Luke 20:26

KJV

And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they could {G2480} not {G3756} take hold {G1949} of his {G846} words {G4487} before {G1726} the people {G2992}: and {G2532} they marvelled {G2296} at {G1909} his {G846} answer {G612}, and held their peace {G4601}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They were unable to trap him by anything he said publicly; indeed, amazed at his answer, they fell silent.

Berean Standard Bible

And they were unable to trap Him in His words before the people; and amazed at His answer, they fell silent.

American Standard Version

And they were not able to take hold of the saying before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 20:26 powerfully concludes a confrontational exchange between Jesus and His religious adversaries, showcasing His unparalleled divine wisdom and their utter failure to ensnare Him. Despite their cunning attempts to trap Him with a politically charged question, Jesus's profound and balanced response left His opponents completely disarmed, unable to find fault or continue their accusations before the gathered crowd, leaving them astonished and silenced.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus's brilliant response to a carefully orchestrated trap laid by "spies, which should feign themselves just, 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 - The Trap Laid by Spies")). These adversaries, sent by the chief priests and scribes, posed a question designed to force Jesus into a politically dangerous dilemma: "Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?" ([Luke 20:22](/luke/20-22 "Luke 20:22 - The Question about Tribute to Caesar")). A "yes" would alienate the Jewish populace, who resented Roman occupation and taxation; a "no" would be sedition against Rome. Jesus, discerning their craftiness, asked for a denarius and, pointing to Caesar's image, declared, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's" ([Luke 20:25](/luke/20-25 "Luke 20:25 - Jesus's Answer on Caesar and God")). Luke 20:26 then describes the immediate and profound impact of this unassailable answer, marking a significant victory for Jesus in this series of confrontations during His final week in Jerusalem, as also recounted in parallel accounts like [Matthew 22:22](/matthew/22-22 "Matthew 22:22 - Their Amazement at Jesus's Answer") and [Mark 12:17](/mark/12-17 "Mark 12:17 - Mark's Account of the Tribute Question").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the Passover week, a time of heightened religious and political tension. Judea was under Roman occupation, and the tribute tax (a poll tax paid directly to Rome) was a constant source of resentment and rebellion among the Jewish people. Various factions held differing views: the Herodians supported Roman rule, while the Pharisees, though generally opposed to Roman occupation, pragmatically accepted the tax, and the Zealots vehemently resisted it. The chief priests and scribes, representing the established religious authority, sought to discredit Jesus, seeing Him as a threat to their power and influence. By asking about the tribute, they aimed to either expose Him as a Roman collaborator (and thus lose popular support) or as a rebel (and thus be arrested by Roman authorities). The presence of "the people" (Greek: *laos*) underscores the public nature of these confrontations; the religious leaders sought to trap Jesus publicly to diminish His standing, but Jesus's wisdom turned the tables.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Wisdom vs. Human Cunning**, demonstrating Jesus's supernatural insight that consistently outmaneuvered the most sophisticated traps laid by His enemies. Their human schemes were no match for His perfect discernment, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Unassailable Truth**. Jesus's answer was so perfectly balanced and profoundly true that it left no room for accusation, simultaneously affirming civic duty and spiritual obligation without contradiction. This truth stood firm against all attempts to distort or undermine it. Finally, the outcome in [Luke 20:26](/luke/20-26 "Luke 20:26 - The Opponents Silenced") powerfully emphasizes Jesus's **Authority and the Silence of Opposition**. The fact that His opponents "marvelled at his answer, and held their peace" underscores His inherent authority. His words were not merely clever; they carried an undeniable truth that silenced even His most vocal and determined opponents, leaving them speechless and defeated, much like the astonishment people felt at His teaching in [Matthew 7:28](/matthew/7-28 "Matthew 7:28 - The People's Astonishment at Jesus's Doctrine").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **take hold (Greek, _epilambánomai'_):** This verb signifies "to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively)." In this context, it refers to the adversaries' intent to "seize upon" or "lay hold of" Jesus's words in a way that would incriminate Him, either legally before the Roman governor or morally before the Jewish people. Their inability to do so highlights the impregnability of Jesus's wisdom.
* **marvelled (Greek, _thaumázō'_):** Derived from *thauma* (a wonder), this word means "to wonder; by implication, to admire." It conveys a profound sense of astonishment, amazement, or even awe. The opponents, despite their hostility, were genuinely taken aback by the brilliance and unassailability of Jesus's response, a testament to its unexpected depth and perfect balance.
* **held their peace (Greek, _sigáō'_):** This verb means "to keep silent (transitively or intransitively)." It implies a complete cessation of speech, a state of utter quietness. In this context, it signifies their intellectual and rhetorical defeat; they were left without a rebuttal, unable to continue their line of questioning or find any fault with Jesus's words. Their silence was a public admission of their failure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they could not take hold of his words before the people":** This clause reveals the immediate failure of the religious leaders' scheme. Despite their careful planning and deceptive approach, they were utterly unable to find anything in Jesus's response that could be used as a legal charge against Him (to deliver Him to the governor) or as a popular accusation (to discredit Him before the crowd). The phrase "before the people" emphasizes the public nature of their defeat, further cementing Jesus's authority and wisdom in the eyes of the onlookers.
* **"and they marvelled at his answer":** This part highlights the profound impact of Jesus's words on His adversaries. Their "marvelling" indicates a deep astonishment and admiration for the wisdom and discernment displayed in His answer. It was not merely a clever evasion but a profound truth that transcended their manipulative intentions, leaving them genuinely amazed despite their hostile agenda.
* **"and held their peace":** This final clause signifies the complete and utter defeat of Jesus's opponents. Their silence was a public admission that they had no further questions, no counter-arguments, and no basis for accusation. They were rendered speechless and intellectually disarmed, unable to continue their interrogation or find any fault in His perfect and unassailable response.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 20:26 skillfully employs several literary devices to underscore the significance of the event. **Irony** is prominent, as the religious leaders, intending to trap Jesus with their cunning questions, are instead trapped by their own silence and astonishment. Their elaborate scheme backfires, revealing their own intellectual and spiritual bankruptcy in contrast to Jesus's divine wisdom. **Contrast** is also central, highlighting the stark difference between the malicious intent and limited human cunning of Jesus's adversaries and the pure, unassailable wisdom and authority of Jesus. The scene sets up a dramatic confrontation where human artifice is utterly defeated by divine truth. Furthermore, the phrase "held their peace" functions as a form of **Understatement** or **Litotes**, subtly conveying the profound impact of Jesus's answer; their silence is not merely a lack of words but a testament to their complete intellectual and rhetorical defeat. This moment also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Jesus's ultimate victory over all opposition, even death itself, through the power of His divine truth and authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:26 serves as a powerful testament to the divine wisdom inherent in Jesus Christ, demonstrating His unique authority not only over human affairs but also over the very schemes of evil. His ability to navigate a seemingly impossible dilemma with an answer that simultaneously affirmed civic duty and spiritual allegiance reveals a truth that transcends earthly categories and exposes the futility of human attempts to trap God's Son. This moment underscores that Jesus's wisdom is not merely intellectual cleverness but a manifestation of His divine nature, a wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, full of mercy, and without hypocrisy, as described in [James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - The Wisdom from Above"). It illustrates the principle that "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" ([1 Corinthians 3:19](/1_corinthians/3-19 "1 Corinthians 3:19 - Worldly Wisdom is Foolishness to God")), and that no human counsel or cunning can prevail against the Lord's anointed.

