Luke 20:20

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they watched {G3906} him, and sent forth {G649} spies {G1455}, which should feign {G5271}{G1511} themselves {G1438} just men {G1342}, that {G2443} they might take hold {G1949} of his {G846} words {G3056}, that so {G1519} they might deliver {G3860} him {G846} unto the power {G746} and {G2532} authority {G1849} of the governor {G2232}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they kept a close watch on the situation. They sent spies who hypocritically represented themselves as righteous, so that they might seize hold of something Yeshua said, as an excuse to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor.

Berean Standard Bible

So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 20:20 vividly portrays the escalating hostility of the Jewish religious leaders towards Jesus during his final days in Jerusalem. Unable to openly arrest him due to his popularity, they resort to a cunning strategy: dispatching agents disguised as sincere, righteous men. Their insidious objective was to ensnare Jesus with his own words, creating a pretext to hand him over to the Roman governor, thereby shifting the responsibility for his potential execution from themselves to the imperial authorities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a series of confrontations between Jesus and the religious authorities. In [Luke 20:1-8](/luke/20-1-8 "Luke 20:1-8 - Jesus' Authority Challenged"), they directly challenged His authority, to which He responded with a counter-question about John the Baptist. Then, Jesus delivered the [Parable of the Wicked Tenants](/luke/20-9-19 "Luke 20:9-19 - The Parable of the Wicked Tenants"), a thinly veiled indictment of their rejection of God's messengers and His Son, which the chief priests and scribes understood as being directed at them ([Luke 20:19](/luke/20-19 "Luke 20:19 - Leaders Seek to Arrest Jesus")). Their desire to seize Him was palpable, but their fear of the people prevented a direct approach. Luke 20:20 marks a strategic shift from open challenge to covert entrapment, setting the stage for the famous "render unto Caesar" exchange in the subsequent verses ([Luke 20:21-26](/luke/20-21-26 "Luke 20:21-26 - The Question of Paying Taxes to Caesar")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Judea at this time was under Roman occupation, ruled by a Roman governor (procurator) like Pontius Pilate. While the Jewish Sanhedrin had considerable autonomy in religious and civil matters, they lacked the authority to carry out capital punishment without Roman approval, especially for political offenses. This limitation is crucial to understanding the leaders' strategy: they needed to frame Jesus as a political threat to Rome, rather than merely a religious heretic, to secure his execution. The practice of sending "spies" or agents provocateurs was not uncommon in ancient political maneuvering, and the pretense of being "just men" (i.e., sincere, pious individuals) was a common tactic to gain trust and extract incriminating statements. The Temple courts, where Jesus was teaching, were public spaces, making covert operations necessary for the authorities.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 20:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **escalating opposition** to Jesus, moving from questioning His authority to actively seeking His demise through deceit. Secondly, it underscores the **hypocrisy and moral corruption** of the religious elite, who feign righteousness while harboring murderous intent, a theme Jesus frequently condemned, as seen in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). Thirdly, the verse foreshadows the **transfer of Jesus' fate to Roman authority**, emphasizing the Jewish leaders' ultimate inability to execute Him themselves and their reliance on the imperial power to achieve their goal, a pivotal moment leading to [Jesus' trial before Pilate](/john/18-28-40 "John 18:28-40 - Jesus Before Pilate"). Finally, it sets the stage for the demonstration of **Jesus' divine wisdom and discernment**, as He consistently sees through their schemes and answers with profound truth, as exemplified in His response to the tax question in [Luke 20:21-26](/luke/20-21-26 "Luke 20:21-26 - Jesus' Wise Reply to the Tax Question").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spies (Greek, _enkáthetos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "subinduced" or "placed in," this term describes someone "surreptitiously suborned as a lier-in-wait." It perfectly captures the clandestine and deceptive nature of these agents, who were secretly dispatched with the specific purpose of ambushing Jesus with a verbal trap. They were not genuine seekers of truth but covert operatives.
