Translations
Modern
“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.
Traditional
And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Literal
And answering, Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one word, which if you tell Me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things.
Latin
Respondens Jesus dixit eis: Interrogabo vos et ego unum sermonem: quem si dixeritis mihi, et ego vobis dicam in qua potestate hæc facio.
Interlinear
Greek
English
“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.
Notes
Jesus gave a riddle. The answer solved the leaders’ question and placed them in a dilemma that showed what was in their hearts (Matthew 21:25–26). Asking a counter-question was common in debates at that time.
This section focuses on how Jewish leaders challenged the authority of Jesus. Each time, the wisdom of Jesus revealed their lack of spiritual understanding. These debates also revealed the status of Jesus as the Messiah and the consequences of rejecting him. Sadly, the leaders became more resistant with each encounter and plotted to kill Jesus (Matthew 21:23, 46; 22:15–17, 23, 34, 41).
Theme notes and profiles
Events
Parallels
People
Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world
Glossary
Topics
Falsehood in Refusing to Bear Truthful Testimony Concerning John the Baptist Prudence: Exemplified by Christ