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19 Then[a] the experts in the law[b] and the chief priests wanted to arrest[c] him that very hour, because they realized he had told this parable against them. But[d] they were afraid of the people.

Paying Taxes to Caesar

20 Then[e] they watched him carefully and sent spies who pretended to be sincere.[f] They wanted to take advantage of what he might say[g] so that they could deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction[h] of the governor. 21 Thus[i] they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly,[j] and show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.[k]

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Footnotes

  1. Luke 20:19 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
  2. Luke 20:19 tn Or “The scribes” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 5:21.
  3. Luke 20:19 tn Grk “tried to lay hands on him.”
  4. Luke 20:19 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
  5. Luke 20:20 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
  6. Luke 20:20 tn Grk “righteous,” but in this context the point is their false sincerity.
  7. Luke 20:20 tn Grk “so that they might catch him in some word.”
  8. Luke 20:20 tn This word is often translated “authority” in other contexts, but here, in combination with ἀρχή (archē), it refers to the domain or sphere of the governor’s rule (L&N 37.36).
  9. Luke 20:21 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “thus” to indicate the implied result of the plans by the spies.
  10. Luke 20:21 tn Or “precisely”; Grk “rightly.” Jesus teaches exactly, the straight and narrow.
  11. Luke 20:21 sn Teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Very few comments are as deceitful as this one; they did not really believe this at all. The question was specifically designed to trap Jesus.