Mark 12:13

KJV

¶ And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in [his] words.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they send {G649} unto {G4314} him {G846} certain {G5100} of the Pharisees {G5330} and {G2532} of the Herodians {G2265}, to {G2443} catch {G64} him {G846} in his words {G3056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next they sent some P'rushim and some members of Herod's party to him in order to trap him with a sh'eilah.

Berean Standard Bible

Later, they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to catch Jesus in His words.

American Standard Version

And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, that they might catch him in talk.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 12:13 introduces a calculated attempt by the religious and political establishment to ensnare Jesus through deceptive questioning. Following His triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the cleansing of the temple, the Jewish leaders, unable to openly arrest Him due to His popularity, devise a cunning strategy. They dispatch an unlikely alliance of Pharisees and Herodians, whose theological and political differences were profound, with the singular malicious intent of trapping Jesus in His own words, thereby creating grounds for His arrest or condemnation. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' display of divine wisdom in the face of insidious opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 12:13 is situated within a series of confrontations between Jesus and the Jewish religious authorities in Jerusalem, immediately following His triumphal entry and the cleansing of the temple in [Mark 11](/mark/11 "Mark 11 - Triumphal Entry and Temple Cleansing"). The preceding verses in [Mark 11:27-33](/mark/11-27-33 "Mark 11:27-33 - Jesus' Authority Challenged") describe the chief priests, scribes, and elders directly challenging Jesus' authority, to which Jesus responds with a counter-question about John the Baptist's baptism. Following this, Jesus tells the Parable of the Wicked Tenants in [Mark 12:1-12](/mark/12-1-12 "Mark 12:1-12 - Parable of the Wicked Tenants"), which clearly indicts the Jewish leaders. This parable intensifies their desire to seize Him, as noted in [Mark 12:12](/mark/12-12 "Mark 12:12 - Leaders Seek to Arrest Jesus"), but their fear of the crowd prevents them. Thus, Mark 12:13 marks a shift from direct confrontation and parables to a more subtle, yet equally hostile, strategy of verbal entrapment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and the oral traditions, often viewing Roman occupation with disdain. The Herodians, conversely, were a political faction that supported the Herodian dynasty and, by extension, Roman rule, as the Herods maintained their power through Rome. These two groups were typically at odds, representing divergent theological and political ideologies within first-century Judaism. Their alliance against Jesus in [Mark 12](/mark/12 "Mark 12 - Jesus Confronts the Authorities") underscores the profound threat they perceived Him to be. Jerusalem was under Roman occupation, and any statement that could be construed as seditious against Caesar or blasphemous against Jewish law could lead to severe consequences, including arrest and execution, which was precisely the goal of this trap.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several major themes present throughout [Mark's Gospel](/mark "The Gospel According to Mark"). One significant theme is the **escalating opposition to Jesus**, demonstrating the growing hostility of the religious establishment as Jesus' ministry progresses and His claims become clearer. Another is the **divine wisdom of Jesus**, as the verse sets the stage for Jesus' unparalleled ability to navigate complex and malicious inquiries without falling into the carefully laid traps. The unlikely **unity in hostility** between the Pharisees and Herodians also highlights how disparate groups can set aside their differences to oppose a common perceived threat, revealing the depth of their animosity towards Jesus. This episode, alongside others in [Mark 12](/mark/12 "Mark 12 - Jesus' Confrontations"), underscores the theme of **testing and temptation**, as Jesus is continually put to the test by those seeking to discredit Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Herodians (Greek, _Hērōdianoí'_):** Plural of a derivative of Herod, referring to partisans of Herod. This term denotes a political faction loyal to the Herodian dynasty, which ruled parts of Palestine under Roman oversight. Their presence alongside the Pharisees, who were often anti-Herodian and anti-Roman, highlights the extraordinary nature of this alliance, forged solely out of a shared desire to eliminate Jesus.
* **catch (Greek, _agreúō'_):** From _agra_, meaning "to hunt" or "to catch by hunting." This verb vividly portrays the intent of the Pharisees and Herodians. It implies a deliberate, cunning, and predatory act, akin to setting a snare or trap for wild animals. It emphasizes that their approach was not a genuine inquiry but a malicious attempt to ensnare Jesus, to corner Him like prey.
* **words (Greek, _lógos'_):** Something said, including the thought; a topic, reasoning, or communication. In this context, it refers to Jesus' utterances, His teachings, or His responses. The intent was to find something in His speech that could be twisted into an accusation, either of sedition against Roman authority or blasphemy against Jewish law, thereby providing grounds for His arrest and condemnation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians,"**: This opening clause establishes the agents and their coordinated action. The "they" refers back to the chief priests, scribes, and elders mentioned in [Mark 12:12](/mark/12-12 "Mark 12:12 - Leaders Seek to Arrest Jesus"), who, unable to seize Jesus directly, dispatch these representatives. The formation of "certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians" is highly significant, as these two groups typically held opposing views. Their temporary alliance underscores the extreme nature of their shared opposition to Jesus, indicating that His presence and teachings were perceived as a grave threat to both religious and political establishments.
* **"to catch him in [his] words."**: This phrase explicitly states the malicious purpose behind their mission. The Greek verb _agreúō_ (to catch, to hunt) conveys a predatory intent. Their goal was not to learn or debate, but to find fault in Jesus' speech. They sought to elicit a statement from Him that could be used as an accusation, either to denounce Him to the Roman authorities as a rebel (e.g., if He forbade paying taxes to Caesar) or to condemn Him under Jewish law as a blasphemer or false prophet (e.g., if He denied the authority of the Temple or Torah). This reveals the cunning and deceptive nature of their attack.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 12:13 employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and underscore the nature of the opposition to Jesus. **Irony** is present in the unlikely alliance between the Pharisees and Herodians; groups with deep-seated theological and political differences unite solely out of their shared animosity towards Jesus. This highlights the profound threat Jesus posed to all established powers. The phrase "to catch him in his words" uses vivid **imagery**, evoking the metaphor of a hunter setting a **snare** or trap for prey. This predatory imagery emphasizes the malicious, cunning, and deceptive intent of Jesus' adversaries, portraying them not as genuine seekers of truth but as those seeking to destroy. Furthermore, the verse serves as an instance of **foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the subsequent verbal tests Jesus will face, culminating in His arrest and trial, where His words will indeed be twisted against Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 12:13 is a crucial moment that illuminates the depth of human opposition to divine truth and wisdom. Theologically, it underscores the spiritual blindness and hardened hearts of those who, despite witnessing Jesus' miracles and hearing His teachings, chose to scheme against Him rather than believe. The alliance between the Pharisees and Herodians, disparate in their ideologies but united in their hostility, serves as a powerful illustration of how the world, in its various forms, can conspire against God's anointed one. This incident highlights the truth that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but a submission of the heart, which these leaders lacked. It also sets the stage for Jesus' demonstration of divine wisdom, proving that no human trap can ensnare the Son of God.

