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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 20:20 So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/20-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/42_Luk_20_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 20:20 - Paying Taxes to Caesar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. 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They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. <a href="/nlt/luke/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> Watching for their opportunity, the leaders sent spies pretending to be honest men. They tried to get Jesus to say something that could be reported to the Roman governor so he would arrest Jesus. <a href="/esv/luke/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/luke/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. <a href="/blb/luke/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And having watched Him, they sent spies, feigning themselves to be righteous, that they might catch Him in His word, in order to deliver Him to the rule and to the authority of the governor. <a href="/kjv/luke/20.htm">King James Bible</a> And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. <a href="/nkjv/luke/20.htm">New King James Version</a> So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor. <a href="/nasb_/luke/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And so they watched Him closely, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, in order that they might catch Him in some statement, so that they could hand Him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor. <a href="/nasb/luke/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, in order that they might catch Him in some statement, so that they could deliver Him to the rule and the authority of the governor. <a href="/nasb77/luke/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, in order that they might catch Him in some statement, so as to deliver Him up to the rule and the authority of the governor. <a href="/lsb/luke/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, so that they might catch Him in some statement, in order to deliver Him to the rule and the authority of the governor. <a href="/amp/luke/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So they watched [for a chance to trap] Him. They sent spies who pretended to be upright and sincere, in order that they might catch Him in some statement [that they could distort and use against Him], so that they could turn Him over to the control and authority of [Pilate] the governor. <a href="/csb/luke/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> They watched closely and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, so that they could catch him in what he said, to hand him over to the governor’s rule and authority. <a href="/hcsb/luke/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> They watched closely and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, so they could catch Him in what He said, to hand Him over to the governor&#8217s rule and authority. <a href="/asv/luke/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And they watched him, and sent forth spies, who feigned themselves to be righteous, that they might take hold of his speech, so as to deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor. <a href="/cev/luke/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jesus' enemies kept watching him closely, because they wanted to hand him over to the Roman governor. So they sent some men who pretended to be good. But they were really spies trying to catch Jesus saying something wrong. <a href="/erv/luke/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which feigned themselves to be righteous, that they might take hold of his speech, so as to deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor. <a href="/gwt/luke/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So they watched for an opportunity to send out some spies. The spies were to act like sincere religious people. They wanted to catch him saying the wrong thing so that they could hand him over to the governor. <a href="/gnt/luke/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> So they looked for an opportunity. They bribed some men to pretend they were sincere, and they sent them to trap Jesus with questions, so that they could hand him over to the authority and power of the Roman Governor. <a href="/isv/luke/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> So they watched him closely and sent spies who pretended to be honest men in order to trap him in what he would say. They wanted to hand him over to the jurisdiction of the governor, <a href="/msb/luke/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. <a href="/net/luke/20.htm">NET Bible</a> Then they watched him carefully and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They wanted to take advantage of what he might say so that they could deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. <a href="/nheb/luke/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> They watched him, and sent out spies, who pretended to be righteous, that they might trap him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the power and authority of the governor. <a href="/wbt/luke/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And they watched him, and sent forth spies, who should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him to the power and authority of the governor. <a href="/wey/luke/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> So, after impatiently watching their opportunity, they sent spies who were to act the part of good and honest men, that they might fasten on some expression of His, so as to hand Him over to the ruling power and the Governor's authority. <a href="/web/luke/20.htm">World English Bible</a> They watched him and sent out spies, who pretended to be righteous, that they might trap him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the power and authority of the governor. