What is the meaning of Luke 20:39?

Some of the scribes

• These were scholars of the Law, often linked with the Pharisees (Luke 5:21).

• Though many scribes opposed Jesus (Luke 11:53–54), Scripture shows that a few were moved by His wisdom, as in Mark 12:32 where another scribe commends Him.

• Their presence here highlights a divided leadership: some hostile, some hesitant, a handful receptive (John 12:42).

---

answered

• The reply comes right after Jesus silences the Sadducees on the resurrection (Luke 20:27–38).

• By answering, the scribes publicly distance themselves from the Sadducees’ denial of bodily resurrection (Acts 23:8).

• Their response fulfills Proverbs 26:4–5, showing that a wise answer can quiet error without needless quarrel.

---

Teacher

• Calling Jesus “Teacher” (didaskalos) mirrors Nicodemus’s respectful address in John 3:2.

• It acknowledges His authority above theirs, as foretold in Isaiah 11:2 that Messiah would possess “the Spirit of wisdom and understanding.”

• Even opponents are compelled to use a title that confesses His role predicted in Deuteronomy 18:15.

---

You have spoken well!

• The phrase mirrors the reaction after other flawless answers, such as Matthew 22:22 when the crowd “marveled.”

• It affirms that Jesus’ reasoning about resurrection aligns perfectly with the Scriptures the scribes profess to uphold (Exodus 3:6, cited by Jesus).

• Luke 20:40 immediately notes, “And they did not dare to question Him any further,” showing His truth silences debate (Psalm 107:42).

• Yet intellectual agreement is not the same as saving faith; many who praised Him here later conspired against Him (Luke 22:2).

---

summary

Luke 20:39 records a rare moment when some religious experts openly commend Jesus’ teaching. These scribes, usually critical, are compelled to admit that His use of Scripture is flawless and that His defense of the resurrection is unassailable. Their words underscore Jesus’ unmatched authority, the truth of bodily resurrection, and the power of God’s Word to silence opposition—even if hearts remain unchanged.