John Gill Commentary Luke 20:7

"And they answered, that they knew not whence [it was]." — Luke 20:7 (ASV)

Ver. 7 And they answered, that they could not tell from where it was . ] Whether from heaven, or of men; in this, no doubt, they told an untruth: but they chose rather to sacrifice their consciences than their interest, and pretend ignorance rather than profess the truth, when they saw they should be put to confusion, or be exposed to the resentments of the people.