20 (A)So they (B)watched him and sent spies, who (C)pretended to be sincere, that they might (D)catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of (E)the governor. 21 So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and (F)show no partiality,[a] but truly teach (G)the way of God. 22 Is it lawful for us to give (H)tribute to (I)Caesar, or not?” 23 But he perceived their (J)craftiness, and said to them, 24 “Show me (K)a denarius.[b] Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar's.” 25 He said to them, “Then (L)render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 26 And they were not able in the presence of the people (M)to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Luke 20:21 Greek and do not receive a face
  2. Luke 20:24 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer

An attempt to trap Jesus

20 The legal experts and chief priests were watching Jesus closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They wanted to trap him in his words so they could hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor. 21 They asked him, “Teacher, we know that you are correct in what you say and teach. You don’t show favoritism but teach God’s way as it really is. 22 Does the Law allow people to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

23 Since Jesus recognized their deception, he said to them, 24 “Show me a coin.[a] Whose image and inscription does it have on it?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

25 He said to them, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” 26 They couldn’t trap him in his words in front of the people. Astonished by his answer, they were speechless.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Luke 20:24 Or denarion