Luke 20:2
New International Version
“Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?”

New Living Translation
They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”

English Standard Version
and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.”

Berean Standard Bible
“Tell us,” they said, “by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?”

Berean Literal Bible
and spoke to Him, saying, "Tell us by what authority You do these things, or who is the one having given to You this authority?"

King James Bible
And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

New King James Version
and spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?”

New American Standard Bible
and they declared, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?”

NASB 1995
and they spoke, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?”

NASB 1977
and they spoke, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?”

Legacy Standard Bible
and they spoke, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?”

Amplified Bible
and said to Him, “Tell us by what kind of authority You are doing these things? Or who is the one who gave You this authority?”

Christian Standard Bible
and said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and said to Him: “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Who is it who gave You this authority?”

American Standard Version
and they spake, saying unto him, Tell us: By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

Contemporary English Version
asked him, "What right do you have to do these things? Who gave you this authority?"

English Revised Version
and they spake, saying unto him, Tell us: By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They asked him, "Tell us, what gives you the right to do these things? Who told you that you could do this?"

Good News Translation
and said to him, "Tell us, what right do you have to do these things? Who gave you such right?"

International Standard Version
and asked him, "Tell us: By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?"

Majority Standard Bible
“Tell us,” they said, “by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?”

NET Bible
and said to him, "Tell us: By what authority are you doing these things? Or who it is who gave you this authority?"

New Heart English Bible
They asked him, "Tell us: by what authority do you do these things? Or who is giving you this authority?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And spoke to him, saying, Tell us, By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

Weymouth New Testament
together with the Elders, and they asked Him, "Tell us, By what authority are you doing these things? And who is it that gave you this authority?"

World English Bible
They asked him, “Tell us: by what authority do you do these things? Or who is giving you this authority?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us by what authority You do these things? Or who is he that gave to You this authority?”

Berean Literal Bible
and spoke to Him, saying, "Tell us by what authority You do these things, or who is the one having given to You this authority?"

Young's Literal Translation
and spake unto him, saying, 'Tell us by what authority thou dost these things? or who is he that gave to thee this authority?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they spake to him, saying, Say to us, by what authority doest thou these? or who is he having given thee this authority?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And spoke to him, saying: Tell us, by what authority dost thou these things? or, Who is he that hath given thee this authority?

Catholic Public Domain Version
and they spoke to him, saying: “Tell us, by what authority do you do these things? Or, who is it that has given you this authority?”

New American Bible
and said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Or who is the one who gave you this authority?”

New Revised Standard Version
and said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they said to him, Tell us by what authority you do these things, and who gave you this authority?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
They were saying to him, “Tell us by what authority do you do these things, and who is he who has given you this authority?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and spoke to him, saying: Tell us by what authority you do these things? or, who is he that gave you this authority?

Godbey New Testament
and they spoke to Him, saying, Tell us by what authority you are doing these things? Who is the one having given you this authority?

Haweis New Testament
and spake to him, saying, Tell us by what authority thou doest these things or who is he that giveth thee this authority?

Mace New Testament
and thus accosted him, tell us by what authority do you act thus? and whence do you derive that authority?

Weymouth New Testament
together with the Elders, and they asked Him, "Tell us, By what authority are you doing these things? And who is it that gave you this authority?"

Worrell New Testament
and spake, saying to Him, "Tell us by what authority Thou art doing these things, or who gave Thee this authority?"

Worsley New Testament
Tell us by what authority thou dost these things? or who it is that gave thee this authority?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus' Authority Challenged
1One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the gospel, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, came up to Him. 2“Tell us,” they said, “by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” 3“I will also ask you a question,” Jesus replied. “Tell Me:…

Cross References
Matthew 21:23-27
When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?” / “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. / 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?’ ...

Mark 11:27-33
After their return to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking in the temple courts, and the chief priests, scribes, and elders came up to Him. / “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You the authority to do them?” / “I will ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. ...

