Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 20:7
And they answered, that they could not tell whence [it was.]
7. they could not tell ] Rather, did not know. A wise answer in cases of real uncertainty, as the Hebrew proverb taught “ Learn to say I do not know;” but a base answer when they had an opinion but did not dare to avow it; and doubly base in the matter of a question on which it was their plain duty to have arrived at a judgment. To be reduced to this ignominious necessity of confessing ignorance (though “we know ” was one of their favourite phrases, Joh 9:24, &c.) was a public humiliation which they had brought upon themselves.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
7. could not tellcrooked,cringing hypocrites! No wonder Jesus gave you no answer (Mt7:6). But what dignity and composure does our Lord display as Heturns their question upon themselves!
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Ver. 7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. Whether from heaven, or of men; in this, no doubt, they told an untruth: but they chose rather to sacrifice their consciences than their interest, and pretend ignorance rather than profess the truth, when they saw they should be put to confusion, or be exposed to the resentments of the people.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
That they knew not ( ). Accusative and infinitive in indirect assertion again with the negative rather than .
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “And they answered,” (kai apekrithesan) “And they replied,” in fear and dishonesty, as they were unregenerate, with fear by nature, Mat 5:20; Heb 2:14; Mat 21:27.
2) “That they could not tell whence it was.” (me eidenai pothen) “That they really were not able to know from where John’s baptismal authority came.” Mat 21:27; Mar 11:33. Actually they did not wish to tell. Their incompetence to judge in the matter of John’s baptism certainly rendered them incompetent to pass judgment on the same source of authority by which Jesus did His labors, Job 24:13; Rom 1:18; Rom 1:21; 2Co 4:3; 2Th 2:9-10.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
‘And they answered, that they knew not whence it was.’
So they replied lamely that they did not know the answer to His question. Lame though their reply was they were really left with no option. But we can imagine their sense of extreme humiliation at having to do it. For by answering like this they would know that they were admitting that they in fact were in no position to decide on genuine bases of authority when it came to someone like John. And if they admitted that they could not judge John’s authority, how could they then be credibly seen as being able to judge any prophet’s authority?
Furthermore at the same time the crowds, who were not stupid, would know from their reply exactly what the situation was. To the crowds they would simply be revealing themselves as treacherous. So their whole position was being undermined by their inability to answer, and instead of showing up Jesus they had shown themselves up.
And, of course, the consequence of this was that as they could not decide on what John’s authority was, it was quite clear that there was no point in Jesus appealing to that authority. His appeal must await their deciding on John’s authority. But it had answered the question. For the crowds, who would know of Jesus’ connection with John would again draw their own conclusions. They would accept His authority, both because they accepted John’s authority, and because of His own works and teaching.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Luk 20:7 . : the answer is given in dependent form = in parallels.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
could not tell = did not know. App-132.
not. Greek. me. App-105.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
that: Isa 6:9, Isa 6:10, Isa 26:11, Isa 29:9-12, Isa 29:14, Isa 41:28, Isa 42:19, Isa 42:20, Isa 44:18, Jer 8:7-9, Zec 11:15, Zec 11:17, Mal 2:7-9, Joh 3:19, Joh 3:20, Joh 9:39, 2Th 2:10-12, 2Ti 3:8, 2Ti 3:9, 2Pe 3:3
Reciprocal: Mat 21:27 – We cannot tell Mar 11:33 – Neither
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Luke recorded the leaders’ confession that they did not know from where John received his authority. This was, of course, a deliberate evasion of Jesus’ question. However their answer condemned them because as Israel’s leaders they were responsible to evaluate the claims of professing prophets. Jesus used their refusal to answer His question as a reason not to answer theirs, but the implication was clear to everyone. He claimed the same authority as John, namely, God. There was ample evidence of that in Jesus’ ministry even though the critics refused to accept it.