Luke 20:4 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads: "The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?" This verse is part of a larger passage in which the chief priests and scribes confront Jesus with questions in an attempt to trap him. The verse itself is part of a question posed by these religious leaders, who are trying to test Jesus' authority and discern the source of his power.

To fully understand the depth and meaning of this verse, it's important to consider the context in which it was spoken. In the preceding verses, we see that the chief priests, scribes, and elders question Jesus' authority, asking him by what authority he is teaching and performing miracles. Jesus, in his response, asks them whether the baptism of John the Baptist was from heaven or of human origin. This question puts the religious leaders in a difficult position, as they are aware that if they say it is from heaven, Jesus will ask why they did not believe him, and if they say it is of human origin, they will anger the people who believed John was a prophet.

The deeper meaning of this verse lies in the theme of authority and the source of spiritual power. By posing this question to the religious leaders, Jesus is forcing them to consider the source of their own authority and the basis of their beliefs. It also serves as a reminder that true spiritual authority comes from God and is not something that can be manipulated or controlled by human institutions.

The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The baptism of John the Baptist was a pivotal event in the ministry of Jesus, as John was the one who prepared the way for Jesus and announced his coming as the Messiah. Therefore, the question of whether John's baptism was from heaven or of human origin is symbolic of the larger question of the authenticity of Jesus' own ministry and the spiritual authority he possesses. It also symbolizes the tension between the religious leaders who claim authority based on tradition and the prophetic tradition embodied by John the Baptist and Jesus.

The broader context of this passage also sheds light on the significance of this verse. In the verses leading up to this question, Jesus tells a parable about tenants in a vineyard, which serves as an allegory for the religious leaders' rejection of God's messengers throughout history, culminating in their rejection of Jesus himself. This parable sets the stage for the confrontational exchange between Jesus and the religious leaders, highlighting the deep-seated conflict between Jesus and the religious establishment of his time.

In conclusion, Luke 20:4 from the King James Version of the Bible is a thought-provoking and powerful verse that addresses the themes of authority, spiritual power, and the authenticity of Jesus' ministry. Its deeper meaning and symbolism are revealed in the context of Jesus' confrontational exchange with the religious leaders, and it serves as a reminder of the true source of spiritual authority and the importance of aligning with God's will. This verse continues to challenge and inspire readers to consider the basis of their own beliefs and the source of their spiritual authority.