New International VersionSome of the teachers of the law responded, “Well said, teacher!”
New Living Translation“Well said, Teacher!” remarked some of the teachers of religious law who were standing there.
English Standard VersionThen some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, you have spoken well.”
Berean Standard BibleSome of the scribes answered, “Teacher, You have spoken well!”
Berean Literal BibleAnd some of the scribes answering, said, "Teacher, you have spoken well."
King James BibleThen certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
New King James VersionThen some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.”
New American Standard BibleSome of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.”
NASB 1995Some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.”
NASB 1977And some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.”
Amplified BibleSome of the scribes replied, “Teacher, you have spoken well [so that there is no room for blame].”
Christian Standard BibleSome of the scribes answered, “Teacher, you have spoken well.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleSome of the scribes answered, “Teacher, You have spoken well.”
American Standard VersionAnd certain of the scribes answering said, Teacher, thou hast well said.
Contemporary English VersionSome of the teachers of the Law of Moses said, "Teacher, you have given a good answer!"
English Revised VersionAnd certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSome scribes responded, "Teacher, that was well said."
Good News TranslationSome of the teachers of the Law spoke up, "A good answer, Teacher!"
International Standard VersionThen some of the scribes replied, "Teacher, you have given a fine answer."
NET BibleThen some of the experts in the law answered, "Teacher, you have spoken well!"
New Heart English BibleSome of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you speak well."
Webster's Bible TranslationThen certain of the scribes answering, said, Master, thou hast well said.
Weymouth New TestamentThen some of the Scribes replied, "Rabbi, you have spoken well." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSome of the scribes answered, “Teacher, You have spoken well!”
World English BibleSome of the scribes answered, “Teacher, you speak well.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd certain of the scribes answering said, “Teacher, You said well”;
Berean Literal BibleAnd some of the scribes answering, said, "Teacher, you have spoken well."
Young's Literal Translation And certain of the scribes answering said, 'Teacher, thou didst say well;'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd certain of the scribes having answered, said, Teacher, thou speakest well. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd some of the scribes answering, said to him: Master, thou hast said well.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen some of the scribes, in response, said to him, “Teacher, you have spoken well.”
New American BibleSome of the scribes said in reply, “Teacher, you have answered well.”
New Revised Standard VersionThen some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, you have spoken well.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd some of the men of the scribes answered and said to him, Teacher, you have well said.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd some of the Scribes answered, and they were saying to him, “Teacher, you have spoken beautifully.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd certain of the scribes answered and said: Teacher, thou hast answered well.
Godbey New TestamentAnd certain of the scribes responding said; Teacher, you spoke beautifully.
Haweis New TestamentThen some of the scribes addressing him said, Master, admirably hast thou spoken!
Mace New Testamentwhich some of the Scribes approving, said to him, master, what you maintain is very just:
Weymouth New TestamentThen some of the Scribes replied, "Rabbi, you have spoken well."
Worrell New TestamentAnd some of the scribes, answering, said, "Teacher, Thou spakest well;"
Worsley New TestamentAnd some of the scribes replied, Master, thou hast indeed said right.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Sadducees and the Resurrection… 38He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.” 39Someof thescribesanswered,“Teacher,You have spokenwell!”40And they did not dare to question Him any further.…
Cross References Matthew 22:34-40And when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they themselves gathered together. / One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with a question: / “Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?” ...
Mark 12:28-34Now one of the scribes had come up and heard their debate. Noticing how well Jesus had answered them, he asked Him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” / Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. / Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ ...
Acts 23:6-9Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” / As soon as he had said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. / For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection nor angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. ...
Matthew 22:23-33That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him. / “Teacher,” they said, “Moses declared that if a man dies without having children, his brother is to marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died without having children. So he left his wife to his brother. ...
Mark 12:18-27Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him: / “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children. ...
Acts 4:1-2While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, / greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.
Acts 5:17Then the high priest and all his associates, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They went out
Acts 23:8For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection nor angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
Romans 7:1-6Do you not know, brothers (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? / For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. / So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man. ...
1 Corinthians 15:12-19But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? / If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. / And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith. ...
Exodus 3:6Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
Exodus 3:15-16God also told Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation. / Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—has appeared to me and said: I have surely attended to you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. / And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Psalm 110:1A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”
Isaiah 26:19Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will bring forth her dead.
Treasury of Scripture Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, you have well said. thou. Matthew 22:34-40 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together… Mark 12:28-34 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? … Acts 23:9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribesthat were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God. Jump to Previous LawMasterRabbiRespondedScribesSpeakTeacherTeachersJump to Next LawMasterRabbiRespondedScribesSpeakTeacherTeachersLuke 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.Some of the scribes answeredThe scribes were experts in the Jewish Law, often associated with the Pharisees. They played a significant role in religious and legal matters. In the context of Luke 20, they were part of the group questioning Jesus, trying to trap Him in His words. Their response here indicates a moment of agreement, which is notable given their usual opposition to Jesus. This reflects the impact of Jesus' wisdom and authority, even on those who were typically His adversaries. “Teacher,
The term "Teacher" (Greek: Didaskalos) was a respectful title used for someone recognized as a master or authority in religious teaching. Despite their frequent challenges to Jesus, the scribes acknowledge His role as a teacher, which underscores His recognized authority and the respect He commanded, even among those who opposed Him. You have spoken well!”