* **feign (Greek, _hypokrínomai'_):** This word, from which we derive "hypocrite," literally means "to decide (speak or act) under a false part" or "to dissemble/pretend." It emphasizes the deliberate act of putting on a false appearance of sincerity and righteousness ("just men") to conceal their true, malicious intentions. Their outward demeanor was a carefully constructed facade designed to deceive Jesus and those around Him.
* **take hold (Greek, _epilambánomai'_):** This verb signifies "to seize" or "to lay hold upon," often with a sense of grasping firmly or apprehending. In this context, it refers to their intent to "seize" or "catch" Jesus in His words, implying a desire to find something incriminating that could be used as evidence against Him. It highlights their predatory aim to exploit His speech for their destructive purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they watched [him], and sent forth spies":** This initial clause reveals the calculated and sustained nature of the opposition. "They watched him" (Greek: _paratēréō_) implies a careful, insidious observation, not for learning, but for finding fault. The decision to "send forth spies" (Greek: _apostéllō enkátethos_) indicates a deliberate, organized effort by the religious authorities, moving beyond direct confrontation to a more subtle, yet equally malicious, form of attack.
* **"which should feign themselves just men":** This phrase exposes the profound hypocrisy at the heart of their scheme. The spies were instructed to "feign" (Greek: _hypokrínomai_) or pretend to be "just men" (Greek: _díkaios_), meaning righteous, upright, or sincere individuals. This deceptive disguise was crucial to their plan, as it aimed to disarm Jesus and elicit an unguarded response.
* **"that they might take hold of his words":** This clause states the immediate objective of their deception. Their goal was to "take hold of" (Greek: _epilambánomai_) or "seize upon" Jesus' "words" (Greek: _lógos_). This was not about understanding His teaching but about finding a specific statement that could be twisted or used as legal grounds for accusation, either under Jewish law (blasphemy) or Roman law (sedition).
* **"that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor":** This final clause reveals the ultimate, sinister aim of the religious leaders. Their intent was to "deliver" (Greek: _paradídōmi_), or hand over, Jesus to the "power" (Greek: _archḗ_, here meaning "rule" or "dominion") and "authority" (Greek: _exousía_, meaning "jurisdiction" or "delegated influence") of the "governor" (Greek: _hēgemṓn_, referring to Pontius Pilate). This demonstrates their lack of capital punishment authority and their desire to use the Roman system to achieve their murderous ends, thereby absolving themselves of direct responsibility in the eyes of the people.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 20:20 employs several significant literary devices to heighten the dramatic tension and underscore the moral conflict. The primary device is **Irony**, specifically dramatic irony, as the audience is fully aware of the spies' malicious intent while they present themselves as "just men." This contrast between appearance and reality highlights the profound hypocrisy of Jesus' adversaries. The phrase "feign themselves just men" is a powerful example of **Antithesis**, juxtaposing their outwardly righteous facade with their inwardly corrupt and murderous intentions. Furthermore, the entire scenario functions as **Foreshadowing**, pointing directly to Jesus' eventual arrest, trial, and delivery to Pontius Pilate for execution. The meticulous planning by the religious leaders, described by the verbs "watched," "sent forth," and "feign," also creates a sense of **Suspense**, as the reader anticipates Jesus' response to this carefully laid trap.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:20 underscores the pervasive theme of spiritual blindness and hardened hearts among those who claimed to be God's representatives. Rather than embracing the truth of Jesus' Messiahship, they actively sought to destroy Him, demonstrating a profound rejection of divine revelation. Their reliance on deceit and political maneuvering reveals a deep-seated spiritual corruption, prioritizing their own power and prestige over God's will. This desperate attempt to ensnare Jesus with His own words highlights the ultimate futility of human cunning against divine wisdom, setting the stage for Jesus' masterful evasion of their trap. The verse also serves as a stark reminder of the world's opposition to Christ and His followers, often manifesting in subtle, deceptive ways rather than overt persecution.