* [Mark 11:27-33](/mark/11-27-33 "Mark 11:27-33 - Jesus' Authority Challenged")
* [Luke 20:20](/luke/20-20 "Luke 20:20 - Parallel Account of the Trap")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 12:13 offers profound insights for believers navigating a world often hostile to the truth of the Gospel. It serves as a potent reminder that opposition to Christ and His followers can manifest not only through overt persecution but also through subtle, cunning, and manipulative tactics. We are called to cultivate discernment, recognizing that not every question or challenge is born of genuine curiosity; some may be designed to trap, discredit, or undermine our faith. Just as Jesus relied on divine wisdom to navigate the snares laid for Him, so too must we, through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit, seek God's guidance when faced with difficult or manipulative situations. This passage encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, speak truth with grace, and trust that God's wisdom will always prevail over human cunning, even when unholy alliances form against righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the alliance between the Pharisees and Herodians challenge my assumptions about who might oppose the truth of the Gospel today?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "catch" others in their words, rather than seeking to understand or engage constructively?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate divine wisdom and discernment when facing challenging or manipulative conversations about my faith?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Pharisees and Herodians, who were usually enemies, unite against Jesus?**

Answer: The Pharisees and Herodians, despite their significant theological and political differences, united against Jesus because they both perceived Him as a profound threat to their respective spheres of influence and power. The Pharisees, strict adherents to Jewish law and tradition, saw Jesus as undermining their authority and interpretations, especially with His teachings on the Sabbath and His claims of divine authority. The Herodians, who supported the Roman-backed Herodian dynasty, likely viewed Jesus as a potential revolutionary figure who could destabilize the political order and attract unwanted Roman attention, thus jeopardizing their favored status. Their shared goal of eliminating Jesus, who challenged both their religious and political establishments, temporarily superseded their usual animosities. This unusual alliance highlights the extraordinary nature of the threat Jesus posed to the status quo.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 12:13, depicting the cunning attempt to ensnare Jesus, ultimately highlights His perfect wisdom and sovereign control, foreshadowing His ultimate triumph over all opposition. While His adversaries sought to "catch Him in His words," Jesus, as the very [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), could not be trapped by human schemes. His subsequent responses, particularly to the question about paying taxes to Caesar in [Mark 12:17](/mark/12-17 "Mark 12:17 - Render Unto Caesar"), demonstrate a wisdom that transcends earthly categories, revealing divine insight that silences His accusers. This moment prefigures the trials of Jesus, where His words would indeed be twisted against Him, leading to His crucifixion. Yet, even in this, Jesus remained in control, fulfilling the prophetic narrative of the Suffering Servant who, though unjustly condemned, offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. His ability to navigate this treacherous interrogation without sin or error showcases Him as the perfect Lamb of God, whose wisdom and righteousness are unassailable, ultimately leading to His victory over sin and death, as celebrated in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation").

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.

Luke 20:26

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

Mark 3:6

And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

Luke 11:54

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

Mark 8:15

And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and [of] the leaven of Herod.

Psalms 56:5

Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts [are] against me for evil.

Psalms 56:6

They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.