Luke 20:3
And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
Original Language Analysis
ἀποκριθεὶς
he answered
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
he answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 13
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 13
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
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 13
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
κἀγὼ
I
G2504
κἀγὼ
I
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
8 of 13
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
λόγον
thing
G3056
λόγον
thing
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
10 of 13
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Rabbinic dialogue often involved answering questions with questions, a teaching technique called "dialectic." However, Jesus' question wasn't mere rhetoric but a trap for the trappers. John the Baptist's ministry (26-29 AD) was recent memory, and the leaders' rejection of John was public knowledge. Everyone knew they hadn't supported John despite his obvious prophetic credentials (massive following, ascetic lifestyle, powerful preaching, fulfillment of Isaiah 40:3).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' counter-question demonstrate that authority questions require honest seekers, not hostile critics?
- What does this exchange teach about engaging with those asking questions in bad faith?
- Why must accepting Jesus' authority begin with accepting the testimony of those who pointed to Him?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I will also ask you one thing; and answer me—Jesus' counter-question demonstrates rabbinic teaching method but also exposes His interrogators' hypocrisy. The phrase "I will ask" (ἐρωτήσω, erōtēsō) and "answer me" (εἴπατέ, eipate) mirrors their demand in verse 2, turning the tables. Jesus doesn't evade the authority question but reframes it in terms that will reveal their bad faith.
This response shows divine wisdom confounding human schemes. By linking His authority to John's baptism, Jesus forces them to confront truth they've already rejected. The authority question isn't merely academic—it requires moral courage to accept the answer. Jesus demonstrates that those unwilling to acknowledge obvious truth (John's prophetic ministry) are not genuinely seeking truth about His authority either.