Luke 20:23

23 But he, considering their guile, said to them: Why tempt you 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 speakest and teachest rightly: and thou dost not respect any person, but teachest the way of God in truth.

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

23 But he, considering their guile, said to them: Why tempt you me?

24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and inscription hath it? They answering, said to him: Caesar’s.

25 And he said to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things, that are Caesar’s: and to God the things that are God’s.