This phrase indicates approval of Jesus' response to the Sadducees, who had questioned Him about the resurrection. The scribes, who believed in the resurrection, found Jesus' answer compelling and aligned with their own beliefs. This moment highlights Jesus' ability to navigate complex theological debates and His skill in addressing and resolving contentious issues. It also demonstrates His fulfillment of wisdom prophecies, such as those found inIsaiah 11:2, where the Messiah is described as having the Spirit of wisdom and understanding. Persons / Places / Events 1. ScribesThese were Jewish scholars and teachers of the Law. They were often associated with the Pharisees and were experts in interpreting the Scriptures. In this context, they are responding to Jesus' teaching. 2. JesusThe central figure of the New Testament, Jesus is teaching in the temple courts in Jerusalem. His wisdom and authority are being recognized, even by some of His critics. 3. Temple CourtsThe setting for this event is the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and teaching for the Jewish people. 4. SadduceesAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, the Sadducees had just questioned Jesus about the resurrection, leading to His response that impressed the scribes. 5. Resurrection DebateThe broader context involves a theological debate about the resurrection, which the Sadducees denied, but Jesus affirmed, using Scripture to support His teaching. Teaching Points The Power of TruthJesus' response to the Sadducees demonstrates the power of truth to silence critics and win respect, even from those who might oppose us. Wisdom in DiscourseJesus exemplifies how to engage in theological and philosophical discussions with wisdom and authority, rooted in Scripture. Respect for AuthorityThe scribes' acknowledgment of Jesus' teaching reminds us to respect and recognize truth and authority, even when it challenges our preconceived notions. Unity in TruthDespite theological differences, the scribes' response shows that truth can bring unity and agreement among diverse groups. Scriptural FoundationJesus' use of Scripture to address complex theological issues underscores the importance of grounding our beliefs and arguments in the Bible. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 20:39?
2.How does Luke 20:39 demonstrate the importance of affirming biblical truth today?
3.What can we learn from the scribes' response in Luke 20:39?
4.How does Luke 20:39 connect with other affirmations of Jesus' teachings in Scripture?
5.How should we respond when others affirm biblical truths, as in Luke 20:39?
6.What practical steps can we take to affirm God's truth in our lives?
7.How does Luke 20:39 affirm the authority of Jesus in theological debates?
8.Why do some religious leaders agree with Jesus in Luke 20:39?
9.What historical context influenced the Sadducees' response in Luke 20:39?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 20?
11.Was Jesus considered a rabbi?
12.Luke 20:27-40: In what way is the concept of resurrection here scientifically or historically plausible if we have no evidence for life after death?
13.How did Jesus simply walk away from a mob intent on killing him (Luke 4:28-30)?
14.What were Jesus' characteristics and personality like?What Does Luke 20:39 Mean Some of the scribes• These were scholars of the Law, often linked with the Pharisees (Luke 5:21). • Though many scribes opposed Jesus (Luke 11:53–54), Scripture shows that a few were moved by His wisdom, as inMark 12:32 where another scribe commends Him. • Their presence here highlights a divided leadership: some hostile, some hesitant, a handful receptive (John 12:42).
answered• The reply comes right after Jesus silences the Sadducees on the resurrection (Luke 20:27–38). • By answering, the scribes publicly distance themselves from the Sadducees’ denial of bodily resurrection (Acts 23:8). • Their response fulfillsProverbs 26:4–5, showing that a wise answer can quiet error without needless quarrel.
Teacher• Calling Jesus “Teacher” (didaskalos) mirrors Nicodemus’s respectful address inJohn 3:2. • It acknowledges His authority above theirs, as foretold inIsaiah 11:2 that Messiah would possess “the Spirit of wisdom and understanding.” • Even opponents are compelled to use a title that confesses His role predicted inDeuteronomy 18:15.
You have spoken well!• The phrase mirrors the reaction after other flawless answers, such asMatthew 22:22 when the crowd “marveled.” • It affirms that Jesus’ reasoning about resurrection aligns perfectly with the Scriptures the scribes profess to uphold (Exodus 3:6, cited by Jesus). •Luke 20:40 immediately notes, “And they did not dare to question Him any further,” showing His truth silences debate (Psalm 107:42). • Yet intellectual agreement is not the same as saving faith; many who praised Him here later conspired against Him (Luke 22:2).
summaryLuke 20:39 records a rare moment when some religious experts openly commend Jesus’ teaching. These scribes, usually critical, are compelled to admit that His use of Scripture is flawless and that His defense of the resurrection is unassailable. Their words underscore Jesus’ unmatched authority, the truth of bodily resurrection, and the power of God’s Word to silence opposition—even if hearts remain unchanged. (39) Master, thou hast well said.--The words came, it is obvious, from the better section of the Pharisees, who welcomed this new defence of the doctrine on which their faith rested. Verses 39, 40. - Then certain of the scribes answering, said, Master, thou hast well said. And after that they durst not ask him any question at all. "This prompt and sublime answer filled with admiration the scribes, who had so often sought this decisive word in Hoses without finding it; they cannot restrain themselves from testifying their joyful surprise. Aware from this time forth that every snare laid for him will be the occasion for a glorious manifestation of his wisdom, they give up this method of attack" (Godet).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Someτινες(tines)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.of theτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.scribesγραμματέων(grammateōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1122:From gramma. A writer, i.e. scribe or secretary.answered,Ἀποκριθέντες(Apokrithentes)Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 611:From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.“Teacher,Διδάσκαλε(Didaskale)Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1320:A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.you have spokenεἶπας(eipas)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.well!”καλῶς(kalōs)Adverb
Strong's 2573:Well, nobly, honorably, rightly. Adverb from kalos; well.
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NT Gospels: Luke 20:39 Some of the scribes answered Teacher you (Luke Lu Lk) |
