Luke 20:20-26

God and Caesar

20 They[a] watched closely and sent spies who pretended to be righteous,[b] so they could catch Him in what He said,[c] to hand Him over to the governor's rule and authority.
21 They questioned Him, "Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You don't show partiality,[d] 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,[e]
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."
26 They were not able to catch Him in what He said[f] in public,[g] and being amazed at His answer, they became silent.

Footnotes 7

  • [a]. The scribes and chief priests of v. 19
  • [b]. Or upright; that is, loyal to God's law
  • [c]. Lit catch Him in [a] word
  • [d]. Lit You don't receive a face
  • [e]. Other mss add "Why are you testing Me?
  • [f]. Lit catch Him in [a] word
  • [g]. Lit in front of the people
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