Luke 20:21
And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 23
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
λέγεις
saying
G3004
λέγεις
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
οἴδαμεν
we know
G1492
οἴδαμεν
we know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 23
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὀρθῶς
rightly
G3723
ὀρθῶς
rightly
Strong's:
G3723
Word #:
8 of 23
in a straight manner, i.e., (figuratively) correctly (also morally)
λέγεις
saying
G3004
λέγεις
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λαμβάνεις
acceptest thou
G2983
λαμβάνεις
acceptest thou
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
14 of 23
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
πρόσωπον
the person
G4383
πρόσωπον
the person
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
15 of 23
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
ἀλλ'
of any but
G235
ἀλλ'
of any but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
16 of 23
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐπ'
G1909
ἐπ'
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
17 of 23
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδὸν
the way
G3598
ὁδὸν
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
20 of 23
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Flattery was a common rhetorical device in Mediterranean culture, used both sincerely and manipulatively. The phrase 'accepting the person' (showing partiality) was a Hebrew idiom (nasa panim) that Greek-speaking Jews translated literally. Impartiality was considered essential for true prophets and teachers.
Questions for Reflection
- How can acknowledging someone's integrity become a tool of manipulation rather than genuine honor?
- When have you used flattery to set up someone for failure or embarrassment?
- What does this passage teach about the danger of weaponizing theological compliments?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The spies' flattery begins with Master (Διδάσκαλε, Didaskale, 'Teacher'), feigning respect. We know that thou sayest and teachest rightly—ironically, they speak truth while intending deceit. Neither acceptest thou the person of any (οὐ λαμβάνεις πρόσωπον, ou lambaneis prosōpon)—literally 'you do not receive the face,' meaning you show no partiality.
But teachest the way of God truly (τὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐπ' ἀληθείας, tēn hodon tou theou ep' alētheias)—'the way of God in truth.' Their accurate theological assessment becomes the setup for their trap. They acknowledge Jesus's fearless truthfulness, then pose a question designed to make that truthfulness politically fatal. Satan often quotes truth to serve lies.