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Luke 20:21

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 20:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And they asked him, saying, Teacher, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, and acceptest not the person [of any], but of a truth teachest the way of God:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And they asked him, saying, Teacher, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, and acceptest not the person [of any], but of a truth teachest the way of God:
Luke 20:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18Every one that falleth on that stone shall be broken to pieces; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will scatter him as dust.
19And the scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him in that very hour; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he spake this parable against them.
20And they watched him, and sent forth spies, who feigned themselves to be righteous, that they might take hold of his speech, so as to deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor.
21And they asked him, saying, Teacher, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, and acceptest not the person [of any], but of a truth teachest the way of God:
22Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
23But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them,
24Show me a denarius. Whose image and superscription hath it? And they said, Caesar`s.
← Luke 20:20Luke 20:22 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And they asked him, saying, master, etc.] Rabbi, or doctor; hoping, by this flattering title, and the flattering words used by them, to work him up to an openness and freedom of conversation with them: we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly; rightly dividest the word of God, and deliverest out sound doctrine according to it: and this he certainly did, though they spoke these words hypocritically, not believing what they themselves said; at least, they did not care that others should believe this of him: neither acceptest thou the person of any. The Persic version very wrongly renders it, “and lookest not upon the countenance, and heart of any one whomsoever”; for though Christ did not…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“we know, &c.--hoping by flattery to throw Him off His guard.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this explained in the Matthew 22:15-33 notes, and Mark 12:13-27 notes. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thou speakest - In private, and teachest - In public. Luke 20:24”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“20:21 we know that you speak and teach what is right: This flattery was meant to throw Jesus off guard (see Pss 5:9; 12:2-3; 78:36; Prov 26:28; 28:23; 29:5; Ezek 12:24).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Master: Psa 12:2, Psa 55:21; Jer 42:2, Jer 42:3; Mat 22:16, Mat 26:49, Mat 26:50; Mar 12:14; Joh 3:2 sayest: Co2 2:17; Gal 1:10; Th1 2:4, Th1 2:5 acceptest: Ch2 19:7; Job 34:19; Act 10:34, Act 10:35; Gal 2:6 truly: or, of a truth Luke 20:22”
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Related study paths

Read Luke 20 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification