Luke 20:23

23 But he, perceiving their craftiness, said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

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, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither dost thou accept the person of any, but teachest the way of God with truth;

22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar or no?

23 But he, perceiving their craftiness, said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

24 Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have? They answered and said, Caesar’s.

25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s and unto God the things which are God’s.