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And having watched [Him], they sent forth ones lying in wait, feigning themselves to be righteous, that they might take hold of His word, to deliver Him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor, <a href="/blb/luke/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And having watched Him, they sent spies, feigning themselves to be righteous, that they might catch Him in His word, in order to deliver Him to the rule and to the authority of the governor. <a href="/ylt/luke/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And, having watched him, they sent forth liers in wait, feigning themselves to be righteous, that they might take hold of his word, to deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor, <a href="/slt/luke/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And having observed narrowly, they sent liers-in-wait, feigning themselves to be just, that they might seize upon his word, to deliver him to the beginning and authority of the leader.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And being upon the watch, they sent spies, who should feign themselves just, that they might take hold of him in his words, that they might deliver him up to the authority and power of the governor. <a href="/cpdv/luke/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And being attentive, they sent traitors, who would pretend that they were just, so that they might catch him in his words and then hand him over to the power and authority of the procurator. <a href="/nabre/luke/20.htm">New American Bible</a> They watched him closely and sent agents pretending to be righteous who were to trap him in speech, in order to hand him over to the authority and power of the governor. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said, so as to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So they sent spies disguised as righteous men, to ensnare him by a word, and to deliver him to the judge, and then to the authority of the governor. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/20.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And they sent spies who imitated righteous men to catch him in discourse and to deliver him to the Judge and to the authority of the Governor.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/20.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And they watched him, and sent spies, who feigned themselves to be just men, that they might take hold of his words, in order to deliver him up to the power and authority of the governor. <a href="/godbey/luke/20.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And laying in wait for Him, they sent sharpers, feigning themselves to be righteous, that they might catch his word, in order to turn Him over to the government and authority of the proconsul. <a href="/haweis/luke/20.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And watching him, they sent men they had suborned, who pretended that they were righteous persons, in order to lay hold of some word of his, that they might deliver him to the power and authority of the governor. <a href="/mace/luke/20.htm">Mace New Testament</a> they watch'd then, and suborn'd spies, who under pretence of their tender consciences, might ensnare him in his discourse, and so betray him to the civil power and jurisdiction of the governor. <a href="/wey/luke/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> So, after impatiently watching their opportunity, they sent spies who were to act the part of good and honest men, that they might fasten on some expression of His, so as to hand Him over to the ruling power and the Governor's authority. <a href="/worrell/luke/20.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, watching Him, they sent forth spies, feigning themselves to be righteous, that they might take hold of His speech, so as to deliver Him up to the rule and the authority of the governor. <a href="/worsley/luke/20.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And they watched Him and sent out spies, pretending to be righteous men, to lay hold of his words, that they might deliver Him up to the power and authority of the governor. <a href="/parallel/luke/20-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=7975" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/20.htm">Paying Taxes to Caesar</a> 19When the scribes and chief priests realized that Jesus had spoken this parable against them, they sought to arrest Him that very hour. But they were afraid of the people. 20<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">So</a> <a href="/greek/3906.htm" title="3906: paratērēsantes (V-APA-NMP) -- To watch, observe scrupulously. From para and tereo; to inspect alongside, i.e. Note insidiously or scrupulously.">they watched Him closely</a> <a href="/greek/649.htm" title="649: apesteilan (V-AIA-3P) -- From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.">and sent</a> <a href="/greek/1455.htm" title="1455: enkathetous (Adj-AMP) -- A spy. From en and a derivative of kathiemi; subinduced, i.e. Surreptitiously suborned as a lier-in-wait.">spies</a> <a href="/greek/5271.htm" title="5271: hypokrinomenous (V-PPM/P-AMP) -- To act the part, pretend; I answer, respond. Middle voice from hupo and krino; to decide under a false part, i.e. dissemble.">who pretended</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautous (RefPro-AM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. "></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">to be</a> <a href="/greek/1342.htm" title="1342: dikaious (Adj-AMP) -- From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.">sincere.</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">They were hoping</a> <a href="/greek/1949.htm" title="1949: epilabōntai (V-ASM-3P) -- To lay hold of, take hold of, seize (sometimes with beneficent, sometimes with hostile, intent). ">to catch Him</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">in His</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logou (N-GMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">words</a> <a href="/greek/5620.htm" title="5620: hōste (Conj) -- So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.">in order</a> <a href="/greek/3860.htm" title="3860: paradounai (V-ANA) -- From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.">to hand Him over</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/746.htm" title="746: archē (N-DFS) -- From archomai; a commencement, or chief.">rule</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1849.htm" title="1849: exousia (N-DFS) -- From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.">authority</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/2232.htm" title="2232: hēgemonos (N-GMS) -- From hegeomai; a leader, i.e. Chief person of a province.">governor.