King James Bible
"And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:"
Jesus responds to the religious leaders who had just questioned his authority to teach and cleanse the temple. This formal introduction emphasizes his deliberate engagement with their challenge rather than avoiding confrontation. Jesus employs a rabbinic teaching method of answering a question with a counter-question. The word 'also' acknowledges their inquiry while establishing his right to interrogate them in return, shifting the burden of proof. This direct command places the leaders in a position where they must commit to a public answer. Jesus' authoritative tone reverses the power dynamic, making the questioners become the questioned.