New Testament
Luke 20:26
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They couldn't trap him with his words in front of the people. Amazed by his answer, they fell silent.
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And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.
What Luke 20:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a moment where Jesus is confronted by those who want to challenge him. They attempt to trap him with tricky questions, hoping to catch him off guard and discredit him in front of the people. However, Jesus responds with such wisdom and insight that they are unable to find fault in his words. His answer not only silences them but also leaves them in awe of his understanding. This moment highlights the authority and wisdom of Jesus, showing that he cannot be easily manipulated or outsmarted. The crowd witnesses this exchange and is amazed, which reinforces Jesus' position as a teacher and leader. The inability of his challengers to respond reflects their lack of understanding and the depth of Jesus' knowledge. This verse serves as a reminder of the power of wise speech and the importance of seeking truth rather than trying to trap others in their words.
How to apply Luke 20:26 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek wisdom in our own conversations and interactions. When faced with challenges or attempts to provoke us, we can respond thoughtfully and truthfully. It reminds us that wisdom can disarm conflict and lead to greater understanding, fostering peace in our relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Questions in the Temple (Luke 20:20–44)
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Jesus

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Luke 20:26
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 20:26 mean?
Luke 20:26 describes a situation where Jesus is challenged by his opponents who try to trap him with difficult questions. His wise and insightful response leaves them unable to argue against him, demonstrating his authority and understanding.
What is the significance of Jesus' response in Luke 20:26?
Jesus' response in Luke 20:26 highlights his wisdom and ability to handle challenges without being trapped. It shows that he cannot be easily manipulated and reinforces his role as a respected teacher.
How does Luke 20:26 illustrate the theme of wisdom?
In Luke 20:26, Jesus' ability to respond wisely to his challengers illustrates the theme of wisdom by showing how thoughtful answers can disarm conflict and leave opponents speechless.
What can we learn from Luke 20:26 about handling challenges?
Luke 20:26 teaches us the importance of responding thoughtfully to challenges. It encourages us to seek wisdom in our interactions, which can lead to better understanding and resolution.
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