Luke 20:23
But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?
Original Language Analysis
αὐτούς
their
G846
αὐτούς
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 11
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
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πανουργίαν
craftiness
G3834
πανουργίαν
craftiness
Strong's:
G3834
Word #:
5 of 11
adroitness, i.e., (in a bad sense) trickery or sophistry
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 11
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,
αὐτούς
their
G846
αὐτούς
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 11
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
Historical Context
Greek philosophical tradition distinguished between sophistry (clever but deceptive argument) and genuine wisdom. Jesus's exposure of their panourgia would resonate with educated audiences who valued philosophical honesty. Socrates similarly exposed sophists who used questions to trap rather than to teach.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's example teach us to address the motive behind a question before answering its content?
- When does legitimate testing cross into sinful tempting or entrapment?
- What spiritual gift allows discernment of craftiness versus genuine inquiry?
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Analysis & Commentary
But he perceived their craftiness (κατανοήσας δὲ αὐτῶν τὴν πανουργίαν, katanoēsas de autōn tēn panοurgian)—the verb κατανοέω (katanoeō) means to discern thoroughly, perceive completely. Jesus sees through their πανουργία (panourgia), a term meaning cunning, trickery, unscrupulous cleverness—the same word Paul uses in 2 Corinthians 4:2 for shameful hidden ways.
Why tempt ye me? (τί με πειράζετε, ti me peirazete)—the verb πειράζω (peirazō) can mean 'test' or 'tempt.' They're not seeking wisdom but attempting to ensnare him, echoing Satan's temptations in the wilderness. Jesus's question exposes their motive before answering their substance—he refuses to play the rigged game.