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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 20:26 And they were unable to trap Him in His words before the people; and amazed at His answer, they fell silent.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/20-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/42_Luk_20_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 20:26 - Paying Taxes to Caesar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And they were unable to trap Him in His words before the people; and amazed at His answer, they fell silent." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/20-26.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/20-26.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 26</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/20-25.htm" title="Luke 20:25">◄</a> Luke 20:26 <a href="/luke/20-27.htm" title="Luke 20:27">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/luke/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/luke/20.htm">New International Version</a> They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent. <a href="/nlt/luke/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> So they failed to trap him by what he said in front of the people. Instead, they were amazed by his answer, and they became silent. <a href="/esv/luke/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent. <a href="/bsb/luke/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And they were unable to trap Him in His words before the people. And amazed at His answer, they fell silent. <a href="/blb/luke/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And they were not able to catch Him in His word before the people. And having marveled at His answer, they became silent. <a href="/kjv/luke/20.htm">King James Bible</a> And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace. <a href="/nkjv/luke/20.htm">New King James Version</a> But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent. <a href="/nasb_/luke/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And they were unable to catch Him in a statement in the presence of the people; and they were amazed at His answer, and said nothing. <a href="/nasb/luke/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> And they were unable to catch Him in a saying in the presence of the people; and being amazed at His answer, they became silent. <a href="/nasb77/luke/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And they were unable to catch Him in a saying in the presence of the people; and marveling at His answer, they became silent. <a href="/lsb/luke/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And they were unable to catch Him in a word in the presence of the people; and marveling at His answer, they became silent. <a href="/amp/luke/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> They were not able to seize on anything He said in the presence of the people; and being unnerved at His reply, they were silent. <a href="/csb/luke/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> They were not able to catch him in what he said in public, and being amazed at his answer, they became silent. <a href="/hcsb/luke/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> They were not able to catch Him in what He said in public, and being amazed at His answer, they became silent. <a href="/asv/luke/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And they were not able to take hold of the saying before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace. <a href="/cev/luke/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jesus' enemies could not catch him saying anything wrong there in front of the people. They were amazed at his answer and kept quiet. <a href="/erv/luke/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> And they were not able to take hold of the saying before the people: and they marveled at his answer, and held their peace. <a href="/gwt/luke/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They couldn't make him say anything wrong in front of the people. His answer surprised them, so they said no more. <a href="/gnt/luke/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> There before the people they could not catch him in a thing, so they kept quiet, amazed at his answer. <a href="/isv/luke/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> So they couldn't catch him before the people in what he said. Amazed at his answer, they became silent. <a href="/msb/luke/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And they were unable to trap Him in His words before the people. And amazed at His answer, they fell silent. <a href="/net/luke/20.htm">NET Bible</a> Thus they were unable in the presence of the people to trap him with his own words. And stunned by his answer, they fell silent. <a href="/nheb/luke/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> They weren't able to trap him in his words before the people. And amazed at his answer, they fell silent. <a href="/wbt/luke/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marveled at his answer, and held their peace. <a href="/wey/luke/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> There was nothing here that they could lay hold of before the people, and marvelling at His answer they said no more. <a href="/web/luke/20.htm">World English Bible</a> They weren’t able to trap him in his words before the people. They marveled at his answer and were silent. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and they were not able to take hold on His saying before the people, and having wondered at His answer, they were silent. <a href="/blb/luke/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And they were not able to catch Him in His word before the people. And having marveled at His answer, they became silent. <a href="/ylt/luke/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and they were not able to take hold on his saying before the people, and having wondered at his answer, they were silent. <a href="/slt/luke/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they were not able to seize upon his word before the people: and having wondered at his answer, they were silent.