New International Version“Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?”
New Living TranslationThey demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”
English Standard Versionand said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.”
Berean Standard Bible“Tell us,” they said, “by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?”
Berean Literal Bibleand spoke to Him, saying, "Tell us by what authority You do these things, or who is the one having given to You this authority?"
King James BibleAnd spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
New King James Versionand spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?”
New American Standard Bibleand they declared, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?”
NASB 1995and they spoke, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?”
NASB 1977and they spoke, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?”
Legacy Standard Bibleand they spoke, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?”
Amplified Bibleand said to Him, “Tell us by what kind of authority You are doing these things? Or who is the one who gave You this authority?”
Christian Standard Bibleand said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority? ”
Holman Christian Standard Bibleand said to Him: “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Who is it who gave You this authority?”
American Standard Versionand they spake, saying unto him, Tell us: By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
Contemporary English Versionasked him, "What right do you have to do these things? Who gave you this authority?"
English Revised Versionand they spake, saying unto him, Tell us: By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThey asked him, "Tell us, what gives you the right to do these things? Who told you that you could do this?"
Good News Translationand said to him, "Tell us, what right do you have to do these things? Who gave you such right?"
International Standard Versionand asked him, "Tell us: By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?"
NET Bibleand said to him, "Tell us: By what authority are you doing these things? Or who it is who gave you this authority?"
New Heart English BibleThey asked him, "Tell us: by what authority do you do these things? Or who is giving you this authority?"
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd spoke to him, saying, Tell us, By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
Weymouth New Testamenttogether with the Elders, and they asked Him, "Tell us, By what authority are you doing these things? And who is it that gave you this authority?" Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Tell us,” they said, “by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?”
World English BibleThey asked him, “Tell us: by what authority do you do these things? Or who is giving you this authority?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us by what authority You do these things? Or who is he that gave to You this authority?”
Berean Literal Bibleand spoke to Him, saying, "Tell us by what authority You do these things, or who is the one having given to You this authority?"
Young's Literal Translation and spake unto him, saying, 'Tell us by what authority thou dost these things? or who is he that gave to thee this authority?'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd they spake to him, saying, Say to us, by what authority doest thou these? or who is he having given thee this authority? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd spoke to him, saying: Tell us, by what authority dost thou these things? or, Who is he that hath given thee this authority?
Catholic Public Domain Versionand they spoke to him, saying: “Tell us, by what authority do you do these things? Or, who is it that has given you this authority?”
New American Bibleand said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Or who is the one who gave you this authority?”
New Revised Standard Versionand said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they said to him, Tell us by what authority you do these things, and who gave you this authority?
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishThey were saying to him, “Tell us by what authority do you do these things, and who is he who has given you this authority?” NT Translations Anderson New Testamentand spoke to him, saying: Tell us by what authority you do these things? or, who is he that gave you this authority?
Godbey New Testamentand they spoke to Him, saying, Tell us by what authority you are doing these things? Who is the one having given you this authority?
Haweis New Testamentand spake to him, saying, Tell us by what authority thou doest these things or who is he that giveth thee this authority?
Mace New Testamentand thus accosted him, tell us by what authority do you act thus? and whence do you derive that authority?
Weymouth New Testamenttogether with the Elders, and they asked Him, "Tell us, By what authority are you doing these things? And who is it that gave you this authority?"
Worrell New Testamentand spake, saying to Him, "Tell us by what authority Thou art doing these things, or who gave Thee this authority?"
Worsley New TestamentTell us by what authority thou dost these things? or who it is that gave thee this authority?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus' Authority Challenged1One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the gospel, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, came up to Him. 2“Tellus,”they said,“bywhatauthorityare You doingthese things,andwhogaveYouthisauthority?”3“I will also ask you a question,” Jesus replied. “Tell Me:…
Cross References Matthew 21:23-27When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?” / “I will also ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. / What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ ...
Mark 11:27-33After their return to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking in the temple courts, and the chief priests, scribes, and elders came up to Him. / “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You the authority to do them?” / “I will ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. ...
