evasion—reveals a calculated decision rather than a simple reply.
* **tell (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb (G1492), often used in past tenses, means "to see" (literally or figuratively) and, by implication in the perfect tense, "to know." When combined with the negative particle "not" (G3361, _mḗ_), as it is here, "could not tell" signifies a claimed inability to know or perceive the origin of John's baptism. However, the preceding verses ([Luke 20:5-6](/luke/20-5-6 "Luke 20:5-6 - Leaders' Deliberation")) clearly indicate they *did* know the implications, making their statement a deliberate pretense of ignorance.
* **whence (Greek, _póthen'_):** This adverb (G4159) means "from which place, state, source, or cause." It directly refers to the origin or source of John's baptism, which was the core of Jesus' question. Their inability (or unwillingness) to state "whence it was" directly addresses the crucial point of divine versus human authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they answered,"**: This phrase introduces the response of the religious leaders to Jesus' challenging question about John's baptism. The conjunction "And" (G2532, _kaí_) links their reply directly to their preceding internal deliberation, emphasizing the immediate consequence of their strategic decision to evade.
* **"that they could not tell"**: This clause reveals the content of their answer: a claimed inability to discern or state the origin of John's baptism. The Greek phrase uses a negative particle with a verb meaning "to know" or "to perceive," indicating a feigned ignorance. This was not a genuine lack of knowledge but a calculated refusal to commit to an answer that would compromise their position.
* **"whence [it was]."**: This final part specifies the object of their claimed ignorance – the source or origin of John's baptism. The question Jesus posed was whether John's authority was "from heaven" (divine) or "of men" (human). By stating they "could not tell whence it was," they avoided affirming divine authority (which would validate John and implicitly Jesus) and avoided denying it (which would provoke the people).

#### Literary Devices
Luke 20:7 masterfully employs **Irony** and **Characterization**. The primary **Irony** lies in the fact that the religious leaders, who were supposed to be the spiritual guides and interpreters of God's will, claim ignorance about a matter of divine origin, while the common people recognized John as a prophet. This highlights their spiritual blindness despite their religious office. The verse also serves as a powerful piece of **Characterization**, revealing the leaders as self-serving, politically motivated, and more concerned with maintaining their power and popularity than with truth or divine authority. Their calculated evasion further underscores their hypocrisy and contrasts sharply with Jesus' unwavering commitment to truth and His divine wisdom in exposing their true nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:7 serves as a stark reminder that true spiritual authority is not derived from human titles or positions, but from a genuine relationship with God and a willingness to submit to His truth. The religious leaders' refusal to acknowledge the divine origin of John's baptism, despite its clear signs, demonstrates a profound spiritual blindness rooted in self-interest and fear of man. Their evasion highlights the danger of intellectual dishonesty and spiritual compromise when faced with challenging truths. This passage underscores the importance of integrity in seeking and proclaiming truth, even when it comes at a personal cost, contrasting with the leaders' prioritization of reputation over righteousness.

* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man Is a Snare")
* [John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "John 3:19-20 - Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light")
* [Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27-28 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 20:7 challenges us to honestly examine our own hearts and motives when confronted with truth, especially when that truth might be inconvenient or demand a change in our perspective or lifestyle. Are we genuinely seeking to understand and obey God's will, or are we, like the religious leaders, prone to evasion and self-preservation? This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and integrity, prioritizing God's truth above all else, even if it means sacrificing personal comfort, reputation, or perceived authority. It reminds us that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, not the fear of man, and that genuine spiritual discernment requires a heart open to divine revelation, regardless of its source. We are encouraged to be courageous in acknowledging truth, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or exposes our own shortcomings, trusting that God's truth ultimately leads to freedom and life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to evade or deny truth to protect my reputation or comfort?**
* **How does the fear of man influence my decisions and responses, particularly in spiritual matters?**
* **Am I willing to acknowledge God's authority and truth, even when it comes from unexpected sources or challenges my established views?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate greater integrity and honesty in my pursuit of spiritual understanding?**

### FAQ
**Why did the religious leaders claim they "could not tell" the origin of John's baptism?**

Answer: The religious leaders did not genuinely lack knowledge; rather, their response was a strategic and self-serving evasion. As detailed in [Luke 20:5-6](/luke/20-5-6 "Luke 20:5-6 - Leaders' Deliberation"), they debated the implications of both possible answers. If they said John's baptism was "from heaven," Jesus would ask why they didn't believe him, thereby validating John's testimony about Jesus. If they said "of men," they feared the people, who widely regarded John as a prophet. Therefore, claiming ignorance was their calculated way to avoid being trapped by Jesus' question and to protect their authority and popularity among the crowds. It exposed their hypocrisy and fear of man over the fear of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:7, while seemingly a minor detail in a confrontation, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate rejection of Christ's authority by the very leaders who should have recognized Him. Their refusal to acknowledge John's divine authority directly parallels their refusal to acknowledge Jesus' even greater divine authority. John the Baptist was the forerunner, preparing the way for the Lord ([Luke 3:4-6](/luke/3-4-6 "Luke 3:4-6 - John the Baptist Prepares the Way")), and to reject his prophetic ministry was, in essence, to reject the preparatory work of God for the Messiah. The leaders' spiritual blindness and self-preservation ultimately led them to reject the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")) and crucify the "Lord of glory" ([1 Corinthians 2:8](/1_corinthians/2-8 "1 Corinthians 2:8 - The Rulers of This Age Crucified the Lord of Glory")). Jesus' wisdom in this exchange, forcing them to expose their own hypocrisy, underscores His divine insight and control, even as He walked the path toward His atoning sacrifice. Their inability to "tell whence it was" highlights humanity's inherent inability to discern divine truth apart from the illumination of the Spirit, a truth fully revealed and made accessible through the person and work of Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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

Isaiah 42:19

Who [is] blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger [that] I sent? who [is] blind as [he that is] perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?

Isaiah 42:20

Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.

Zechariah 11:15

¶ And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.

Isaiah 44:18

They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; [and] their hearts, that they cannot understand.

Zechariah 11:17

Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword [shall be] upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.

John 3:19

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

John 3:20

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.