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And they could not reprehend his word before the people: and wondering at his answer, they held their peace. <a href="/cpdv/luke/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And they were not able to contradict his word before the people. And being amazed at his answer, they were silent. <a href="/nabre/luke/20.htm">New American Bible</a> They were unable to trap him by something he might say before the people, and so amazed were they at his reply that they fell silent. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And they were not able in the presence of the people to trap him by what he said; and being amazed by his answer, they became silent.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And they were not able to get a word from him before the people; and they were amazed at his answer, and kept silence. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/20.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And they could not lay hold of any word from him before the people, and they were amazed at his answer, and they kept silent.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/20.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And they were not able to take hold of his words before the people. And they were astonished at his answer, and were silent.<CM> <a href="/godbey/luke/20.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And they were not able to criticise His word before the people: and being astonished at His answer, they were silent. <a href="/haweis/luke/20.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And they were unable to lay hold of a single expression of his before the people: and marvelling at his answer, they were silenced.<CM> <a href="/mace/luke/20.htm">Mace New Testament</a> so not being able to take any advantage from his words, before the people, they said no more, being surpriz'd at his answer. <a href="/wey/luke/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> There was nothing here that they could lay hold of before the people, and marvelling at His answer they said no more. <a href="/worrell/luke/20.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And they were not able to lay hold of any saying of His before the people; and, marvelling at His answer, they were silent. <a href="/worsley/luke/20.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And they could not take hold of his word before the people: and they marvelled at his answer and said no more. <a href="/parallel/luke/20-26.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=8024" 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> …25So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 26<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/2480.htm" title="2480: ischysan (V-AIA-3P) -- To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.">they were unable</a> <a href="/greek/1949.htm" title="1949: epilabesthai (V-ANM) -- To lay hold of, take hold of, seize (sometimes with beneficent, sometimes with hostile, intent). ">to trap Him in</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.">His</a> <a href="/greek/4487.htm" title="4487: rhēmatos (N-GNS) -- From rheo; an utterance,; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.">words</a> <a href="/greek/1726.htm" title="1726: enantion (Prep) -- Before, in the presence of, in the eyes of. Neuter of enantios; in the presence of.">before</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.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2992.htm" title="2992: laou (N-GMS) -- Apparently a primary word; a people.">people;</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2296.htm" title="2296: thaumasantes (V-APA-NMP) -- (a) intrans: I wonder, marvel, (b) trans: I wonder at, admire. From thauma; to wonder; by implication, to admire.">amazed</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">at</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.">His</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/612.htm" title="612: apokrisei (N-DFS) -- An answer, reply. From apokrinomai; a response.">answer,</a> <a href="/greek/4601.htm" title="4601: esigēsan (V-AIA-3P) -- Intrans: I am silent, keep silence; trans: I keep secret; pass: I am kept secret. From sige; to keep silent.">they fell silent.</a> 27Then some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to question Him.…<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/22-22.htm">Matthew 22:22</a> And when they heard this, they were amazed. So they left Him and went away. <a href="/mark/12-17.htm">Mark 12:17</a> Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him. <a href="/romans/13-7.htm">Romans 13:7</a> Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. <a href="/1_peter/2-15.htm">1 Peter 2:15</a> For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. <a href="/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4-5</a> Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. / Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes. <a href="/matthew/22-15.htm">Matthew 22:15-21</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 12:13-15</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="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a> Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a> Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. <a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28</a> The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil. <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a> Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. <a href="/mark/3-6.htm">Mark 3:6</a> At this, the Pharisees went out and began plotting with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12</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. <a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1-4</a> Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: / “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.” ... <a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13-14</a> Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men. / Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marveled at his answer, and held their peace.they could.<a href="/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20,39,40</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="/job/5-12.htm">Job 5:12,13</a> He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise… <a href="/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4,5</a> Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him… and they marvelled.<a href="/luke/13-17.htm">Luke 13:17</a> And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.<a href="/matthew/22-12.htm">Matthew 22:12,22,34</a> And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless… <a href="/romans/3-19.htm">Romans 3:19</a> Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/19-48.htm">Able</a> <a href="/luke/11-14.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/luke/11-38.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/luke/20-20.htm">Catch</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-50.htm">Expressions</a> <a href="/luke/19-41.htm">Full</a> <a href="/luke/14-4.htm">Held</a> <a href="/luke/20-20.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/luke/20-19.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/luke/11-38.htm">Marveled</a> <a href="/luke/9-43.htm">Marveling</a> <a href="/luke/11-38.htm">Marvelled</a> <a href="/luke/9-43.htm">Marvelling</a> <a href="/luke/19-42.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/luke/19-27.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/luke/12-3.htm">Public</a> <a href="/luke/19-40.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/luke/20-20.htm">Trap</a> <a href="/luke/19-3.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/luke/17-17.htm">Weren't</a> <a href="/luke/11-14.htm">Wondered</a> <a href="/luke/9-43.htm">Wondering</a> <a href="/luke/20-21.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/21-15.htm">Able</a> <a href="/luke/24-22.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/luke/24-22.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/john/21-6.htm">Catch</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-50.htm">Expressions</a> <a href="/luke/22-16.htm">Full</a> <a href="/luke/22-24.htm">Held</a> <a href="/luke/23-26.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/luke/21-12.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/john/4-27.htm">Marveled</a> <a href="/luke/24-12.htm">Marveling</a> <a href="/john/4-27.htm">Marvelled</a> <a href="/luke/2-33.htm">Marvelling</a> <a href="/luke/24-36.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/luke/21-36.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/luke/20-46.htm">Public</a> <a href="/acts/8-32.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/romans/11-9.htm">Trap</a> <a href="/john/3-8.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/luke/24-32.htm">Weren't</a> <a href="/luke/24-41.htm">Wondered</a> <a href="/luke/22-23.htm">Wondering</a> <a href="/luke/20-46.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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And they were unable to trap Him in His words before the people. This phrase highlights the ongoing attempts by the religious leaders to discredit Jesus. Throughout the Gospels, the Pharisees and Sadducees frequently sought to ensnare Jesus with questions designed to undermine His authority or catch Him in a theological error. The context here is a series of challenges posed to Jesus, including questions about paying taxes to Caesar (<a href="/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20-25</a>). The leaders' inability to trap Him underscores Jesus' wisdom and divine insight, fulfilling prophecies such as <a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a>, which speaks of the Spirit of wisdom resting upon the Messiah. This also reflects the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, where wisdom is portrayed as a defense against deceit (<a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm">Proverbs 2:12</a>).And amazed at His answer, The amazement of the religious leaders and the crowd reflects the authority and depth of Jesus' teaching. His answers often revealed a profound understanding of the law and the heart of God, which left His opponents without a rebuttal. This amazement is a recurring theme in the Gospels, as seen in <a href="/matthew/7-28.htm">Matthew 7:28-29</a>, where the crowds are astonished at His teaching because He taught with authority, unlike the scribes. Jesus' ability to confound His critics with simple yet profound truths points to His divine nature and fulfillment of the role of the ultimate Teacher and Prophet, as foretold in <a href="/deuteronomy/18-15.htm">Deuteronomy 18:15</a>.they fell silent. The silence of Jesus' opponents signifies their defeat and the recognition of His superior wisdom. In the cultural context of first-century Judaism, public debate was a common method of establishing authority and credibility. The inability of the religious leaders to respond effectively to Jesus' answers not only silenced them but also elevated Jesus' status among the people. This silence can be seen as a fulfillment of prophecies like <a href="/psalms/110.htm">Psalm 110:1</a>, where the enemies of the Messiah are subdued. It also prefigures the ultimate silence of all opposition at the final judgment, as described in <a href="/philippians/2-10.htm">Philippians 2:10-11</a>, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.<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 questioned by the religious leaders. His wisdom and authority are evident as He navigates their attempts to trap Him. 2. <a href="/topical/r/religious_leaders.htm">Religious Leaders</a> These include the chief priests, scribes, and elders who are trying to catch Jesus in a statement that could be used against Him. Their intent is to discredit Him in front of the people. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_people.htm">The People</a> The crowd witnessing the interaction between Jesus and the religious leaders. They are significant as their perception of Jesus is crucial to the leaders' plans. