Luke 20:23

23 But detecting their craftiness, He said to them,^[a]

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 questioned Him, "Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You don't show partiality, but teach truthfully the way of God.

22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

23 But detecting their craftiness, He said to them,

24 "Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?" "Caesar's," they said.

25 "Well then," He told them, "give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's."

Footnotes

• [a]. Other mss add "Why are you testing Me?