Bible Strands
Luke 20:4
John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus poses this question to the chief priests and scribes in the temple courts during His final week, immediately after they challenge His authority. The words — baptism (baptisma) refers to John’s ritual, while ex ouranou (from heaven) establishes the binary origin Jesus demands they evaluate. The thread — This inquiry recalls Jesus’ public examination of John’s ministry in Matthew 11:7 and contrasts with the rebellion phrasing in Luke 15:18 and Daniel 4:25. Why it lands — The text forces a direct decision on divine authorization, leaving the questioners with no neutral ground to avoid acknowledging John’s prophetic commission.
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
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
Cross-references
- Matthew 11:7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?
- Luke 15:18 I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
- Daniel 4:25 You will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling will be with the beasts of the field. You will feed on grass like an ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.
- Matthew 17:11 Jesus replied, “Elijah does indeed come, and he will restore all things.
- Matthew 21:25 What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
- Luke 7:28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John, yet even the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
- John 1:19 And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”
- John 1:6 There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John.