Luke 20:21

“Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Religious spies dispatched by the chief priests and scribes address Jesus directly after feigning sincerity to trap Him regarding imperial taxes. They confront Him at the moment of transition between their initial deception and their actual question about paying Caesar.

The words — ὀρθῶς (orthōs) translates literally as "rightly" or "correctly," modifying how Jesus speaks and teaches. οἴδαμεν (oidamen) means "we know," establishing the questioners' stated certainty about His impartial character.

The thread — The same flattering formula appears in Matthew 22:16 when agents launch a parallel trap, while Matthew 26:49 records Judas using a similar honorific before arrest. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 contrasts this approach by noting apostles speak to please God rather than men.

Why it lands — The text records a calculated compliment designed to force Jesus into either theological contradiction or political treason. A reader must evaluate whether the praise addresses His actual teaching or merely serves as a tactical setup for the following question.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:

Cross-references

Matthew 22:16 They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance.
Matthew 26:49 Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.
2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
2 Chronicles 19:7 And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
Job 34:19 who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.
Psalms 12:2 They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.
Psalms 55:21 His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.
Jeremiah 42:2 Jeremiah the prophet and said, “May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For few of us remain of the many, as you can see with your own eyes.
Mark 12:14 “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?”