Devine Scripture

Luke 20:23

What does Luke 20:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 20:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 20:23 means

Jesus, however, was not deceived by their feigned righteousness or their clever trap. He "perceived their craftiness," recognizing the malicious intent behind their question. His divine insight allowed Him to see through their facade and understand the true motive of their hearts. This demonstrates His omniscience and His ability to expose the deceit of those who sought to harm Him. He would not be manipulated by their flattery or forced into a corner, but would instead respond with wisdom that would completely disarm them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But he saw through their trick and said to them,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he, having perceived their craftiness, said unto them, `Why me do ye tempt?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But perceiving their deceit he said to them, Why do ye tempt me?

Context

This verse highlights Jesus' divine insight, as He immediately recognizes the deceit behind the spies' flattering words and loaded question. His perception of their craftiness sets the stage for His ingenious response, indicating that He is fully aware of their intentions and will not fall into their trap. This observation immediately precedes His counter-move to their question.

v.22Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?

v.23This passage

v.24Show me a denarius. Whose image and superscription hath it? And they said, Cæsar’s.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 20:20

    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.

  • Luke 11:53

    And when he was come out from thence, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press upon him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things;

  • Psalms 95:9

    When your fathers tempted me, Proved me, and saw my work.

  • Luke 11:16

    And others, trying him, sought of him a sign from heaven.

  • Hebrews 4:13

    And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

  • Matthew 16:1

    And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and trying him asked him to show them a sign from heaven.

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