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.

◄ Luke 20:21 ►

New International Version
So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

New Living Translation
“Teacher,” they said, “we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God truthfully.

English Standard Version
So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God.

Berean Standard Bible
“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 Literal Bible
And they questioned Him, saying, "Teacher, we know that You speak and teach rightly, and do not receive any person, but teach the way of God on the basis of truth.

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth:

New American Standard Bible
And the spies questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to anyone, but You teach the way of God on the basis of truth.

NASB 1995
They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth.

NASB 1977
And they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth.

Amplified Bible
They asked Him, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and that You show no partiality to anyone, but teach the way of God truthfully.

Christian Standard Bible
They questioned him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly, and you don’t show partiality but teach truthfully the way of God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They questioned Him, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You don’t show partiality, but teach truthfully the way of God.

American Standard Version
And they asked him, saying, Teacher, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, and acceptest not the person of any, but of a truth teachest the way of God:

Contemporary English Version
The spies said to him, "Teacher, we know you teach the truth about what God wants people to do. And you treat everyone with the same respect, no matter who they are.

English Revised Version
And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, and acceptest not the person of any, but of a truth teachest the way of God:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They asked him, "Teacher, we know that you're right in what you say and teach. Besides, you don't play favorites. Rather, you teach the way of God truthfully.

Good News Translation
These spies said to Jesus, "Teacher, we know that what you say and teach is right. We know that you pay no attention to anyone's status, but teach the truth about God's will for people.

International Standard Version
so they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you're right in what you say and teach, and that you don't favor any individual, but teach the way of God truthfully.

Majority Standard Bible
“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.

NET Bible
Thus they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly, and show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

New Heart English Bible
They asked him, "Teacher, we know that you say and teach what is right, and are not partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God.

Webster's Bible Translation
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:

Weymouth New Testament
So they put a question to Him. "Rabbi," they said, "we know that you say and teach what is right and that you make no distinctions between one man and another, but teach God's way truly.

World English Bible
They asked him, “Teacher, we know that you say and teach what is right, and aren’t partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we have known that You say and teach correctly, and do not receive a person, but in truth teach the way of God.

Berean Literal Bible
And they questioned Him, saying, "Teacher, we know that You speak and teach rightly, and do not receive any person, but teach the way of God on the basis of truth.

Young's Literal Translation
and they questioned him, saying, 'Teacher, we have known that thou dost say and teach rightly, and dost not accept a person, but in truth the way of God dost teach;

Smith's Literal Translation
And they asked him, saying. Teacher, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, and thou receivest not the face, but teachest in truth the way of God:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they asked him, saying: Master, we know that thou speakest and teachest rightly: and thou dost not respect any person, but teachest the way of God in truth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they questioned him, saying: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly, and that you do not consider anyone’s status, but you teach the way of God in truth.

New American Bible
They posed this question to him, “Teacher, we know that what you say and teach is correct, and you show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

New Revised Standard Version
So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you are right in what you say and teach, and you show deference to no one, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
So they asked him, and said to him, Teacher, we know that you speak and teach truthfully, and you do not discriminate be- tween men, but you teach the way of God justly.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they asked him, and they were saying to him, “Teacher, we know that you are speaking and teaching correctly, and you do not show favoritism, but you teach the way of God in truth.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And they asked him, saying: Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and do not regard the person of any, but teach the way of God in truth.

Godbey New Testament
They asked Him saying, Teacher, we know that thou dost speak and teach correctly; and thou dost not receive the face; but thou dost teach the way of God in truth:

Haweis New Testament
And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou speakest and teachest rightly, and respectest no man’s person, but teachest the way of God in truth:

Mace New Testament
they address'd him therefore in this manner; master, we know that what you say and teach is all right, you are not influenc'd by the quality of men, but explain the divine law with sincerity:

Weymouth New Testament
So they put a question to Him. "Rabbi," they said, "we know that you say and teach what is right and that you make no distinctions between one man and another, but teach God's way truly.

Worrell New Testament
And they asked Him, saying, "Teacher, we know that Thou sayest and teachest rightly, and regardest no person, but teachest the way of God in truth.

Worsley New Testament
And they asked Him, saying, Master, we know that thou speakest and teachest rightly, and acceptest not the person of any, but teachest the way of God in truth:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Paying Taxes to Caesar
…20So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. 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. 22Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

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.

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?”

John 3:2
He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.”

John 7:18
He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory, but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is a man of truth; in Him there is no falsehood.

John 8:26
“I have much to say about you and much to judge. But the One who sent Me is truthful, and what I have heard from Him, I tell the world.”

John 8:46
Which of you can prove Me guilty of sin? If I speak the truth, why do you not believe Me?

John 18:37
“Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.”

Acts 10:34
Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism,

Romans 2:11
For God does not show favoritism.

Galatians 2:6
But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—those leaders added nothing to me.

1 Peter 1:17
Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.

Deuteronomy 10:17
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe.

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.

Proverbs 24:23
These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.

