Luke 20:23

23 But he perceived their craftiness and 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 So they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you are right in what you say and teach, and you show deference to no one, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth.

22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?"

23 But he perceived their craftiness and said to them,

24 "Show me a denarius. Whose head and whose title does it bear?" They said, "The emperor's."

25 He said to them, "Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's."