* [Matthew 22:22](/matthew/22-22 "Matthew 22:22 - Their Amazement at Jesus's Answer")
* [Mark 12:17](/mark/12-17 "Mark 12:17 - Mark's Account of Jesus's Answer on Tribute")
* [Proverbs 26:5](/proverbs/26-5 "Proverbs 26:5 - Answer a Fool According to His Folly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 20:26 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a complex world. Jesus's example teaches us that wisdom from above is our greatest asset when faced with challenging questions, dilemmas, or even hostile interrogations. Rather than reacting defensively or with human cleverness, we are called to seek divine guidance, trusting that God can provide the perfect answer that disarms opponents and reveals deeper truth. This passage encourages us to cultivate discernment, recognizing that not every question demands a direct, unnuanced response, especially when the question's intent is malicious. Like Jesus, we are to speak truth with grace and wisdom, understanding that our ultimate allegiance is to God, even as we fulfill our responsibilities as citizens of earthly kingdoms. This dual citizenship requires a balanced perspective, allowing us to live faithfully in both realms without compromising our primary devotion to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's response in this passage challenge my approach to difficult conversations or confrontations?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to rely on human cleverness rather than seeking divine wisdom?**
* **How can I better live out my dual citizenship, rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's while prioritizing what belongs to God?**
* **When have I experienced the power of truth to silence opposition or bring clarity to a complex situation?**

