Luke 20:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he perceived {G2657} their {G846} craftiness {G3834}, and said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, Why {G5101} tempt ye {G3985} me {G3165}?

Complete Jewish Bible

But he, spotting their craftiness, said to them,

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus saw through their duplicity and said to them,

American Standard Version

But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 20:23 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' final week, revealing His divine omniscience as He instantly discerns the malicious intent behind the religious leaders' seemingly innocuous question. Faced with their cunning trap, Jesus immediately exposes their "craftiness" and challenges their true motive, demonstrating His unwavering authority and profound insight into the human heart, even before delivering His famously wise response.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the intense final days of Jesus' earthly ministry in Jerusalem, specifically while He is teaching in the temple courts. The preceding verses ([Luke 20:19-22](/luke/20-19-22 "Luke 20:19-22 - The Parable of the Wicked Tenants and the Trap Laid for Jesus")) establish that the chief priests, scribes, and elders were actively seeking to arrest Jesus but feared the people. Consequently, they resorted to sending "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" ([Luke 20:20](/luke/20-20 "Luke 20:20 - Spies Sent to Trap Jesus")). The specific trap was a politically charged question regarding the lawfulness of paying tribute to Caesar ([Luke 20:22](/luke/20-22 "Luke 20:22 - The Question of Tribute to Caesar")), designed to force Jesus into a dilemma: either endorse Roman taxation and alienate the Jewish populace, or condemn it and be accused of sedition against Rome. Luke 20:23 serves as the immediate prelude to Jesus' famous "Render unto Caesar" response, highlighting His supernatural awareness of their scheme.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was under Roman occupation, a reality deeply resented by many Jews. The Roman poll tax, specifically, was a constant source of grievance, viewed by many as a symbol of their subjugation and an affront to God's sovereignty over Israel. Zealots, in particular, advocated non-payment, believing it was unlawful to pay taxes to a foreign power. The religious leaders' question was thus a masterfully crafted trap, exploiting this volatile political and religious tension. If Jesus said "yes," He would lose credibility with the nationalist-leaning crowds; if "no," He could be reported to the Roman governor Pilate as a rebel. The temple, where this exchange occurred, was the epicenter of Jewish religious and national identity, making it a highly public and sensitive venue for such a confrontation. Jesus' ability to navigate this treacherous political landscape without falling into their snare underscores His unique wisdom and divine authority.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 20:23 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Jesus' Divine Discernment and Omniscience**, showcasing His supernatural ability to perceive the hidden motives and intentions of His adversaries, as seen in other instances where He knew what was in people's hearts (e.g., [John 2:25](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus' Knowledge of Human Hearts")). This highlights His divinity, as only God truly knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart ([Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - The Lord Searches the Heart")). Another significant theme is **Human Deceit and Malice**, revealing the depths of human wickedness and the cunning strategies employed by those opposed to God's truth. The religious leaders were not genuinely seeking truth or understanding, but rather a pretext to condemn Jesus, illustrating the pervasive nature of sin and opposition to light. Finally, the verse addresses the **Nature of Temptation and Hostile Testing**, as the question posed to Jesus was not a sincere inquiry but a malicious "temptation" or test designed to ensnare Him. Jesus' immediate response exposes their true agenda, setting the stage for His profound teaching on the dual allegiances to earthly and divine authority, a theme central to understanding His kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **perceived (Greek, _katanoéō'_):** From G2657. This word means "to observe fully," "to consider attentively," or "to discern." It implies a deep, comprehensive understanding that goes beyond mere casual observation. Jesus didn't just notice their presence or hear their words; He fully comprehended their sinister design and the underlying malice of their hearts. This verb emphasizes a profound, penetrating insight into the true nature of their intentions.
* **craftiness (Greek, _panourgía'_):** From G3834. This term, derived from a word meaning "all working" or "capable of everything," carries a negative connotation of adroitness, trickery, cunning, or unscrupulousness. It refers to a deceitful cleverness, a manipulative and insidious skill employed for malicious purposes. The religious leaders' "craftiness" was not merely a clever strategy, but a morally corrupt and deceptive plot aimed at entrapping Jesus.
* **tempt ye (Greek, _peirázō'_):** From G3985. This verb means "to test," "to try," or "to put to the proof." While it can sometimes refer to a legitimate test, in this context, it signifies a hostile test, an attempt to ensnare, lead into sin, or prove one's guilt. Jesus' question "Why tempt ye me?" immediately unmasks their insincere inquiry as a malicious attempt to trap Him, rather than a genuine search for truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he perceived their craftiness":** This clause highlights Jesus' divine insight. The conjunction "But" (G1161 `dé`) introduces a contrast: despite their deceptive outward appearance and feigned righteousness, Jesus saw through their facade. The word "perceived" (G2657 `katanoéō`) emphasizes His complete and penetrating understanding of their malicious "craftiness" (G3834 `panourgía`), which was a cunning, deceptive, and morally corrupt scheme. This demonstrates Jesus' omniscience, His ability to know the hidden intentions and thoughts of the human heart, an attribute of God alone.
* **"and said unto them":** This phrase indicates Jesus' immediate and direct confrontation of their deceit. He does not hesitate or deliberate but responds with authoritative clarity. His speaking "unto them" (G4314 `prós` G846 `autós`) signifies a direct address to the very individuals who sought to trap Him, asserting His knowledge and control over the situation.
* **"Why tempt ye me?":** This rhetorical question serves to expose their true motives. Jesus uses the interrogative "Why" (G5101 `tís`) to challenge their deceptive pretense. By asking "Why tempt ye me?" (G3985 `peirázō` G3165 `mé`), He reveals that He fully understands their question is not a sincere inquiry but a hostile "test" designed to ensnare Him. This question strips away their hypocritical guise and brings their malicious intent into the open, demonstrating His mastery over His adversaries.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 20:23 effectively employs several literary devices to underscore the dramatic tension and Jesus' divine nature. **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as the audience is privy to Jesus' divine knowledge of the leaders' "craftiness," while the leaders themselves are unaware that their plot has been instantly discerned. This creates tension and anticipation for Jesus' response. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting the deceptive "craftiness" of the religious leaders against the pure, penetrating insight of Jesus. Their elaborate scheme to "tempt" Him stands in stark opposition to His simple, direct, and truth-revealing question. Furthermore, the rhetorical question, "Why tempt ye me?", serves as a powerful **Exposition** of their true intentions, stripping away their pretense and revealing their malice. This direct challenge also functions as a form of **Confrontation**, immediately shifting the power dynamic from the deceptive questioners to the discerning Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:23 offers profound theological insights into the nature of Christ and the spiritual battle. Jesus' ability to "perceive their craftiness" is a clear demonstration of His divine omniscience, an attribute belonging to God alone. He sees beyond outward appearances and feigned piety into the very motives and intentions of the heart, affirming His deity. This divine discernment is not merely an intellectual feat but a spiritual one, highlighting the ongoing conflict between truth and deception, light and darkness. The religious leaders' "craftiness" exemplifies the pervasive human tendency towards manipulation and malice when confronted with divine truth. This verse also foreshadows the ultimate confrontation between Jesus and the forces of evil, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection, where He definitively triumphs over all deceit and opposition.

