Definition: And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David’s son?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important and often debated passage from Luke 20:41. It's a really tricky verse, and it has been interpreted in many ways throughout history! Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a man who was accused of being Jewish and challenging Jesus’ teachings. It focuses on a specific question he asked Jesus. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he said unto them…” : This means Jesus was speaking to a group of people – likely disciples or followers of Jesus. “…How say they that Christ is David’s son?” This is the core of the question. It’s asking, "How do these people explain that Jesus is the son of David?" What does this really mean? This isn't a straightforward explanation in the way we typically understand it today. Here’s what scholars and theologians have suggested: It’s about a specific tradition: For centuries, people believed that David was the true son of King David. This belief had been passed down through generations of Jewish tradition. Jesus was being challenged: Jesus was challenging this traditional understanding of David's lineage – specifically, the idea that David was the only legitimate heir to the throne of Israel. He was questioning the established religious order. The "they" refers to a group of people: The phrase “they” refers to a specific group of Jewish scholars and theologians who believed in this tradition. They were arguing that Jesus was, indeed, descended from David's line. Jesus was responding with a riddle: Jesus wasn’t directly answering the question. Instead, he used a riddle – a clever, ambiguous question designed to provoke thought and challenge their assumptions. Why is this verse so controversial? This verse has been a source of significant debate for centuries because it seems to suggest that Jesus was David's son! Many people have interpreted this as evidence of Jesus’ divinity – that he was the Messiah, the Son of God. However, most Christians and theologians believe this interpretation is incorrect and rooted in a misunderstanding of ancient Jewish texts. In short: "How say they that Christ is David's son?" doesn't mean Jesus is David's son in a literal, traditional sense. It’s a complex riddle designed to challenge the established religious beliefs of those present and force them to reconsider their understanding of Jesus’ identity. Resources for Further Learning: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1127/Luke%2020](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1127/Luke%2020) (This page offers a good overview of the verse and its historical context.) Wikipedia - Luke 20:41: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_20:41](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_20:41) (A comprehensive overview of the text and its interpretations.) --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: More about the historical context of this passage? The different theories surrounding Jesus' divinity that have emerged over time?