</a> 21“Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/22-15.htm">Matthew 22:15-22</a> Then the Pharisees went out and conspired to trap Jesus in His words. / They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance. / So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” ... <a href="/mark/12-13.htm">Mark 12:13-17</a> Later, they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to catch Jesus in His words. / “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?” / But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.” ... <a href="/matthew/12-14.htm">Matthew 12:14</a> But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. <a href="/john/8-6.htm">John 8:6</a> They said this to test Him, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger. <a href="/matthew/26-4.htm">Matthew 26:4</a> and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12-15</a> When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ... <a href="/psalms/37-32.htm">Psalm 37:32</a> Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, <a href="/proverbs/12-6.htm">Proverbs 12:6</a> The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them. <a href="/jeremiah/11-19.htm">Jeremiah 11:19</a> For I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter; I did not know that they had plotted against me: “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.” <a href="/psalms/56-5.htm">Psalm 56:5-6</a> All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise. / They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life. <a href="/daniel/6-4.htm">Daniel 6:4-5</a> Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. / Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.” <a href="/psalms/64-2.htm">Psalm 64:2-6</a> Hide me from the scheming of the wicked, from the mob of workers of iniquity, / who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, / ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. ... <a href="/isaiah/29-21.htm">Isaiah 29:21</a> those who indict a man with a word, who ensnare the mediator at the gate, and who with false charges deprive the innocent of justice. <a href="/psalms/10-7.htm">Psalm 10:7-10</a> His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue. / He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless. / He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. ... <a href="/proverbs/1-11.htm">Proverbs 1:11</a> If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him to the power and authority of the governor.they watched.<a href="/psalms/37-32.htm">Psalm 37:32,33</a> The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him… <a href="/psalms/38-12.htm">Psalm 38:12</a> They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.<a href="/isaiah/29-20.htm">Isaiah 29:20,21</a> For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off: … feign.<a href="/2_samuel/14-2.htm">2 Samuel 14:2</a> And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:<a href="/1_kings/14-2.htm">1 Kings 14:2-6</a> And Jeroboam said to his wife, Arise, I pray thee, and disguise thyself, that thou be not known to be the wife of Jeroboam; and get thee to Shiloh: behold, there is Ahijah the prophet, which told me that I should be king over this people… <a href="/psalms/66-3.htm">Psalm 66:3</a> Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.they might deliver.<a href="/matthew/27-2.htm">Matthew 27:2</a> And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.<a href="/john/18-28.htm">John 18:28-32</a> Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/12-47.htm">Act</a> <a href="/luke/1-8.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/luke/20-8.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/luke/11-54.htm">Catch</a> <a href="/luke/19-43.htm">Close</a> <a href="/luke/12-58.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/luke/11-54.htm">Expression</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-4.htm">Fasten</a> <a href="/psalms/81-15.htm">Feign</a> <a href="/psalms/66-3.htm">Feigned</a> <a href="/luke/20-15.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/luke/20-1.htm">Good</a> <a href="/luke/19-19.htm">Governor</a> <a href="/luke/18-13.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/luke/19-40.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/luke/16-10.htm">Honest</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-18.htm">Hoped</a> <a href="/luke/20-17.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-7.htm">Jurisdiction</a> <a href="/luke/18-13.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/luke/19-48.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/luke/9-9.htm">Opportunity</a> <a href="/luke/19-15.htm">Order</a> <a href="/luke/20-10.htm">Part</a> <a href="/luke/13-16.htm">Power</a> <a href="/matthew/27-63.htm">Pretended</a> <a href="/luke/19-14.htm">Representatives</a> <a href="/luke/18-14.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/luke/1-33.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/luke/12-2.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/luke/11-54.htm">Something</a> <a href="/mark/14-70.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/psalms/37-32.htm">Spies</a> <a href="/luke/18-34.htm">Statement</a> <a href="/luke/20-14.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/mark/12-15.htm">Trap</a> <a href="/luke/14-1.htm">Watched</a> <a href="/luke/14-1.htm">Watching</a> <a href="/luke/19-48.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/2-4.htm">Act</a> <a href="/luke/23-25.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/luke/22-25.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/luke/20-26.htm">Catch</a> <a href="/luke/21-8.htm">Close</a> <a href="/luke/21-12.