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The setting of this event, where Jesus is teaching in the temple courts. This location is significant as it is the center of Jewish religious life. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_question_of_tribute_to_caesar.htm">The Question of Tribute to Caesar</a> The event revolves around a question posed to Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar, which was a politically and religiously charged issue.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_speech.htm">Wisdom in Speech</a> Jesus exemplifies the importance of speaking with wisdom and discernment. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance in their words, especially in challenging situations. <a href="/topical/a/authority_of_jesus.htm">Authority of Jesus</a> This passage highlights Jesus' authority and wisdom, affirming His divine nature. Christians can trust in His teachings and follow His example. <a href="/topical/h/handling_opposition.htm">Handling Opposition</a> Jesus' response to the religious leaders teaches us how to handle opposition with grace and truth. Believers should remain calm and rely on God's wisdom when faced with challenges. <a href="/topical/r/respect_for_authority.htm">Respect for Authority</a> Jesus' teaching on paying taxes underscores the importance of respecting and submitting to governing authorities, as long as it does not conflict with God's commands. <a href="/topical/s/silencing_critics.htm">Silencing Critics</a> The religious leaders' silence after Jesus' response demonstrates the power of truth. Christians are reminded that truth, spoken in love, can effectively address criticism and opposition.<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/key_events_in_jesus'_trials.htm">What were the key events in Jesus' trials?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'wonderful_counselor'_mean.htm">What does "Wonderful Counselor" mean regarding Jesus?</a> <a href="/q/honor_parents_or_not_(ex._20_12_vs._lk._14_26).htm">Should we honor our parents? (Exodus 20:12 vs. Luke 14:26)</a> <a href="/q/why_does_jesus_say_to_'hate'_family.htm">Luke 14:26: Why does Jesus command followers to 'hate' their family, contradicting the biblical admonition to honor parents (Exodus 20:12)?</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>(26) And they could not take hold of his words.--As St. Luke is fuller in his account of the plot of the questioners (<a href="/luke/20-20.htm" title="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.">Luke 20:20</a>), so is he in that of its defeat.They marvelled at his answer.--There is an interesting, though obviously undesigned, parallelism with the narrative of the incident in which the Lord Jesus was first brought face to face with the Rabbis of Jerusalem. Then also "they were astonished at His answers" (<a href="/luke/2-47.htm" title="And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.">Luke 2:47</a>). The childhood was, in this respect, a prophecy of the manhood. <a href="/commentaries/luke/20-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>And Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. they were unable ἴσχυσαν (ischysan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2480.htm">Strong's 2480: </a> To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force. to trap Him in ἐπιλαβέσθαι (epilabesthai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle <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). 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 ῥήματος (rhēmatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4487.htm">Strong's 4487: </a> From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever. before ἐναντίον (enantion) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1726.htm">Strong's 1726: </a> Before, in the presence of, in the eyes of. Neuter of enantios; in the presence 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. people; λαοῦ (laou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2992.htm">Strong's 2992: </a> Apparently a primary word; a people. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. astonished θαυμάσαντες (thaumasantes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2296.htm">Strong's 2296: </a> (a) intrans: I wonder, marvel, (b) trans: I wonder at, admire. From thauma; to wonder; by implication, to admire. at ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. 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. answer, ἀποκρίσει (apokrisei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_612.htm">Strong's 612: </a> An answer, reply. From apokrinomai; a response. they fell silent. ἐσίγησαν (esigēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4601.htm">Strong's 4601: </a> Intrans: I am silent, keep silence; trans: I keep secret; pass: I am kept secret. From sige; to keep silent. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/20-26.htm">Luke 20:26 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/20-26.htm">Luke 20:26 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/20-26.htm">Luke 20:26 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/20-26.htm">Luke 20:26 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/20-26.htm">Luke 20:26 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/20-26.htm">Luke 20:26 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/20-26.htm">Luke 20:26 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/20-26.htm">Luke 20:26 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/20-26.htm">Luke 20:26 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/20-26.htm">Luke 20:26 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/20-26.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 20:26 They weren't able to trap him (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/20-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 20:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 20:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/20-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 20:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 20:27" /></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>