* [Matthew 22:18](/matthew/22-18 "Matthew 22:18 - Jesus' Discernment of the Pharisees' Malice")
* [Mark 12:15](/mark/12-15 "Mark 12:15 - Jesus Perceives Their Hypocrisy")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Are Naked Before God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 20:23 serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' unparalleled wisdom and His ability to navigate any challenge, offering a model for how to confront deceit with truth and grace. In a world often filled with deceptive motives, hidden agendas, and cunning strategies, believers are called to cultivate spiritual discernment. Just as Jesus saw through the craftiness of His adversaries, we are encouraged to pray for wisdom and discernment to understand the true intentions behind words and actions, whether in personal interactions, professional settings, or broader societal issues. This verse instills confidence in Jesus' sovereignty and His capacity to expose and overcome all forms of deception. It challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring our motives are pure and our pursuit of truth is genuine, rather than engaging in "craftiness" or manipulative tactics. Ultimately, trusting in Jesus' divine discernment allows us to rest in His perfect knowledge and to respond to challenges not with human cunning, but with divine wisdom and integrity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' immediate perception of "craftiness" encourage you in situations where you face deception or manipulation?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to use "craftiness" or insincere questions instead of approaching situations with truth and integrity?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment in your own life, recognizing hidden motives and agendas?**

### FAQ
**What was the "craftiness" of the religious leaders that Jesus perceived?**

Answer: The "craftiness" (Greek: _panourgía_) of the religious leaders was their deceptive and malicious strategy to trap Jesus with a politically charged question. They sent "spies" ([Luke 20:20](/luke/20-20 "Luke 20:20 - Spies Sent to Trap Jesus")) who feigned righteousness and sincerity, asking Jesus whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar ([Luke 20:22](/luke/20-22 "Luke 20:22 - The Question of Tribute to Caesar")). This question was a no-win scenario for Jesus: if He said "yes," He would alienate the Jewish populace who resented Roman rule; if He said "no," He could be accused of sedition against Rome and arrested by the Roman authorities. Their "craftiness" lay in their cunning attempt to force Jesus into a public statement that would either discredit Him with the people or provide grounds for His arrest by the governor.

**How did Jesus "perceive" their craftiness, and what does this reveal about Him?**

Answer: Jesus "perceived" (Greek: _katanoéō_) their craftiness through His divine omniscience and supernatural insight. This was not merely an astute observation or an educated guess based on their reputation; it was a deep, penetrating understanding of their hidden motives and the malicious intent of their hearts. As God incarnate, Jesus possessed the unique ability to know the thoughts and intentions of all people ([John 2:25](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus Knows What is in Man")). His immediate recognition of their "temptation" (Greek: _peirázō_) as a hostile test, rather than a genuine inquiry, reveals His divine nature and perfect knowledge. It demonstrates that He is not merely a wise teacher, but the Son of God, who cannot be deceived or outwitted by human cunning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:23, with Jesus' piercing discernment of His adversaries' "craftiness," powerfully points to His ultimate role as the Christ, the Son of God, who possesses perfect knowledge and wisdom. His ability to see through the deceptive facade of the religious leaders foreshadows His final judgment, where all hidden motives and secret deeds will be laid bare before Him ([Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Are Naked Before Him")). This moment in the temple is a microcosm of the larger cosmic conflict between truth and deception, light and darkness, which Christ came to decisively win. He is the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")), and His immediate exposure of their "temptation" recalls His victory over the ultimate tempter in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")). The Christ who perceives all craftiness is the same Christ who, through His death and resurrection, disarmed and triumphed over the principalities and powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). His divine wisdom, demonstrated here, is now available to believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit, making Him not only our Savior but also our wisdom and sanctification ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")).

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

1 Corinthians 3:19

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

Matthew 22:18

But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, [ye] hypocrites?

Luke 11:16

And others, tempting [him], sought of him a sign from heaven.

Luke 11:17

But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house [divided] against a house falleth.

Psalms 95:9

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

Luke 5:22

But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

Luke 11:53

And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge [him] vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: