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.

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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

God and Caesar

20 They[a](A) watched closely(B) and sent spies(C) who pretended to be righteous,[b] so they could catch Him in what He said,[c](D) to hand Him(E) over to the governor’s(F) rule and authority. 21 They questioned Him, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly,(G) and You don’t show partiality,[d](H) but teach truthfully the way of God.(I) 22 Is it lawful(J) for us to pay taxes(K) to Caesar(L) 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(M) 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.(N)

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Footnotes

  1. Luke 20:20 The scribes and chief priests of v. 19
  2. Luke 20:20 Or upright; that is, loyal to God’s law
  3. Luke 20:20 Lit catch Him in [a] word
  4. Luke 20:21 Lit You don’t receive a face
  5. Luke 20:23 Other mss add “Why are you testing Me?
  6. Luke 20:26 Lit catch Him in [a] word
  7. Luke 20:26 Lit in front of the people