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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 20:2 "Tell us," they said, "by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/20-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/42_Luk_20_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 20:2 - Jesus' Authority Challenged" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Tell us, they said, by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/20-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/20-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/20-1.htm" title="Luke 20:1">◄</a> Luke 20:2 <a href="/luke/20-3.htm" title="Luke 20:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/luke/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/luke/20.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,&#8221 they said. &#8220Who gave you this authority?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/luke/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?” <a href="/esv/luke/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” <a href="/bsb/luke/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Tell us,” they said, “by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” <a href="/blb/luke/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and spoke to Him, saying, "Tell us by what authority You do these things, or who is the one having given to You this authority?" <a href="/kjv/luke/20.htm">King James Bible</a> And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? <a href="/nkjv/luke/20.htm">New King James Version</a> and spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?” <a href="/nasb_/luke/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and 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?” <a href="/nasb/luke/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> and they spoke, saying to Him, &#8220Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/luke/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and 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?” <a href="/lsb/luke/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and 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?” <a href="/amp/luke/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> and 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?” <a href="/csb/luke/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> and said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority? ” <a href="/hcsb/luke/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> and said to Him: &#8220Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Who is it who gave You this authority?&#8221 <a href="/asv/luke/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> and they spake, saying unto him, Tell us: By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? <a href="/cev/luke/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> asked him, "What right do you have to do these things? Who gave you this authority?" <a href="/erv/luke/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> and they spake, saying unto him, Tell us: By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? <a href="/gwt/luke/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They asked him, "Tell us, what gives you the right to do these things? Who told you that you could do this?" <a href="/gnt/luke/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> and said to him, "Tell us, what right do you have to do these things? Who gave you such right?" <a href="/isv/luke/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> and asked him, "Tell us: By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?" <a href="/msb/luke/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Tell us,? they said, ?by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?? <a href="/net/luke/20.htm">NET Bible</a> and said to him, "Tell us: By what authority are you doing these things? Or who it is who gave you this authority?" <a href="/nheb/luke/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> They asked him, "Tell us: by what authority do you do these things? Or who is giving you this authority?" <a href="/wbt/luke/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And spoke to him, saying, Tell us, By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? <a href="/wey/luke/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> together 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?" <a href="/web/luke/20.htm">World English Bible</a> They asked him, “Tell us: by what authority do you do these things? Or who is giving you this authority?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us by what authority You do these things? Or who is he that gave to You this authority?” <a href="/blb/luke/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and spoke to Him, saying, "Tell us by what authority You do these things, or who is the one having given to You this authority?" <a href="/ylt/luke/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and spake unto him, saying, 'Tell us by what authority thou dost these things? or who is he that gave to thee this authority?' <a href="/slt/luke/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they spake to him, saying, Say to us, by what authority doest thou these? or who is he having given thee this authority?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And spoke to him, saying: Tell us, by what authority dost thou these things? or, Who is he that hath given thee this authority? <a href="/cpdv/luke/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> and 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?” <a href="/nabre/luke/20.htm">New American Bible</a> and said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Or who is the one who gave you this authority?” <a href="/nrsvce/luke/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> and said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And they said to him, Tell us by what authority you do these things, and who gave you this authority? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/20.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> They were saying to him, “Tell us by what authority do you do these things, and who is he who has given you this authority?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/20.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> and spoke to him, saying: Tell us by what authority you do these things? or, who is he that gave you this authority? <a href="/godbey/luke/20.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> and they spoke to Him, saying, Tell us by what authority you are doing these things? Who is the one having given you this authority? <a href="/haweis/luke/20.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and spake to him, saying, Tell us by what authority thou doest these things or who is he that giveth thee this authority? <a href="/mace/luke/20.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and thus accosted him, tell us by what authority do you act thus? and whence do you derive that authority? <a href="/wey/luke/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> together 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?" <a href="/worrell/luke/20.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> and spake, saying to Him, "Tell us by what authority Thou art doing these things, or who gave Thee this authority?" <a href="/worsley/luke/20.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Tell us by what authority thou dost these things? or who it is that gave thee this authority? <a href="/parallel/luke/20-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=7821" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/20.htm">Jesus' Authority Challenged</a> 1One 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<a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: Eipon (V-AMA-2S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">“Tell</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us,”</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipan (V-AIA-3P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say."></a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">they said,</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">“by</a> <a href="/greek/4169.htm" title="4169: poia (IPro-DFS) -- Of what sort. From the base of pou and hoios; individualizing interrogative what sort of, or which one.">what</a> <a href="/greek/1849.htm" title="1849: exousia (N-DFS) -- From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.">authority</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poieis (V-PIA-2S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">are You doing</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tauta (DPro-ANP) -- This; he, she, it. ">these things,</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">and</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">who</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: dous (V-APA-NMS) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">gave</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">You</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tautēn (DPro-AFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1849.htm" title="1849: exousian (N-AFS) -- From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.">authority?”</a> 3“I will also ask you a question,” Jesus replied. “Tell Me:…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/21-23.htm">Matthew 21:23-27</a> When 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?’ ... <a href="/mark/11-27.htm">Mark 11:27-33</a> After 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. ... <a href="/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18</a> On account of this, the Jews demanded, “What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?” <a href="/john/1-25.htm">John 1:25</a> asked him, “Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” <a href="/acts/4-7.htm">Acts 4:7</a> They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” <a href="/acts/7-27.htm">Acts 7:27</a> But the man who was abusing his neighbor pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? <a href="/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1</a> “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.” <a href="/acts/23-28.htm">Acts 23:28</a> and since I wanted to understand their charges against him, I brought him down to their Sanhedrin. <a href="/acts/26-1.htm">Acts 26:1</a> Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: <a href="/exodus/2-14.htm">Exodus 2:14</a> But 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.” <a href="/numbers/16-3.htm">Numbers 16:3</a> They 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?” <a href="/numbers/16-28.htm">Numbers 16:28</a> Then 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: <a href="/deuteronomy/18-20.htm">Deuteronomy 18:20-22</a> But 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. <a href="/1_samuel/10-12.htm">1 Samuel 10:12</a> Then a man who lived there replied, “And who is their father?” So the saying became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” <a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21</a> Then 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And spoke to him, saying, Tell us, by what authority do you these things? or who is he that gave you this authority?Tell.<a href="/luke/19-35.htm">Luke 19:35-40,45,46</a> And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon… <a href="/matthew/21-23.htm">Matthew 21:23-27</a> 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? … <a href="/mark/11-28.htm">Mark 11:28-33</a> And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? … who.<a href="/exodus/2-14.htm">Exodus 2:14</a> 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.<a href="/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18</a> Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?<a href="/john/5-22.htm">John 5:22-27</a> For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/19-17.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/luke/20-1.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/luke/18-34.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/luke/20-1.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/luke/20-1.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/luke/19-47.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/luke/20-1.htm">Scribes</a> <a href="/luke/20-1.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/20-8.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/luke/20-17.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/luke/20-8.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/luke/22-52.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/luke/20-19.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/luke/21-12.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/luke/20-19.htm">Scribes</a> <a href="/luke/22-23.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 20</div>1. <a href="/luke/20-1.htm">Jesus confirms his authority by a question of John's baptism.</a> 9. <a href="/luke/20-9.htm">The parable of the vineyard.</a> 19. <a href="/luke/20-19.htm">Of giving tribute to Caesar.</a> 27. <a href="/luke/20-27.htm">He instructs the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection.</a> 41. <a href="/luke/20-41.htm">How Jesus is the Son of David.</a> 45. <a href="/luke/20-45.htm">He warns his disciples to beware of the scribes.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>“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 in <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a>, 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 (<a href="/luke/3-21.htm">Luke 3:21-22</a>) and transfiguration (<a href="/luke/9-28.htm">Luke 9:28-36</a>), 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.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is being questioned by the religious leaders about His authority. 2. <a href="/topical/c/chief_priests_and_scribes.htm">Chief Priests and Scribes</a> These religious leaders are challenging Jesus, seeking to undermine His influence and authority. 3. <a href="/topical/t/temple_in_jerusalem.htm">Temple in Jerusalem</a> The setting of this confrontation, a place of worship and teaching, where Jesus often taught and performed miracles. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_people.htm">The People</a> The crowd that often gathered around Jesus, witnessing His teachings and miracles, and whose support the religious leaders feared losing. 5. <a href="/topical/a/authority.htm">Authority</a> The central theme of the passage, questioning the source and legitimacy of Jesus' actions and teachings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_authority.htm">Understanding Authority</a> Recognize that Jesus' authority is derived from His divine nature and mission, not from human institutions. <a href="/topical/c/challenge_of_tradition.htm">Challenge of Tradition</a> Be aware of how religious traditions can sometimes obscure the recognition of true divine authority. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_faith.htm">Courage in Faith</a> Like Jesus, we may face challenges to our faith and authority; we must stand firm in the truth of the Gospel. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_leadership.htm">Discernment in Leadership</a> Evaluate the authority of spiritual leaders by their alignment with Scripture and the character of Christ. <a href="/topical/w/witness_to_authority.htm">Witness to Authority</a> As believers, we are called to testify to the authority of Christ in our lives through our words and actions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 20</a> <a href="/q/who_was_david_livingstone.htm">Can God make all things possible for men?</a> <a href="/q/who_wrote_revelation.htm">What are J. Dwight Pentecost's key biographical and theological contributions?</a> <a href="/q/escape_to_mountains_for_safety.htm">What signifies the Son of Man?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_the_wicked_thrive_and_righteous_suffer.htm">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?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) Tell us, by what authority . . .?--The form of the question is nearly identical in the three Gospels. <a href="/commentaries/luke/20-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“Tell Εἰπὸν (Eipon) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. us,” ἡμῖν (hēmin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. they said, λέγοντες (legontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “by ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. what ποίᾳ (poia) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4169.htm">Strong's 4169: </a> Of what sort. From the base of pou and hoios; individualizing interrogative what sort of, or which one. authority ἐξουσίᾳ (exousia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1849.htm">Strong's 1849: </a> From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence. are You doing ποιεῖς (poieis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (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 <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. [and] ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. who τίς (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. gave δούς (dous) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. You σοι (soi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. this ταύτην (tautēn) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. authority?” ἐξουσίαν (exousian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1849.htm">Strong's 1849: </a> From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/20-2.htm">Luke 20:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/20-2.htm">Luke 20:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/20-2.htm">Luke 20:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/20-2.htm">Luke 20:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/20-2.htm">Luke 20:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/20-2.htm">Luke 20:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/20-2.htm">Luke 20:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/20-2.htm">Luke 20:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/20-2.htm">Luke 20:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/20-2.htm">Luke 20:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/20-2.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 20:2 They asked him Tell us: by what (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/20-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 20:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 20:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/20-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 20:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 20:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>