Luke 20:40
And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.
Original Language Analysis
ἐτόλμων
they durst
G5111
ἐτόλμων
they durst
Strong's:
G5111
Word #:
3 of 6
to venture (objectively or in act; while g2292 is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous
Cross References
Historical Context
Public debates were common in Jewish teaching culture, with honor won through rhetorical skill. Jesus's consistent victories humiliated the religious establishment, eroding their authority before the people. Unable to defeat Him in argument, they would resort to false accusations and illegal proceedings to eliminate Him.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's wisdom in controversy demonstrate the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy?
- What does the shift from questioning to plotting violence reveal about hearts closed to truth?
- When intellectual arguments fail to silence truth, what dangerous alternatives do opponents often pursue?
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Analysis & Commentary
And after that they durst not ask him any question at all (οὐκέτι γὰρ ἐτόλμων ἐπερωτᾶν αὐτὸν οὐδέν, ouketi gar etolmōn eperōtan auton ouden)—Tolmaō (to dare, have courage) in the imperfect tense shows they no longer possessed courage to challenge Jesus. Eperōtaō (to question, interrogate) suggests hostile examination, not sincere inquiry. Ouden (nothing, not anything) is emphatic: absolutely no more questions.
This marks the end of three challenge questions:
Jesus masterfully answered all three, turning traps into teaching moments. His opponents are now intellectually defeated, leaving only violent options. Silencing opponents through superior wisdom fulfills Messianic expectation: 'The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him... the spirit of wisdom and understanding' (Isaiah 11:2).