What Does Luke 20:3 Mean in the King James?

And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:

Luke 20:3 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

His answer is another question, turning the demand for proof into a test of their own discernment.

THE MEANING

Answerability moves both ways: the one asking is also asked to answer. Your response reveals what you can discern in the matter before you.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

The verse undoes the belief that someone can demand an answer while remaining beyond scrutiny.

THE ROOT

ἀποκριθείς

apokritheis

GROWS FROM

κρίνω

krinō

To distinguish, decide, or judge.

The word translated “answered” belongs to a word family built on distinguishing or deciding. Here the answer takes the form of a question, sending the work of discernment back to the people who challenged him.

ALSO GROWS

krisis: Judgment or decision

κρίσις

An answer involves making a judgment about what is being asked.

anakrinō: Examine, investigate, or question

ἀνακρίνω

This related word shows the same family’s connection between responding and carefully discerning a matter.

THE PATTERN

A question can return judgment to the hearer, making their own discernment visible.

Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.

Job 38:3 · KJVThe demand for an answer turns toward the one who must now discern and respond.

Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.

Matthew 22:42 · KJVJesus’ question asks his listeners to make their own judgment plain.

Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

Luke 10:36 · KJVThe question places the conclusion in the hearer’s own answer.

THE THREAD

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Acts 17:11 · KJV

Luke’s “answered” belongs to the ⁨κρίνω⁩ (krinō) word family of distinguishing and deciding; Acts uses ⁨ἀνακρίνω⁩ (anakrinō) for examining the scriptures. Both verses show a response taking shape through discernment.

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