Luke 20:40
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:40
40 And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, obedience, salvation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-47: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 20:40
40 And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.
Analysis
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:
- by what authority Jesus acted (20:1-8)
- whether to pay Roman taxes (20:20-26)
- the resurrection riddle (20:27-38).
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).
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 22:46, Mark 12:34