Definition: And they answered, that they could not tell whence [it was].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Luke 20:7: “And they answered, that they could not tell whence [it was].” Here's a simple explanation: This is a really interesting and slightly unsettling part of the story. It describes Jesus telling a group of Jewish authorities that they couldn’t figure out where exactly the strange event – the lightning and thunder – came from. Let's unpack it: “They answered…” : This means they were questioning or trying to understand what Jesus was saying. “…that they could not tell whence [it was]” : This is the core of the verse. “Whereby” in Latin, translates as "from whence." The phrase essentially means: "We don’t know where it came from." What does this suggest? It paints a picture of Jesus being incredibly mysterious and powerful. It suggests that he was somehow involved in creating or influencing the event – maybe he was communicating with God, or perhaps he possessed some kind of ability to conjure something out of nowhere. Important Context: This passage is crucial because it’s one of the most debated parts of the Gospel (the good news about Jesus). The authorities believed that Jesus was either a demon or a spy sent by God to confuse them. This verse highlights his seeming power and challenges our understanding of what he was doing. In short, this verse is a snapshot of Jesus’s ability to appear mysteriously and defy explanation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this verse in more detail?