Luke 20:23

23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto 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 And they asked him, saying, Teacher, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, and acceptest not the person [of any], but of a truth teachest the way of God:

22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them,

24 Show me a denarius. Whose image and superscription hath it? And they said, Caesar's.

25 And he said unto them, Then render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's.