Luke 20:4

4 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?”

Luke 20:4 in Other Translations

KJV
4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
ESV
4 was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?"
NLT
4 “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?”
MSG
4 About the baptism of John - who authorized it, heaven or humans?"
CSB
4 was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?"

Luke 20:4 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 20:4

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
] This was a new ordinance, and John must have his authority for administering it either from God, or from men; and Christ is desirous to know from which he derived it in their opinion; suggesting, that by the same authority John, his forerunner, came baptizing, he himself came preaching and working miracles; (See Gill on Matthew 21:25).

Luke 20:4 In-Context

2 “Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?”
3 He replied, “I will also ask you a question. Tell me:
4 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?”
5 They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’
6 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the people will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet.”

Cross References 1

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