Luke Chapter 20 · Verse 2
And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 21
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ποίᾳ
what
G4169
ποίᾳ
what
Strong's:
G4169
Word #:
9 of 21
individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one
ἐξουσίαν
authority
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
authority
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
10 of 21
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ποιεῖς
doest thou
G4160
ποιεῖς
doest thou
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
12 of 21
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τίς
who
G5101
τίς
who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
14 of 21
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούς
that gave
G1325
δούς
that gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
17 of 21
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 7:27But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?Exodus 2:14And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.John 2:18Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Historical Context
Temple authorities controlled who could teach in the courts. Rabbis derived authority from recognized teachers in the chain of tradition. Jesus had no formal rabbinic training (John 7:15) and claimed authority directly from God, bypassing the establishment. The leaders' question was legally proper—they had responsibility to protect the temple from false teachers. However, their earlier rejection of John the Baptist (whom they also questioned, John 1:19-28) and their opposition to Jesus' miracles revealed hearts closed to divine authentication.
Questions for Reflection
- How do religious leaders today sometimes demand credentials while rejecting clear evidence of God's work?
- What is the difference between genuinely seeking to understand authority versus using authority questions as a trap?
- Why is the question of Jesus' authority still the central issue every person must answer?
Analysis & Commentary
Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? The question ἐξουσίᾳ (exousia, authority) appears twice, emphasizing the central issue. Exousia means legitimate power, jurisdiction, or right to act—not mere ability but authorized permission. "These things" (ταῦτα, tauta) refers to teaching in the temple, proclaiming the gospel, and especially cleansing the temple (19:45-46).
The double question creates a false dilemma: identify the source of authority. If Jesus claims divine authority, they'll charge Him with blasphemy. If He claims human authority (like the prophets commissioned by God), they'll demand credentials. Jesus' response (vv. 3-8) masterfully exposes their bad faith—they're not genuinely seeking truth but setting a trap. This question reveals the fundamental conflict between human religious authority and divine authority breaking into the establishment.