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Luke 20:7

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 20:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And they answered, that they knew not whence [it was].” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And they answered, that they knew not whence [it was].
Luke 20:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?
5And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why did ye not believe him?
6But if we shall say, From men; all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.
7And they answered, that they knew not whence [it was].
8And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
9And he began to speak unto the people this parable: A man planted a vineyard, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into another country for a long time.
10And at the season he sent unto the husbandmen a servant, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.
← Luke 20:6Luke 20:8 →
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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 answered, that they could not tell whence it was.] Whether from heaven, or of men; in this, no doubt, they told an untruth: but they chose rather to sacrifice their consciences than their interest, and pretend ignorance rather than profess the truth, when they saw they should be put to confusion, or be exposed to the resentments of the people.”
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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
“could not tell--crooked, cringing hypocrites! No wonder Jesus gave you no answer (Mat 7:6). But what dignity and composure does our Lord display as He turns their question upon themselves!”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 21:23-27. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“20:7-8 The Jewish authorities refused to answer Jesus’ question, so Jesus had no obligation to answer their question. Both their question and their refusal were guided by self-interest rather than integrity.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“that: Isa 6:9, Isa 6:10, Isa 26:11, Isa 29:9-12, Isa 29:14, Isa 41:28, Isa 42:19, Isa 42:20, Isa 44:18; Jer 8:7-9; Zac 11:15, Zac 11:17; Mal 2:7-9; Joh 3:19, Joh 3:20, Joh 9:39; Th2 2:10-12; Ti2 3:8, Ti2 3:9; Pe2 3:3 Luke 20:8”
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Related study paths

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

Sources and verification