Bible Verse Meaning: Luke 20:40

Luke 20:40 (KJV): "And after that they durst not ask him any question at all."

Overview

The verse Luke 20:40 depicts a significant moment during Jesus' final days in Jerusalem, reflecting the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of the time. Following a series of probing questions aimed at trapping Jesus in His words, the religious authorities are left in a position of defeat, unable to continue their questioning.

Bible Verse Commentary

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes that the silence of the questioners is both a testament to Jesus' wisdom and a reflection of their own foolishness. They sought to discredit Him but ended up confronting the truth of His teachings.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes notes the shift in authority in this scenario; the religious leaders, once questioning with confidence, are now rendered speechless. This moment illustrates the futility of opposing divine wisdom.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke highlights that the "therefore" at the beginning of the verse indicates a concluding response to a series of discussions, implying that the questions posed were inadequate and that Jesus had effectively silenced His opponents.

Interpretation and Understanding

This verse serves as a pivotal point in understanding the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders. The inability of the Pharisees and Sadducees to ask further questions underscores two key aspects: the authority of Jesus and the consequences of attempting to undermine divine truth.

In-depth Analysis

• Authority of Jesus:

  Throughout the Gospel of Luke, Jesus repeatedly establishes His authority through parables, miracles, and direct claims about His identity. This moment signifies the culmination of that authority, as even His enemies recognize their incapacity to challenge Him.

• Spiritual Blindness:

  The leaders' inability to question Jesus any further reflects a deeper spiritual blindness. They were more concerned with their traditions and interpretations rather than the truth standing before them.

• Finality of Jesus' Teachings:

  This silence can be seen as a foreshadowing of the final authority of Jesus beyond His earthly ministry. His teachings would continue to inspire and challenge future generations, as they do in contemporary Bible study.

Application to Daily Life

Understanding this verse not only enriches one's Bible study insights but also challenges individuals to consider their own responses to divine truth. It is a call to humility and recognition of God's supreme wisdom in the midst of human questioning.

Cross-References

• Matthew 22:46: "And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions."
• Mark 12:34: "And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question."
• John 7:46: "The officers answered, Never man spake like this man."

Conclusion

Luke 20:40 is a rich verse that encapsulates the essence of the conflicts Jesus faced and provides profound understanding of Scripture. It challenges readers to examine their beliefs and the authority of Jesus in their own lives. Engaging with this content can significantly enhance one's Bible study resources and overall comprehension of biblical narratives.