English Standard Version ESV
New International Version NIV
19 The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people.
19
The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.
20 So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor.
20
Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor.
21 So they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God.
21
So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?"
22
Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them,
23
He saw through their duplicity and said to them,
24 "Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?" They said, "Caesar's."
24
“Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?”“Caesar’s,” they replied.
25 He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
25
He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
26 And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.
26
They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.