Luke 20:23

23 But He saw through their knavery and replied,

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 put a question to Him. "Rabbi," they said, "we know that you say and teach what is right and that you make no distinctions between one man and another, but teach God's way truly.

22 Is it allowable to pay a tax to Caesar, or not?"

23 But He saw through their knavery and replied,

24 "Show me a shilling; whose likeness and inscription does it bear?" "Caesar's," they said.

25 "Pay therefore," He replied, "what is Caesar's to Caesar--and what is God's to God."