Luke 20:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The spies open with flattery: Master, we know you speak and teach rightly, show partiality to no one, and teach the way of God truly.
What Does Luke 20:21 Mean?
The trap begins in velvet. Every compliment is calculated: by hailing Jesus as fearless and impartial, the spies hope to bind him to answer their coming question recklessly — without regard for Rome on one side or the crowd on the other.
The deep irony is that every word is true. He does teach rightly; he does not regard the face of any man; he does teach the way of God in truth. They describe the Light of the world accurately and stand in the dark while doing it. The verse is a mirror for hollow praise in every age: it is possible to say exactly right things about Jesus and mean none of them. He is not won by compliments, but by trust.
Luke 20:21 in the Original Language
prosopon (πρόσωπον), 'person' -- literally 'face'; to accept the face is to judge by appearance or rank.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 20:21
What does Luke 20:21 mean?
The spies open with flattery: Master, we know you speak and teach rightly, show partiality to no one, and teach the way of God truly.