Luke 20:23

23 But he, spotting their craftiness, said to them,

Luke 20:23 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 20:23

But he perceived their craftiness
Knowing what was in them, and being a discerner of the thoughts and intents of their hearts, he clearly saw that their view was either, that they might have a charge against him to the Roman governor, should he declare against payment of tribute; or that they might expose him to the people of the Jews, should he assert the lawfulness of it:

and said unto them, why tempt ye me?
with this ensnaring question.

Luke 20:23 In-Context

21 They put to him this sh'eilah: "Rabbi, we know that you speak and teach straightforwardly, showing no partiality but really teaching what God's way is.

22 Does Torah permit us to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor or not?"

23 But he, spotting their craftiness, said to them,

24 "Show me a denarius! Whose name and picture does it have?" "The Emperor's," they replied.

25 "Then," he said to them, "give the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor. And give God what belongs to God!"