Devine Scripture

Mark 12:13

What does Mark 12:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 12:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 12:13 means

Following their failed attempt to arrest Jesus, the religious leaders shift tactics, dispatching a delegation of Pharisees and Herodians to try and entrap Him with clever questions. This alliance was unusual, as these two groups typically opposed each other: the Pharisees were strict Legalists, and the Herodians supported Roman rule. Their common goal in this instance was to \"catch him in talk,\" meaning to force Jesus into a statement that could be used against Him, either to incriminate Him with the Roman authorities or discredit Him with the Jewish people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, that they might catch him in talk.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, that they might catch him in talk.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then they sent to him certain of the Pharisees and the Herodians, so that they might make use of his words to take him by a trick.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, that they may ensnare him in discourse,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians: that they should catch him in his words.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they send to him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, that they might catch him in speaking.

Context

This verse introduces the first of three direct question-and-answer confrontations after the parable of the wicked husbandmen. It immediately follows the religious leaders' retreat due to fear of the crowd. This strategic sending of an unlikely alliance — Pharisees and Herodians — sets the stage for a calculated attempt to publicly discredit Jesus through His own words, revealing their cunning and desperate opposition.

v.12And they sought to lay hold on him; and they feared the multitude; for they perceived that he spake the parable against them: and they left him, and went away.

v.13This passage

v.14And when they were come, they say unto him, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and carest not for any one; for thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 29:21

    that make a man an offender in his cause, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just with a thing of nought.

  • 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.

  • Mark 8:15

    And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.

  • Psalms 38:12

    They also that seek after my life lay snares for me; And they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, And meditate deceits all the day long.

  • Matthew 16:6

    And Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

  • Mark 3:6

    And the Pharisees went out, and straightway with the Herodians took counsel against him, how they might destroy him.

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