New International VersionJohn’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?”
New Living Translation“Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?”
English Standard Versionwas the baptism of John from heaven or from man?”
Berean Standard BibleJohn’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?”
Berean Literal BibleThe baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?"
King James BibleThe baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
New King James VersionThe baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?”
New American Standard BibleWas the baptism of John from heaven or from men?”
NASB 1995“Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?”
NASB 1977“Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?”
Legacy Standard BibleWas the baptism of John from heaven or from men?”
Amplified BibleThe baptism of John [the Baptist]—was it from heaven [that is, ordained by God] or from men?”
Christian Standard Biblewas the baptism of John from heaven or of human origin? ”
Holman Christian Standard Biblewas the baptism of John from heaven or from men?”
American Standard VersionThe baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?
Contemporary English VersionWho gave John the right to baptize? Was it God in heaven or merely some human being?"
English Revised VersionThe baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?
GOD'S WORD® Translationdid John's right to baptize come from heaven or from humans?"
Good News Translationdid John's right to baptize come from God or from human beings?"
International Standard VersionWas John's authority to baptize from heaven or from humans?"
NET BibleJohn's baptism--was it from heaven or from people?"
New Heart English Biblethe baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from people?"
Webster's Bible TranslationThe baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?
Weymouth New Testament"was John's baptism of Heavenly or of human origin?" Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleJohn’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?”
World English Biblethe baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthe immersion of John, was it from Heaven, or from men?”
Berean Literal BibleThe baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?"
Young's Literal Translation the baptism of John, from heaven was it, or from men?'
Smith's Literal TranslationWas the immersion of John of heaven, or of men. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
Catholic Public Domain VersionThe baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?”
New American Biblewas John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin?”
New Revised Standard VersionDid the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men?
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“Was the baptism of Yohannan from Heaven, or from men?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWas the immersion of John from heaven, or from men?
Godbey New TestamentWas the baptism of John from heaven, or from men?
Haweis New Testament
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
Mace New Testament
tell me, the baptism of John, was it a divine or a human institution?
Weymouth New Testament
"was John's baptism of Heavenly or of human origin?"
Worrell New Testament
The immersion of John, was it from Heaven, or of men?"
Worsley New Testament
Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus' Authority Challenged… 3“I will also ask you a question,” Jesus replied. “Tell Me: 4John’sbaptism—was itfromheaven,orfrommen?”5They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why did you not believe him?’…
Cross References Matthew 21:25What 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 11:30John’s baptism—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me!”
John 1:6-7There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. / He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe.
Matthew 3:1-6In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea / and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” / This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” ...
Mark 1:4-5John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. / People went out to him from all of Jerusalem and the countryside of Judea. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
John 1:19-27And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” / He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” / “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” ...
Acts 19:4Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”
Matthew 11:7-11As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? / Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. / What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ...
Luke 7:24-28After John’s messengers had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? / Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. / What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ...
John 5:33-35You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. / Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved. / John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light.
Malachi 3:1“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.
Isaiah 40:3A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.
Matthew 3:11I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Mark 1:7-8And he proclaimed: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. / I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Luke 3:16John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Treasury of Scripture The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? baptism. Luke 7:28-35 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he… Matthew 11:7-19 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? … Matthew 17:11,12 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things… from. Luke 15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, Daniel 4:25,26 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will… Jump to Previous BaptismHeavenHeavenlyHumanJohnJohn'sOriginJump to Next BaptismHeavenHeavenlyHumanJohnJohn'sOriginLuke 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.John’s baptism—John the Baptist's ministry was a significant precursor to Jesus' own ministry. His baptism symbolized repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah. In the Jewish context, baptism was a ritual cleansing, but John's baptism was unique as it called for a moral and spiritual renewal. John’s role as a forerunner is prophesied in Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1, preparing the way for the Lord. His baptism was a public declaration of repentance and a call to live righteously in anticipation of the Messiah's arrival. was it from heaven,
The question of whether John's baptism was from heaven implies divine authority and origin. In Jewish thought, something from heaven was considered to be from God, carrying His endorsement and authority. This phrase challenges the religious leaders to recognize the divine nature of John's mission. If they acknowledged it as from heaven, they would have to accept John's testimony about Jesus as the Messiah, which they were reluctant to do. or from men?”
