Matthew 21 24

Matthew 21:24 kjv

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.

Matthew 21:24 nkjv

But Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things:

Matthew 21:24 niv

Jesus replied, "I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

Matthew 21:24 esv

Jesus answered them, "I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things.

Matthew 21:24 nlt

"I'll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question," Jesus replied.

Matthew 21 verses

Matthew 21 24 Meaning

In Matthew 21:24, Jesus responds to the chief priests and elders who challenged His authority to perform acts such as cleansing the temple and teaching. He turns their question back on them by stating He will ask them "one thing." If they answer Him, He promises to reveal by what authority He does these things. This verse sets up a direct, logical challenge, placing the religious leaders in a difficult dilemma and highlighting their hypocrisy. It underscores that Jesus' authority is linked to the divine origin they refuse to acknowledge, even in a previous, undisputed prophet like John the Baptist.

Matthew 21 24 Context

This verse is part of a series of confrontations between Jesus and the religious establishment in Jerusalem, following His triumphal entry into the city (Mt 21:1-11) and the cleansing of the Temple (Mt 21:12-17). The chief priests and elders, representatives of the Sanhedrin—the supreme religious council—were agitated by Jesus' actions and teaching, particularly His challenge to their authority within the Temple. They confront Him directly as He is teaching in the Temple, demanding to know the source of His "authority" (Mt 21:23). Matthew 21:24 is Jesus' astute counter-question, which serves as a test of their spiritual discernment and reveals their true motives—not seeking truth, but seeking to trap Him. The entire chapter, leading into parables like the Two Sons (Mt 21:28-32) and the Wicked Vinedressers (Mt 21:33-46), highlights the rejection of divine authority by the very people entrusted to uphold it.

Matthew 21 24 Word analysis

• Then Jesus answered (ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς, apokritheis de ho Iēsous): The term apokritheis (from ἀποκρίνομαι, apokrinomai) implies a full, definitive reply or rejoinder, not just a simple response. Here, it indicates a deliberate and strategic counter-move by Jesus.
• and said to them (εἶπεν αὐτοῖς, eipen autois): Direct address to His challengers, the chief priests and elders, indicating a direct confrontation.
• "I also will ask you (κἀγὼ ἐρωτήσω ὑμᾶς, kagō erōtēsō hymas):
  • "I also" (κἀγὼ, kagō): The particle 'καί' (kai) means 'and' or 'also', coupled with the pronoun 'ἐγὼ' (egō) for 'I'. This emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the challenge. Jesus is mirroring their tactic, signaling that He plays by their rules, but with divine wisdom.
  • "will ask" (ἐρωτήσω, erōtēsō): This is from erōtaō (ἐρωτάω), meaning to question, ask, or request. In some contexts, it can imply a serious inquiry or an entreaty. Here, it's a strategic question, putting the ball back in their court and exposing their intentions. It's not a search for information on Jesus' part, but a probe of their own integrity and perception.
• one thing (ἕνα λόγον, hena logon):
  • "one" (ἕνα, hena): Singular and emphatic, pointing to a decisive, singular question.
  • "thing" (λόγον, logon): From logos (λόγος), which can mean "word," "utterance," "account," "matter," or "reason." Here, it refers to a specific matter or point. Jesus focuses on the crux of the issue, avoiding irrelevant details.
• which if you tell Me (ὃν ἐὰν εἴπητέ μοι, hon ean eipētē moi): A conditional clause. Ean introduces a strong conditional, indicating that if the condition (their telling Him) is met, then the consequence will follow. This implies a clear test.
• I likewise will tell you (κἀγὼ ὑμῖν ἐρῶ, kagō hymin erō):
  • "I likewise" (κἀγὼ, kagō): Reiterates the reciprocal action, assuring them of His intention to answer if they answer honestly.
  • "will tell" (ἐρῶ, erō): From legō (λέγω), meaning to speak, say, or tell. This implies revealing a truth or an explanation.
• by what authority I do these things." (ἐν ποίᾳ ἐξουσίᾳ ταῦτα ποιῶ, en poia exousia tauta poiō):
  • "by what authority" (ἐν ποίᾳ ἐξουσίᾳ, en poia exousia): The central concern. Exousia (ἐξουσία) means "power, right, jurisdiction, or authority." It encompasses both the right to act and the inherent power to do so. Their original question (Mt 21:23) directly uses this word.
  • "I do these things" (ταῦτα ποιῶ, tauta poiō): Refers to Jesus' recent actions: entering Jerusalem triumphantly as king, casting out money-changers and merchants from the Temple, and teaching authoritatively in its precincts. These were deeds challenging the religious leaders' status quo and traditions, leading to their question about His legitimacy.

Matthew 21 24 Bonus section

• Rabbinic Context: Such counter-questions (t'shuvah nigreret in some rabbinic discourse, or questions as tests) were common in Jewish debate and teaching. Jesus often engaged His opponents in their own styles, but consistently elevated the discourse to reveal divine truth and expose unrighteous motives.
• Principle of Honesty: Jesus' response underscores the spiritual principle that clarity and revelation are often contingent upon a willingness to accept truth that is already evident. Those who refuse to acknowledge undeniable spiritual truths (like John's divine mission) will be unable to comprehend deeper revelations (like Jesus' own divine authority).
• Jesus' Sovereignty: Even when under hostile interrogation, Jesus maintains absolute control over the conversation, dictating the terms and revealing His profound insight into His opponents' hearts and motivations. This shows His divine sovereignty not just in power, but in wisdom.

Matthew 21 24 Commentary

Matthew 21:24 encapsulates Jesus' masterful use of divine wisdom and strategy in dealing with His adversaries. The religious leaders approached Him, not out of a sincere desire for truth or understanding, but with an ulterior motive to discredit and trap Him. Their question, "By what authority...?" was intended to force Jesus into a declaration that would either blaspheme God (if He claimed divine authority without sufficient evidence) or render Him punishable by them (if He claimed authority based on human appointment, which they did not grant).

Jesus, fully aware of their hearts, does not directly answer. Instead, He exposes their hypocrisy by presenting them with a dilemma of their own, connected to John the Baptist's ministry. His counter-question forces them to reveal whether they are truly guided by God's truth or by political expediency and fear of the people. By asking about John the Baptist, Jesus links His own authority, which was from God, to a prophet whom the people already revered as divinely sent, but whom the leaders had rejected.

This tactical genius demonstrates not a lack of power, but a superior form of power—wisdom and spiritual insight that turns the tables on those who would entrap Him. Jesus' readiness to answer if they first provide a genuine, God-honoring answer signifies His alignment with truth and righteousness, in stark contrast to their deceitful questioning. This brief exchange sets the stage for their continued exposure as blind guides and unfaithful stewards of God's vineyard.