* [Psalm 37:32-33](/psalms/37-32-33 "Psalm 37:32-33 - The Wicked Watch the Righteous")
* [Proverbs 12:13](/proverbs/12-13 "Proverbs 12:13 - The Wicked Trapped by Their Own Words")
* [Matthew 22:15-18](/matthew/22-15-18 "Matthew 22:15-18 - The Pharisees' Plot Against Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 20:20 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, urging us to cultivate spiritual discernment and unwavering integrity in a world often characterized by deception. Just as Jesus faced those who feigned righteousness to entrap Him, we too may encounter individuals or ideologies that present a veneer of truth or justice while harboring ulterior motives. This verse calls us to look beyond superficial appearances, to test the spirits, and to prayerfully seek God's wisdom to discern genuine intent from manipulative schemes. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful cautionary tale against hypocrisy. The religious leaders' pretense of being "just men" while plotting evil is a stark reminder that outward religiosity without inward purity is an abomination to God. We are challenged to live lives of authentic faith, where our words, actions, and intentions are aligned with the character of Christ, reflecting true righteousness rather than a mere performance. In moments of opposition or attempted entrapment, we are encouraged to trust in the Lord's wisdom, knowing that He can equip us to navigate complex situations with grace and truth, just as Jesus did.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge my own tendencies towards hypocrisy or pretense in my faith or relationships?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need greater spiritual discernment to recognize deceptive motives or influences?**
* **How can I respond with Christ-like wisdom and integrity when faced with opposition or attempts to trap me with my words?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Jewish leaders need to involve the Roman governor?**

Answer: The Jewish religious leaders, specifically the Sanhedrin, had limited authority under Roman occupation. While they could enforce Jewish law and impose certain penalties, they did not possess the legal right to carry out capital punishment for offenses like blasphemy, which was a religious charge. For an execution, especially one that might cause public unrest, they required the approval and direct involvement of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. By attempting to frame Jesus as a political insurgent or a threat to Roman authority (e.g., claiming to be "King of the Jews"), they sought to shift the responsibility for His execution from themselves to the Romans, thereby avoiding a direct confrontation with the Jewish populace who largely revered Jesus ([Luke 20:6](/luke/20-6 "Luke 20:6 - The People Held John to be a Prophet")). This is clearly seen later when they bring Jesus before Pilate in [John 18:28-32](/john/18-28-32 "John 18:28-32 - Jesus Brought Before Pilate").

**What was the specific "trap" they intended to set for Jesus with their questions?**

Answer: The immediate trap, which follows directly after this verse, involved a question about paying taxes to Caesar ([Luke 20:21-22](/luke/20-21-22 "Luke 20:21-22 - The Question About Taxes")). If Jesus said "yes," He would alienate the Jewish masses who resented Roman taxation and viewed it as oppression, thus undermining His popularity. If He said "no," He could be accused of sedition against Rome, providing the very political grounds the leaders needed to "deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor." This question was designed to be a lose-lose situation for Jesus, demonstrating the cunning and malicious intent behind their feigned sincerity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:20, though depicting the cunning opposition to Jesus, profoundly highlights His divine nature and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The attempt to "take hold of his words" and "deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor" foreshadows the ultimate betrayal and crucifixion of Christ, which, paradoxically, was not a defeat but the very means of salvation. Jesus, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), could not be truly trapped by human words or schemes; instead, He willingly surrendered Himself, fulfilling the prophecies of a suffering servant. The "power and authority of the governor" (Pilate) became the unwitting instrument through which God's sovereign will was accomplished, as foretold in [Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "Acts 4:27-28 - God's Plan Fulfilled Through Opposition"), where both Herod and Pontius Pilate are described as conspiring to do what God's hand and counsel had predestined. Thus, this verse, while detailing human malice, ultimately points to the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), voluntarily submitting to the powers of this world to secure eternal redemption, demonstrating His supreme authority even in apparent weakness, as He declared to Pilate in [John 19:11](/john/19-11 "John 19:11 - Jesus' Authority Over Pilate").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 11:54

Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

Matthew 22:15

¶ Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in [his] talk.

Matthew 22:22

When they had heard [these words], they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

Matthew 27:2

And when they had bound him, they led [him] away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

Jeremiah 11:19

But I [was] like a lamb [or] an ox [that] is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, [saying], Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

Psalms 81:15

The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever.

John 18:28

¶ Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.