This alternative suggests a human origin, implying that John's baptism was merely a human tradition or innovation without divine backing. The religious leaders were hesitant to affirm this because John was widely regarded as a prophet by the people (Matthew 21:26). Acknowledging it as merely human would risk alienating the populace who held John in high esteem. This question exposes the leaders' unwillingness to accept divine truth when it conflicts with their own authority and preconceived notions. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching in the temple courts and is questioned by the religious leaders. 2. John the BaptistA prophet who preached repentance and baptized people, preparing the way for Jesus. His baptism is the subject of Jesus' question. 3. Religious Leaders (Chief Priests, Scribes, and Elders)These are the individuals questioning Jesus' authority, prompting His response about John's baptism. 4. Temple in JerusalemThe setting of this event, where Jesus is teaching and being questioned. 5. The Baptism of JohnA significant event and practice that symbolized repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah. Teaching Points Authority from HeavenJesus challenges us to discern the source of spiritual authority. True authority comes from God, not human institutions. Courage in TruthLike Jesus, we should stand firm in truth, even when questioned or challenged by those in authority. Recognition of God's WorkWe must be attentive to recognize and affirm God's work in the world, as seen in the ministry of John the Baptist. Repentance and PreparationJohn's baptism symbolizes the need for repentance and preparation for receiving Christ. This remains relevant for believers today. Discernment in Spiritual MattersBelievers are called to discern the spiritual origins of teachings and practices, ensuring they align with God's Word. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 20:4?
2.How does Luke 20:4 challenge us to discern divine authority in our lives?
3.What does "John's baptism" signify about repentance and faith in Luke 20:4?
4.How can we apply the lesson of authority from Luke 20:4 today?
5.How does Luke 20:4 connect with Matthew 3:13-17 about Jesus' baptism?
6.What role does humility play in accepting divine authority as seen in Luke 20:4?
7.What authority did John the Baptist have according to Luke 20:4?
8.How does Luke 20:4 challenge the religious leaders' authority?
9.Why is the origin of John's baptism significant in Luke 20:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 20?
11.Who was John the Baptist and what was his role?
12.Why did Jesus undergo baptism by John?
13.Luke 20:1-8: How historically reliable is the account of Jesus questioning the religious leaders when there is limited external confirmation of this exchange?
14.John 8:14-18: How do Jesus's statements about His testimony reconcile with other biblical passages that require two or more witnesses?What Does Luke 20:4 Mean John’s baptism• John’s ministry centered on “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3), calling Israel to prepare for Messiah. • His message came in the wilderness, echoingIsaiah 40:3 and fulfillingMalachi 3:1; 4:5-6. • Crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers responded (Luke 3:10-14); even Herod felt its force (Luke 3:19-20), showing the movement’s nationwide impact. •Acts 13:24 and 19:4 affirm that John pointed beyond himself to Jesus: “He said, ‘Believe in the One coming after me.’” So “John’s baptism” is more than a ritual—it's God’s appointed bridge from Old Covenant expectation to New Covenant fulfillment.
was it• Jesus turns the tables on the chief priests, scribes, and elders (Luke 20:1-2) by asking a clarifying question, forcing them to reveal their heart posture. • The phrase “was it” challenges them to weigh evidence they already possessed (Luke 7:29-30): common people had confessed God’s justice, while these leaders remained unmoved. • By focusing on the origin rather than the popularity of John’s baptism, Jesus invites honest acknowledgment of divine authority already displayed (Matthew 21:25).
from heaven• “From heaven” was a common way of saying “from God” (Daniel 4:26;John 3:27). • If John’s baptism is from heaven, then: – His call to repent carries God’s command (Acts 17:30). – His witness to Jesus as “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29) must be believed. – Rejecting John equals rejecting God’s purpose (Luke 7:30). • Recognizing heaven’s origin would compel the religious leaders to submit to Christ’s authority in the very temple courts where they now confront Him.
or from men?• If merely human, John’s ministry could be dismissed like Gamaliel’s later examples (Acts 5:36-38). • Yet the leaders fear the people, “for all held that John was a prophet” (Matthew 21:26), revealing political calculation, not truth-seeking. • Claiming a human origin would expose them to public outrage and show their spiritual blindness (Isaiah 6:9-10). • Their eventual evasive answer, “We do not know” (Luke 20:7), betrays unwillingness to face the evidence, illustratingProverbs 29:25: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare.”
summaryJesus’ question inLuke 20:4 presses the religious leaders—and every reader—to decide whether John’s call to repentance and testimony about Jesus carry divine authority or are merely human opinions. A heavenly origin demands wholehearted submission to Christ; a human origin leaves John and Jesus dismissible. Their refusal to answer exposes hearts bound by fear and unbelief, while the text invites us to acknowledge that God Himself spoke through John, validating Jesus as the promised Messiah and rightful Lord.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek John’sἸωάννου(Iōannou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491:Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.baptism—βάπτισμα(baptisma)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 908:The rite or ceremony of baptism. From baptizo; baptism.was itἦν(ēn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.fromἐξ(ex)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.heaven,οὐρανοῦ(ouranou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3772:Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.orἢ(ē)Conjunction
Strong's 2228:Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.fromἐξ(ex)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.men?”ἀνθρώπων(anthrōpōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.
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NT Gospels: Luke 20:4 The baptism of John was it (Luke Lu Lk) |
