And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The key insight here is that these opposing factions, the strict Pharisees and the Roman-sympathizing Herodians, are united by their shared hatred of Jesus. Their alliance, usually marked by bitter disagreements, forms solely to trap him, revealing that their animosity towards him was stronger than any internal religious or political divide. This unholy alliance demonstrates the extreme lengths they would go to silence Jesus, even putting aside their own deeply held beliefs to achieve a common goal.
And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having failed to trap Jesus themselves, the religious authorities send a delegation composed of the strictly observant Pharisees and the politically pragmatic Herodians, a highly unusual alliance, to trick him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Their aim is to force Jesus into making a statement that could be used against him, either by appearing to endorse Roman rule or to incite rebellion.
Imagine two groups who despise each other, yet team up with a single goal: to bring someone down. That’s exactly what happened here.
Jesus is approached by a joint delegation of Pharisees and Herodians. This might seem like a minor detail, but it's HUGE.
Opposing Forces United
The Trap is Set
These two groups, with their opposing views on Roman rule and tribute, couldn't agree on much. But they did agree on one thing: they wanted to get rid of Jesus. By sending this unlikely duo, they created a no-win situation for Him, hoping to trap Him no matter His answer.
Their question wasn't about honesty; it was about ensnaring Jesus. See how their words were carefully chosen to corner Him.
The question, "Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?" was a masterfully crafted trap.
Ask a follow-up
A Double Bind
The Goal: Entrapment
This wasn't a genuine inquiry. The text explicitly says they came "to trap him in his talk." They weren't interested in truth, only in finding fault and an excuse to get rid of Jesus. Their flattery beforehand ("Master, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion...") was just a slick preamble to their sinister objective.
Faced with an impossible choice, Jesus didn't pick a side. He revealed a truth that went deeper than their political games.
Jesus saw right through their scheme. Instead of answering their "yes or no" question directly, He turned the tables with profound wisdom.
Seeing Through the Deception
Jesus, "knowing their hypocrisy," didn't fall for their flattery. He asked for a coin. The fact that they had a Roman coin – bearing Caesar's image and inscription – was the key.
The Principle of Dual Citizenship
The Marveled Response
They were astonished because Jesus didn't just avoid the trap; He exposed their own complicity and revealed a higher truth about God's ultimate sovereignty and our unique identity as God's image-bearers. He showed that earthly authority operates under God's authority.
Understand the original words
Pharisaioi · Greek Noun
A Jewish religious group known for strict adherence to the Law of Moses and oral traditions. They often acted as the theological and social opponents of Jesus, prioritizing legalistic righteousness over the heart-transformation offered by the Gospel.
Hērōdianoi · Greek Noun
A political group in first-century Palestine that supported the Herodian dynasty and, by extension, the Roman occupation. They were known for their pragmatic, worldly influence and were historical rivals to the Pharisees, though they united with them against Jesus.
c. 63 BC
Roman Influence in Judea
Roman general Pompey intervenes in a Jewish civil war, establishing Roman influence and control over Judea, setting the stage for future Roman governance and taxation.
c. 37 BC - AD 4
Herod the Great's Reign
Herod the Great, a Roman client king, rules Judea. His reign solidifies Roman authority and introduces Roman administrative practices, including taxation, leading to the formation of groups like the Herodians who supported his rule.
c. AD 6
Quirinius' Census
A Roman census is conducted in Judea by Quirinius, the governor of Syria. This census, intended for taxation purposes, sparks significant Jewish resentment and is a focal point for groups opposing Roman rule.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry
During Jesus' public ministry in Galilee and Judea, he gains a large following, challenging the religious and political authorities.
c. AD 30
The Tribute Question
Religious and political leaders, including Pharisees (who generally opposed Roman rule) and Herodians (who supported it), conspire to trap Jesus by asking if it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus' answer, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's,' cleverly navigates the political minefield.
This passage provides a parallel account of the same event, detailing the Pharisees' plot to trap Jesus and Jesus' wise response using the imagery of a coin to distinguish between civil and divine duties.
Luke 20:20-26Luke's version also recounts this encounter, highlighting Jesus' perception of their hypocrisy and his skillful navigation of a question designed to either alienate him from the people or from Roman authorities.
Romans 13:1-7This passage by Paul directly addresses the principle Jesus touches upon, explaining that governing authorities are established by God and that believers should submit to them, including paying taxes, as an act of obedience to God.
1 Peter 2:13-17Peter echoes Jesus' teaching by urging submission to every human authority for the Lord's sake, whether it be to kings or governors, emphasizing that honoring the king does not preclude honoring God.
expositorsMark 12:13-17: "And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words."
CHAPTER 12:13-17 (Mark 12:13-17)THE TRIBUTE MONEY "And they send unto Him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, that they might catch Him in talk. And when they were come, they say unto Him, Master, 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 Caesa…
ellicottMark 12:13: "And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words."
(13) They send unto him. —In Matthew the Pharisees are said to have “taken counsel,” or “held a council,” and then to have sent their disciples. Here the act appears more definitely as the result of a coalition of the two parties named. On the narrative as a whole, see Notes on Matthew 20:15-22 . To catch.—Better, to entrap.
The key insight here is that these opposing factions, the strict Pharisees and the Roman-sympathizing Herodians, are united by their shared hatred of Jesus. Their alliance, usually marked by bitter disagreements, forms solely to trap him, revealing that their animosity towards him was stronger than any internal religious or political divide. This unholy alliance demonstrates the extreme lengths they would go to silence Jesus, even putting aside their own deeply held beliefs to achieve a common goal.
Having failed to trap Jesus themselves, the religious authorities send a delegation composed of the strictly observant Pharisees and the politically pragmatic Herodians, a highly unusual alliance, to trick him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Their aim is to force Jesus into making a statement that could be used against him, either by appearing to endorse Roman rule or to incite rebellion.
Having failed to trap Jesus themselves, the religious authorities send a delegation composed of the strictly observant Pharisees and the politically pragmatic Herodians, a highly unusual alliance, to trick him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Their aim is to force Jesus into making a statement that could be used against him, either by appearing to endorse Roman rule or to incite rebellion.
"And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk." — The key insight here is that these opposing factions, the strict Pharisees and the Roman-sympathizing Herodians, are united by their shared hatred of Jesus. Their alliance, usually marked by bitter d…
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Last reviewed October 2026