27 So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Then he said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
27 So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.
27 They decided to concede that round to Jesus. "We don't know," they answered. Jesus said, "Then neither will I answer your question.
27 So they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know." And He said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.
27 So they finally replied, "We don't know." And Jesus responded, "Then I won't tell you by what authority I do these things.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 21:27
Commentary on Matthew 21:23-27
(Read Matthew 21:23-27)
As our Lord now openly appeared as the Messiah, the chief priests and scribes were much offended, especially because he exposed and removed the abuses they encouraged. Our Lord asked what they thought of John's ministry and baptism. Many are more afraid of the shame of lying than of the sin, and therefore scruple not to speak what they know to be false, as to their own thoughts, affections, and intentions, or their remembering and forgetting. Our Lord refused to answer their inquiry. It is best to shun needless disputes with wicked opposers.