Luke 20:21They asked him, "Teacher, we know that you say and teach what is right, and aren't partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God.
The setting
Jerusalem temple courts, Tuesday of Passion Week, 30 AD. Religious leaders publicly attempt to trap Jesus with political flattery before executing their real question.
The emotion here: calculated malice disguised as respect
The original word
prosōpolēmpteō (προσωπολημπτεῖς) — to show partiality based on external appearance or status
Why it matters
This was a coordinated effort between Pharisees and Herodians, normally bitter enemies
Read with care
What most readers miss in Luke 20:21
The flattery is so over-the-top it's obviously insincere — everyone listening knew this was a setup
Common misconceptionPeople think this shows the leaders respected Jesus. Actually, the excessive flattery proves they despised him — they're setting a trap.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Luke 20:21
Bible Genome reading
Luke 20:21 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Luke 20:21 comes from the book of Luke, written during the gospel period. The setting is the Temple. These words are attributed to spies. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 30% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include flattery, deception. Notable phrases: say and teach right; not partial; teach way of God.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Luke 20:21 mean to you, today?
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