John 2:18On account of this, the Jews demanded, “What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?”
John 1:25asked him, “Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”
Acts 4:7They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”
Acts 7:27But the man who was abusing his neighbor pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us?
Acts 22:1“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.”
Acts 23:28and since I wanted to understand their charges against him, I brought him down to their Sanhedrin.
Acts 26:1Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:
Exodus 2:14But the man replied, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you planning to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “This thing I have done has surely become known.”
Numbers 16:3They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?”
Numbers 16:28Then Moses said, “This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things, for it was not my own doing:
Deuteronomy 18:20-22But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.” / You may ask in your heart, “How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?” / When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.
1 Samuel 10:12Then a man who lived there replied, “And who is their father?” So the saying became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
1 Kings 18:21Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.
Treasury of Scripture And spoke to him, saying, Tell us, by what authority do you these things? or who is he that gave you this authority? Tell. Luke 19:35-40,45,46 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon… Matthew 21:23-27 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? … Mark 11:28-33 And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? … who. Exodus 2:14 And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known. John 2:18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? John 5:22-27 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: … Jump to Previous AuthorityChiefClearEldersPriestsRulersScribesTogetherJump to Next AuthorityChiefClearEldersPriestsRulersScribesTogetherLuke 20 1.Jesus confirms his authority by a question of John's baptism.9.The parable of the vineyard.19.Of giving tribute to Caesar.27.He instructs the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection.41.How Jesus is the Son of David.45.He warns his disciples to beware of the scribes.“Tell us,” they said,This phrase indicates a demand for explanation. The speakers are religious leaders, likely the chief priests, scribes, and elders, who were often in opposition to Jesus. Their approach is confrontational, reflecting the tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities. This demand for an explanation is a common theme in the Gospels, where Jesus is frequently questioned by those in power. “by what authority are You doing these things,
The question of authority is central to this passage. In Jewish culture, authority was derived from lineage, education, or appointment by religious leaders. Jesus' actions, such as cleansing the temple and teaching with authority, challenged the established religious order. This question reflects the leaders' concern over Jesus' influence and the threat He posed to their authority. The concept of authority is also significant in the broader biblical narrative, as Jesus' authority is divine, fulfilling prophecies such as those inIsaiah 9:6-7, which speak of a ruler with divine authority. and who gave You this authority?”
This part of the question seeks to identify the source of Jesus' authority. In Jewish tradition, authority was often passed down through recognized channels, such as rabbinical ordination. The leaders' question implies skepticism about Jesus' legitimacy. However, Jesus' authority comes directly from God, as seen in His baptism (Luke 3:21-22) and transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36), where God's voice affirms Him. This divine endorsement sets Jesus apart from other teachers and leaders, emphasizing His unique role as the Messiah and Son of God. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is being questioned by the religious leaders about His authority. 2. Chief Priests and ScribesThese religious leaders are challenging Jesus, seeking to undermine His influence and authority. 3. Temple in JerusalemThe setting of this confrontation, a place of worship and teaching, where Jesus often taught and performed miracles. 4. The PeopleThe crowd that often gathered around Jesus, witnessing His teachings and miracles, and whose support the religious leaders feared losing. 5. AuthorityThe central theme of the passage, questioning the source and legitimacy of Jesus' actions and teachings. Teaching Points Understanding AuthorityRecognize that Jesus' authority is derived from His divine nature and mission, not from human institutions. Challenge of TraditionBe aware of how religious traditions can sometimes obscure the recognition of true divine authority. Courage in FaithLike Jesus, we may face challenges to our faith and authority; we must stand firm in the truth of the Gospel. Discernment in LeadershipEvaluate the authority of spiritual leaders by their alignment with Scripture and the character of Christ. Witness to AuthorityAs believers, we are called to testify to the authority of Christ in our lives through our words and actions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 20:2?
2.What authority did Jesus claim in Luke 20:2, and how does it apply today?
