Luke 20:23

23 But seeing through their craftiness, he 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 And they asked him, saying, "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and do not {show partiality}, but teach the way of God in truth.

22 Is it permitted [for] us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

23 But seeing through their craftiness, he said to them,

24 "Show me a denarius! Whose image and inscription does it have?" And they answered [and] said, "Caesar's."

25 So he said to them, "Well then, give to Caesar the things of Caesar, and to God the things of God!"