Matthew 21:23 Meaning and Explanation
“And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →As Jesus teaches in the temple, the chief priests and elders demand to know by what authority He acts.
What Does Matthew 21:23 Mean?
Back in the temple, while Jesus is teaching, the chief priests and elders confront Him. They demand to know by what authority He does "these things" and who gave Him that authority. Their question follows His cleansing of the temple and His bold teaching.
The leaders sense that Jesus acts as one with the right to do so, and this threatens their own standing. Their challenge, however, is not an honest search but a trap. The question of authority lies at the heart of the matter: Jesus speaks and acts with the authority of heaven. How a person answers the question of His authority determines everything about their relationship with Him.
Matthew 21:23 in the Original Language
exousia (ἐξουσία), 'authority' -- rightful power to act and to command.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 21:23
What does Matthew 21:23 mean?
As Jesus teaches in the temple, the chief priests and elders demand to know by what authority He acts.