3.How can we discern true authority in spiritual matters as seen in Luke 20:2?
4.Compare Luke 20:2 with Matthew 28:18. How does Jesus' authority manifest differently?
5.How should believers respond to challenges about their faith, as Jesus did in Luke 20:2?
6.What lessons on spiritual authority can we implement from Luke 20:2 in our lives?
7.What authority does Jesus claim in Luke 20:2, and how is it validated?
8.How does Luke 20:2 challenge the religious leaders' understanding of authority?
9.Why do the chief priests question Jesus' authority in Luke 20:2?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 20?
11.Can God make all things possible for men?
12.What are J. Dwight Pentecost's key biographical and theological contributions?
13.What signifies the Son of Man?
14.In Job 36:6-7, where it states the righteous are exalted while the wicked are cut off, why do wicked individuals often thrive, and the righteous sometimes suffer?What Does Luke 20:2 Mean "Tell us,"• The request sounds polite on the surface, yet it springs from hearts already opposed to Jesus (Luke 20:19). • Similar sounding inquiries had earlier concealed hostile motives—“Teacher, we want to see a sign from You” (Matthew 12:38-39). • Scripture warns that words can mask intent; “The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart” (Psalm 55:21). • Even so, Jesus consistently engages such questions, revealing truth and exposing unbelief (John 18:20-21).
they said,• The speakers are the chief priests, scribes, and elders (Luke 20:1), representatives of Israel’s religious establishment. • Their united front recallsPsalm 2:2, “The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed.” • This coalition had confronted John the Baptist with the same defensive spirit (John 1:19-25). • Their words prove Jesus’ earlier lament: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem… how often I have longed to gather your children… yet you were unwilling” (Luke 13:34).
"by what authority are You doing these things,• “These things” point to Jesus’ cleansing of the temple (Luke 19:45-46) and His daily teaching there (Luke 20:1). • Authority (exousia) in Scripture denotes the right and power granted by God (Romans 13:1). • Jesus had taught “as one having authority, and not as their scribes” (Matthew 7:29). • He declared His works authenticated His authority: “The works that the Father has given Me to accomplish… testify that the Father has sent Me” (John 5:36). • Like Pharaoh demanding Moses’ credentials (Exodus 5:2), these leaders refuse to recognize divine authority when it confronts them.
and who gave You this authority?• They presume true authority must be conferred by men—Sanhedrin ordination, Levitical lineage, rabbinic schooling (Acts 22:3). • Yet Jesus’ commission is heavenly: “The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in His hands” (John 3:35). • Peter and John will later face the same challenge: “By what power or what name did you do this?” (Acts 4:7). • The question unwittingly echoes prophecy: “To Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom” (Daniel 7:14). • Rejecting Jesus’ authority ultimately exposes a rejection of the Father who sent Him (Luke 10:16).
summaryThe religious leaders cloak hostility in a courteous request, demanding credentials for Jesus’ temple cleansing and teaching. Their question reveals a dependence on human endorsement while ignoring the unmistakable works and words that prove the Father’s commission.Luke 20:2 thus contrasts earthly institutions grasping for control with the divine authority vested fully and forever in the Son. (2) Tell us, by what authority. . .?--The form of the question is nearly identical in the three Gospels.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek “TellΕἰπὸν(Eipon)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.us,”ἡμῖν(hēmin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.they said,λέγοντες(legontes)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.“byἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.whatποίᾳ(poia)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4169:Of what sort. From the base of pou and hoios; individualizing interrogative what sort of, or which one.authorityἐξουσίᾳ(exousia)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1849:From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.are You doingποιεῖς(poieis)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.these things,ταῦτα(tauta)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.[and]ἢ(ē)Conjunction
Strong's 2228:Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.whoτίς(tis)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.gaveδούς(dous)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1325:To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.Youσοι(soi)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.thisταύτην(tautēn)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.authority?”ἐξουσίαν(exousian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1849:From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.
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NT Gospels: Luke 20:2 They asked him Tell us: by what (Luke Lu Lk) |