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/acts/24-21.htm">Expression</a> <a href="/acts/3-12.htm">Fasten</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-11.htm">Feign</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-3.htm">Feigned</a> <a href="/luke/21-30.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/luke/22-6.htm">Good</a> <a href="/john/2-8.htm">Governor</a> <a href="/luke/20-42.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/luke/20-26.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/john/3-21.htm">Honest</a> <a href="/luke/23-8.htm">Hoped</a> <a href="/luke/20-27.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/luke/23-7.htm">Jurisdiction</a> <a href="/john/14-21.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/luke/22-28.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/luke/21-13.htm">Opportunity</a> <a href="/john/1-7.htm">Order</a> <a href="/luke/20-35.htm">Part</a> <a href="/luke/20-36.htm">Power</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-2.htm">Pretended</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-20.htm">Representatives</a> <a href="/luke/23-47.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/luke/22-25.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/john/7-4.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/luke/23-35.htm">Something</a> <a href="/john/8-43.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/luke/20-21.htm">Spies</a> <a href="/john/4-39.htm">Statement</a> <a href="/luke/21-4.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/luke/20-26.htm">Trap</a> <a href="/luke/22-6.htm">Watched</a> <a href="/luke/23-35.htm">Watching</a> <a href="/luke/20-21.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 20</div>1. <a href="/luke/20-1.htm">Jesus confirms his authority by a question of John's baptism.</a> 9. <a href="/luke/20-9.htm">The parable of the vineyard.</a> 19. <a href="/luke/20-19.htm">Of giving tribute to Caesar.</a> 27. <a href="/luke/20-27.htm">He instructs the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection.</a> 41. <a href="/luke/20-41.htm">How Jesus is the Son of David.</a> 45. <a href="/luke/20-45.htm">He warns his disciples to beware of the scribes.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This surveillance was not merely casual observation but a deliberate attempt to find fault. The Greek term used implies a careful and malicious watching, akin to a predator stalking its prey. This behavior is reminiscent of <a href="/psalms/37-32.htm">Psalm 37:32</a>, where the wicked lie in wait for the righteous.and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. The leaders employed deceit by sending spies, indicating their desperation and cunning. These spies were to feign righteousness, a tactic that echoes the serpent's deception in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a>. The use of pretense highlights the moral corruption of the leaders, contrasting with Jesus' call for genuine righteousness in <a href="/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20</a>. This act of hypocrisy fulfills Isaiah's prophecy about people honoring God with their lips while their hearts are far from Him (<a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a>).They were hoping to catch Him in His words Their goal was to trap Jesus in His speech, a common tactic used by adversaries throughout His ministry (see <a href="/matthew/22-15.htm">Matthew 22:15</a>). This reflects the wisdom literature's warnings about the power of words (<a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a>) and the snares of the wicked (<a href="/proverbs/12-13.htm">Proverbs 12:13</a>). The leaders' intent was to manipulate Jesus' words to accuse Him, similar to how Daniel's enemies sought to find fault with him (<a href="/daniel/6-4.htm">Daniel 6:4-5</a>).in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. The ultimate aim was to deliver Jesus to the Roman authorities, as the Jewish leaders lacked the power to execute capital punishment (<a href="/john/18-31.htm">John 18:31</a>). This reflects the political tension of the time, where Roman rule was resented yet necessary for maintaining order. The mention of the governor foreshadows Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant who would be "numbered with the transgressors" (<a href="/isaiah/53-12.htm">Isaiah 53:12</a>). This phrase also underscores the leaders' rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, choosing instead to align with secular power.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is being closely watched by those who seek to trap Him. 2. <a href="/topical/s/spies.htm">Spies</a> Individuals sent by the religious leaders to feign sincerity and trap Jesus with His own words. 3. <a href="/topical/r/religious_leaders.htm">Religious Leaders</a> The chief priests and scribes who are plotting against Jesus, seeking to undermine His authority. 4. <a href="/topical/g/governor.htm">Governor</a> The Roman authority to whom the religious leaders hope to deliver Jesus, aiming to have Him punished under Roman law. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where these events are taking place, a significant location for Jesus' ministry and eventual crucifixion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_deception.htm">Discernment in Deception</a> Jesus demonstrates discernment in recognizing the deceitful intentions of the spies. As believers, we must seek wisdom and discernment to recognize and respond to deceit in our own lives. <a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_speech.htm">Integrity in Speech</a> Jesus' ability to speak truthfully and wisely, even under scrutiny, challenges us to maintain integrity in our words, especially when faced with opposition or attempts to trap us. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a> Despite the plots against Him, Jesus remains confident in God's sovereign plan. We are reminded to trust in God's control over our circumstances, even when others may seek to harm us. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_hypocrisy.htm">The Danger of Hypocrisy</a> The religious leaders' actions serve as a warning against hypocrisy. We must examine our own hearts to ensure our actions align with our professed beliefs. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_truth.htm">The Power of Truth</a> Jesus' response to the spies highlights the power of truth to disarm deceit. As followers of Christ, we are called to uphold and speak the truth in all situations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 20</a> <a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'render_to_caesar'.htm">What did Jesus mean by "Render to Caesar"?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_biblically_guide_children.htm">What does the Bible say about the nature of hell?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_jesus'_tax_stance_fit_justice.htm">Mark 12:13–17: If Jesus endorses paying taxes to an oppressive regime, how does that square with calls for justice elsewhere in Scripture? </a> <a href="/q/does_'give_to_caesar'_contradict_jesus.htm">Luke 20:20-26: Does Jesus' command to 'give to Caesar what is Caesar's' contradict other teachings opposing oppressive rulers?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20-26) And they watched him.--See Notes on <a href="/context/matthew/22-15.htm" title="Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.">Matthew 22:15-22</a> and <a href="/context/mark/12-13.htm" title="And they send to him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.">Mark 12:13-17</a>.And sent forth spies.--The noun is, again, one of St. Luke's characteristic words not used by any other New Testament writer. It expresses rather the act of those who lie in ambush, than that of "spies" in the strict sense of the words. St. Luke is, on the one hand, less definite as to the parties to the conspiracy than the other Gospels, and on the other hand more explicit as to its aim. They wanted materials for an accusation before Pilate, as well as for one before the Sanhedrin. On the omission of the name of the Herodians, see Note on <a href="/luke/6-11.htm" title="And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.">Luke 6:11</a>.Power and authority.--We have again the characteristic combination of the two substantives. (See Note on <a href="/luke/12-11.htm" title="And when they bring you to the synagogues, and to magistrates, and powers, take you no thought how or what thing you shall answer, or what you shall say:">Luke 12:11</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 20-26 - The question of the tribute money. Verse 20. - And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take held of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. In their intense hatred, conscious that the populace were on the whole in sympathy with Jesus, the Sanhedrim, to carry out their design on his life, determined to avail themselves of the hated Roman military police. Their hope henceforward is to substantiate a charge of treason against him. This was, in those troublous times, when insurrection against the detested Gentile rule was ever being plotted, a comparatively easy matter. The incident of the tribute money, which immediately follows, was part of this new departure in the Sanhedrin policy respecting the murder they so longed to see carried out. <a href="/commentaries/luke/20-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>So Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. they watched [Him] closely παρατηρήσαντες (paratērēsantes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3906.htm">Strong's 3906: </a> To watch, observe scrupulously. From para and tereo; to inspect alongside, i.e. Note insidiously or scrupulously. [and] sent ἀπέστειλαν (apesteilan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_649.htm">Strong's 649: </a> From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively. spies ἐνκαθέτους (enkathetous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1455.htm">Strong's 1455: </a> A spy. From en and a derivative of kathiemi; subinduced, i.e. Surreptitiously suborned as a lier-in-wait. who pretended ὑποκρινομένους (hypokrinomenous) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5271.htm">Strong's 5271: </a> To act the part, pretend; I answer, respond. Middle voice from hupo and krino; to decide under a false part, i.e. dissemble. to be εἶναι (einai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. sincere. δικαίους (dikaious) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1342.htm">Strong's 1342: </a> From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy. They were hoping ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. to catch [Him] ἐπιλάβωνται (epilabōntai) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1949.htm">Strong's 1949: </a> To lay hold of, take hold of, seize (sometimes with beneficent, sometimes with hostile, intent). in His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. words λόγου (logou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. in order ὥστε (hōste) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_5620.htm">Strong's 5620: </a> So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore. to hand Him over παραδοῦναι (paradounai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3860.htm">Strong's 3860: </a> From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit. to the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. rule ἀρχῇ (archē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_746.htm">Strong's 746: </a> From archomai; a commencement, or chief. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. authority ἐξουσίᾳ (exousia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1849.htm">Strong's 1849: </a> From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. governor. ἡγεμόνος (hēgemonos) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2232.htm">Strong's 2232: </a> From hegeomai; a leader, i.e. Chief person of a province. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/20-20.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 20:20 They watched him and sent out spies (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/20-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 20:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 20:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/20-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 20:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 20:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>