Luke 20:26
And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἴσχυσαν
they could
G2480
ἴσχυσαν
they could
Strong's:
G2480
Word #:
3 of 16
to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)
ἐπιλαβέσθαι
take hold
G1949
ἐπιλαβέσθαι
take hold
Strong's:
G1949
Word #:
4 of 16
to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 16
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
ῥήματος
words
G4487
ῥήματος
words
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
6 of 16
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαοῦ
the people
G2992
λαοῦ
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
9 of 16
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
at
G1909
ἐπὶ
at
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Public debate was central to rabbinic culture and Greco-Roman philosophical tradition. A teacher's ability to answer difficult questions enhanced his reputation. The spies' silence before the crowd represented public defeat—they couldn't report Jesus for sedition, but their failure also elevated his standing with the people.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it reveal about truth that even Jesus's enemies marveled at his wisdom?
- How should we respond when our attempts to trap or discredit others fail spectacularly?
- When have you been silenced by an answer that exposed your own craftiness or wrong motives?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
They could not take hold of his words before the people (οὐκ ἴσχυσαν ἐπιλαβέσθαι αὐτοῦ ῥήματος, ouk ischysan epilabesthai autou rhēmatos)—the verb ἐπιλαμβάνομαι (epilambanomai) means to seize, catch, or arrest. They couldn't catch his words to use as evidence. Their entrapment failed completely.
They marvelled at his answer (ἐθαύμασαν ἐπὶ τῇ ἀποκρίσει, ethaumasan epi tē apokrisei)—θαυμάζω (thaumazō) expresses amazement or wonder. Even his enemies recognized the wisdom that escaped their trap. And held their peace (ἐσίγησαν, esigēsan)—they were silenced, their mouths stopped. Wisdom vindicated itself, leaving craftiness speechless.