### FAQ
**Why were the religious leaders unable to "take hold of" Jesus's words?**

Answer: The religious leaders were unable to "take hold of" Jesus's words because His answer was perfectly balanced and utterly unassailable. Their question about paying tribute to Caesar was designed as a trap: a "yes" would alienate the Jewish people who resented Roman occupation, and a "no" would be seditious against Rome, leading to His arrest. Jesus's response, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's" ([Luke 20:25](/luke/20-25 "Luke 20:25 - Jesus's Answer on Caesar and God")), masterfully affirmed both civic duty and spiritual obligation without contradiction. It left no room for legal accusation or popular discrediting, thus disarming their trap completely.

**What does their "marvelling" and "holding their peace" reveal about Jesus?**

Answer: Their "marvelling" (astonishment) and "holding their peace" (silence) reveal the extraordinary nature of Jesus's wisdom and authority. It signifies that His answer was not merely clever or evasive, but profoundly true and insightful, transcending their human cunning. Even His hostile opponents, despite their desire to entrap Him, were forced to acknowledge the brilliance and unassailability of His words. This outcome underscores Jesus's divine discernment and His unparalleled ability to speak truth that silences all opposition, confirming His unique status as the Son of God. It echoes other instances where His teaching left people astonished, such as in [Matthew 7:28](/matthew/7-28 "Matthew 7:28 - The People's Astonishment at Jesus's Doctrine").

**How does Jesus's wisdom here apply to believers today?**

Answer: Jesus's wisdom in [Luke 20:26](/luke/20-26 "Luke 20:26 - The Opponents Silenced") provides a powerful model for believers today. It teaches us to seek divine wisdom when facing complex ethical, social, or political dilemmas, rather than relying solely on human ingenuity or reacting impulsively. His example encourages us to speak truth with discernment and grace, understanding that a wise and balanced response can often disarm hostility and reveal a deeper reality. Furthermore, it reminds us of our dual citizenship – in earthly society and in God's Kingdom – calling us to fulfill our civic duties while prioritizing our ultimate allegiance to God, living out our faith with integrity and wisdom in all spheres of life, as encouraged in [Colossians 4:5-6](/colossians/4-5-6 "Colossians 4:5-6 - Walk in Wisdom Toward Outsiders").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:26 is far more than a mere account of Jesus's cleverness; it is a profound revelation of His divine nature and His ultimate triumph. The wisdom displayed here is not simply human sagacity but the very wisdom of God incarnate, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). The religious leaders' inability to "take hold of his words" foreshadows the futility of all human and demonic attempts to thwart God's redemptive plan through Christ. Just as their schemes were silenced, so too will every opposing voice and power ultimately be silenced before the authority of the Risen Lord. This moment reflects Jesus as the living Word ([John 1:1-5](/john/1-1-5 "John 1:1-5 - The Word Became Flesh")), whose words are spirit and life, and whose truth cannot be trapped or defeated. His ultimate victory over sin and death on the cross, and His subsequent resurrection, demonstrate that all earthly powers and principalities are subject to Him ([Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20-23 "Ephesians 1:20-23 - Christ's Supremacy Over All Things")). The silence of His adversaries in this verse anticipates the day when "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). Thus, Luke 20:26 is a microcosm of Christ's ultimate victory over all opposition, securing salvation for those who trust in His unassailable wisdom and authority.

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 20:20

¶ 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.

Job 5:12

He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform [their] enterprise.

Job 5:13

He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.

2 Timothy 3:8

Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

2 Timothy 3:9

But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all [men], as theirs also was.

Matthew 22:34

¶ But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.

Luke 13:17

And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.