What Does Luke 20:8 Mean in the King James?
And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
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
The one who demands an account of authority is also revealed by whether they will name its source.
THE MEANING
The verse places the reader inside a question of source: authority is not just what someone can do, but where the right to act comes from. When a demand for proof follows a refusal to answer that same question, the refusal stands exposed. Jesus’ silence leaves that evasion visible.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
Demanding an explanation does not automatically make someone an honest seeker; refusal to answer the question of authority reveals something too.
THE ROOT
ἐξουσίᾳ
exousia
GROWS FROM
ἐξουσία
exousia
Right, jurisdiction, authority, the recognized capacity to act.
The Greek word names a right to act, so the question reaches beyond what Jesus can do to the source that authorizes it. Its related verb ἐξουσιάζω (exousiazō, exercise authority) shows that right becoming active as rule; the link between standing and action is held together in the word family.
ALSO GROWS
exousia: authority, right, jurisdiction
ἐξουσία
This is the word in the verse: the question asks whose authorization stands behind Jesus’ actions.
exousiazō: exercise authority, rule over
ἐξουσιάζω
This related verb shows authority in action, as a right exercised over others.
THE PATTERN
Authority is not self-originating; its source determines its standing.
And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.THE THREAD
Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.The same Greek word for authority appears when Jesus says Pilate’s authority is given from above. That sharpens the question in Luke: naming the source reveals what stands behind the authority, while refusing to answer exposes the evasion beneath the challenge.
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