Luke 20:4
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
Original Language Analysis
Τὸ
G3588
Τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰωάννου
of John
G2491
Ἰωάννου
of John
Strong's:
G2491
Word #:
3 of 9
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
ἐξ
from
G1537
ἐξ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 9
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
5 of 9
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
Historical Context
John the Baptist attracted massive crowds to the Jordan River, calling Israel to repentance and baptizing those who confessed their sins. His ministry fulfilled Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3, preparing the way for Messiah. The Sanhedrin had sent a delegation to question John (John 1:19-28), but never officially endorsed him. The common people, however, regarded John as a prophet (Matthew 14:5, 21:26). John's execution by Herod Antipas made him a martyr, further cementing popular reverence for him.
Questions for Reflection
- How does John the Baptist's ministry establish the pattern for recognizing divine authority?
- Why is it impossible to accept Jesus' authority while rejecting the prophetic witnesses God sent?
- What does this question reveal about the relationship between humility and recognizing truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? Jesus identifies the crux: is divine authority recognized when it appears, or only human credentials? "From heaven" (ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, ex ouranou) means God-authorized, divinely commissioned. "From men" (ἐξ ἀνθρώπων, ex anthrōpōn) means merely human initiative without divine sanction.
John's baptism represented his entire prophetic ministry—his call to repentance, his proclamation of the coming Messiah, his testimony to Jesus as "the Lamb of God" (John 1:29). By asking about John's authority, Jesus links His own authority to the prophetic witness God sent to prepare His way. If they acknowledge John was from God, they must accept John's testimony about Jesus. If they deny John, they admit ignoring obvious prophetic credentials—which would discredit their judgment about Jesus' authority. The question is perfectly designed to expose their hypocrisy.