Treasury of Scripture

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that you say and teach rightly, neither accept you the person of any, but teach the way of God truly:

Master.

Psalm 12:2
They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.

Psalm 55:21
The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.

Jeremiah 42:2,3
And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, even for all this remnant; (for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:) …

sayest.

2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

Galatians 1:10
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:4,5
But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts…

acceptest.

2 Chronicles 19:7
Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

Job 34:19
How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.

Acts 10:34,35
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: …

truly.

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Luke 20

1. Jesus confirms his authority by a question of John's baptism.
9. The parable of the vineyard.
19. Of giving tribute to Caesar.
27. He instructs the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection.
41. How Jesus is the Son of David.
45. He warns his disciples to beware of the scribes.

Berean Study Bible

So the spies questioned Him
This phrase introduces the context of the verse, where the religious leaders sent spies to trap Jesus in His words. The Greek word for "spies" (ἐγκαθέτους, egkathetous) implies individuals who are secretly planted or suborned to gather information. Historically, this reflects the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, who felt threatened by His teachings and influence. The act of questioning was not for genuine understanding but to find grounds for accusation.

Teacher
The spies address Jesus with a term of respect, "Teacher" (Διδάσκαλε, Didaskale), acknowledging His role as a rabbi or instructor. This title, while respectful, is used here with a sense of irony or deceit, as their intentions were not to learn but to entrap. In the broader scriptural context, Jesus is often called "Teacher" by those who recognize His authority and wisdom, contrasting with the insincerity of the spies.

we know that You speak and teach what is right
This phrase is a form of flattery, acknowledging Jesus' reputation for truthfulness and moral integrity. The Greek word for "right" (ὀρθῶς, orthōs) means correctly or rightly, suggesting an alignment with divine truth. Historically, this acknowledgment of Jesus' teaching aligns with the broader Gospel narrative, where even His adversaries recognize His authority and the truth of His message.

and that You show no partiality
The phrase highlights Jesus' impartiality, a key aspect of His ministry. The Greek term for "partiality" (προσωπολημψία, prosōpolēmpsia) refers to favoritism or bias. In the historical and cultural context of first-century Judea, where social and religious hierarchies were pronounced, Jesus' impartiality was revolutionary, demonstrating God's equal love and justice for all people.

but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth
This concluding phrase affirms Jesus' role as a divine teacher. The "way of God" (ὁδὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, hodon tou Theou) refers to the path of righteousness and divine will. The emphasis on "truth" (ἀληθείας, alētheias) underscores the authenticity and divine origin of Jesus' teachings. Scripturally, this aligns with Jesus' self-identification as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), emphasizing His unique role in revealing God's will to humanity.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(21) Neither acceptest thou the person of any.--To "accept the person" takes the place of "regarding" or "looking at" the person of Matthew 22:16, where see Note. The precise combination which St. Luke uses meets us again in Galatians 2:6.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 21, 22. - 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: Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? SS. Matthew and Mark both tell us that in this plot the Herodians were united with the Pharisees (and Sanhedrin). The great Nazareth Reformer was equally hateful to both these hostile parties; hence their union in this matter. It was a well and skilfully laid question. This "tribute" was a capitation tax - a denarius a head assessed on the whole population, the publicans who farmed it being answerable for it to the Roman treasury. As a direct personal tax it was most unpopular, and was looked on by scrupulous legalists and the more zealous Jews as involving a greater humiliation than the ordinary import or export customs dues. It occasioned at times popular tumults, as in the case of Judas of Galilee (Acts 5:37). If Jesus answered the question in the affirmative "Yes, it is lawful for the Jews to give this tribute to Caesar," then the Pharisees would use this decision of his as a means of undermining his credit with the zealous populace. "See, after all," they would say, "this pretended Messiah of yours is but a poor-hearted traitor. Think of King Messiah paying tribute to a Gentile." If, on the other hand, the Master had said such payment of tribute was unlawful, then the Herodians, who were watching him, hoping for some such expression of opinion, would at once have denounced him to their Roman friends as One who taught the people - only too ready to listen to such teaching - lessons of sedition. In the latter case Pilate and the officials of Rome would have taken good care that the Galilaean Master had troubled the Sanhedrin no more.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

“Teacher,”
Διδάσκαλε (Didaskale)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1320: A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.

they inquired,
ἐπηρώτησαν (epērōtēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1905: To interrogate, question, demand of. From epi and erotao; to ask for, i.e. Inquire, seek.

“we know
οἴδαμεν (oidamen)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

You speak
λέγεις (legeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

teach
διδάσκεις (didaskeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1321: To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.

correctly.
ὀρθῶς (orthōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3723: Rightly. Adverb from orthos; in a straight manner, i.e. correctly.

You show no partiality,
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

but
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

teach
διδάσκεις (didaskeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1321: To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

way
ὁδὸν (hodon)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3598: A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

in accordance with
ἐπ’ (ep’)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the truth.
ἀληθείας (alētheias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 225: From alethes; truth.

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NT Gospels: Luke 20:21 They asked him Teacher we know that (Luke Lu Lk)