Translations
Modern
They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why did you not believe him?’
Traditional
And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?
Literal
And they reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we should say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’
Latin
At illi cogitabant intra se, dicentes: Quia si dixerimus: De cælo, dicet: Quare ergo non credidistis illi?
Original
Greek
English
They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why did you not believe him?’
Notes
The question Jesus asked trapped the religious leaders (see 20:5–6) because either answer would accuse them.
In this series of controversies between Jesus and the religious leaders of Jerusalem, they repeatedly questioned and challenged him, and he repeatedly outmatched them with his spiritual wisdom, insight, and authority.
Theme notes and profiles