John 2:18
On account of this, the Jews demanded, “What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?”

John 1:25
asked him, “Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

Acts 4:7
They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

Acts 7:27
But the man who was abusing his neighbor pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us?

Acts 22:1
“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.”

Acts 23:28
and since I wanted to understand their charges against him, I brought him down to their Sanhedrin.

Acts 26:1
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:

Exodus 2:14
But the man replied, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you planning to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “This thing I have done has surely become known.”

Numbers 16:3
They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?”

Numbers 16:28
Then Moses said, “This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things, for it was not my own doing:

Deuteronomy 18:20-22
But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.” / You may ask in your heart, “How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?” / When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.

1 Samuel 10:12
Then a man who lived there replied, “And who is their father?” So the saying became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

1 Kings 18:21
Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.


Treasury of Scripture

And spoke to him, saying, Tell us, by what authority do you these things? or who is he that gave you this authority?

Tell.

Luke 19:35-40,45,46
And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon…

Matthew 21:23-27
And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? …

Mark 11:28-33
And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? …

who.

Exodus 2:14
And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.

John 2:18
Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

John 5:22-27
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: …

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Authority Chief Clear Elders Priests Rulers Scribes Together
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.














and demanded
The Greek word used here is "εἶπον" (eipon), which is often translated as "said" or "demanded." This word indicates a strong request or command, reflecting the authoritative stance of the religious leaders. In the context of first-century Judea, the religious leaders held significant power and influence, and their demand was not merely a polite inquiry but a challenge to Jesus' authority. This reflects the tension between Jesus and the established religious order, as they were often threatened by His teachings and actions.

Tell us
The phrase "Tell us" is a direct command, emphasizing the urgency and insistence of the religious leaders. In the cultural context of the time, such a demand would have been seen as a challenge to one's honor and authority. The leaders were attempting to publicly question Jesus, hoping to undermine His influence among the people. This reflects a common tactic used by those in power to maintain control and suppress dissenting voices.

By what authority
The concept of "authority" (Greek: "ἐξουσία" - exousia) is central to this passage. In Jewish tradition, authority was derived from God and was often mediated through established religious structures, such as the priesthood or the Sanhedrin. By questioning Jesus' authority, the leaders were challenging His legitimacy and divine mandate. This question is pivotal in the Gospel narrative, as it highlights the divine authority of Jesus, which surpasses human institutions.

are You doing these things?
The phrase "these things" refers to Jesus' actions, particularly His teaching and the cleansing of the temple, which had just occurred. These actions were seen as radical and disruptive to the religious status quo. The leaders were concerned about the implications of Jesus' actions, which challenged their authority and the established religious practices. This question underscores the transformative nature of Jesus' ministry, which often confronted and overturned societal and religious norms.

Or who gave You this authority?
This part of the verse further emphasizes the challenge to Jesus' legitimacy. The leaders were seeking to discredit Him by questioning the source of His authority. In Jewish culture, authority was often passed down through lineage or granted by recognized religious figures. By asking this question, the leaders were attempting to expose Jesus as an unauthorized teacher. However, this also sets the stage for Jesus to reveal His divine authority, which comes directly from God, challenging the human-centered understanding of power and leadership.

(2) Tell us, by what authority . . .?--The form of the question is nearly identical in the three Gospels.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Tell
Εἰπὸν (Eipon)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

us,”
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

they said,
λέγοντες (legontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“by
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

what
ποίᾳ (poia)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4169: Of what sort. From the base of pou and hoios; individualizing interrogative what sort of, or which one.

authority
ἐξουσίᾳ (exousia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1849: From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.

are You doing
ποιεῖς (poieis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

these things,
ταῦτα (tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

[and]
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

who
τίς (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

gave
δούς (dous)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

You
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

this
ταύτην (tautēn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

authority?”
ἐξουσίαν (exousian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1849: From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.


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NT Gospels: Luke 20:2 They asked him Tell us: by what (Luke Lu Lk)
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