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Luke 20

And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,

And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?

But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.

And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.

And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.

And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.

And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.

And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.

Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.

But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.

So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?

He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.

And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?

Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.

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.

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:

Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?

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

Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

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

Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.

And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.

And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.

Last of all the woman died also.

Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.

And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:

But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.

And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.

And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?

And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?

Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,

Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

What does Luke 20:26 mean?

Explanation

The verse in question, Luke 20:26, is part of a passage where religious leaders are attempting to challenge Jesus and discredit Him in the eyes of the people.

They pose a question to Jesus about the legitimacy of paying taxes to Caesar, hoping to trap Him into saying something seditious against the Roman authorities or something that could undermine His standing with the Jewish population.

However, Jesus gives a wise and discerning response, saying, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's" (Luke 20:25), thereby evading their trap.

The leaders are left unable to catch Jesus in His words in front of the people; they are amazed by His answer and have nothing further to say in response.

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Historical Context

This interaction takes place in first-century Judea, which was under Roman occupation.

The tribute or tax question was a contentious issue because paying taxes to Rome could be seen as supporting the occupying power, which many Jews found objectionable.

On the other hand, speaking against paying taxes could be viewed as an act of sedition and rebellion against Rome, potentially leading to severe consequences.

The political and religious atmosphere of the time was charged with tension, and Jesus was being tested within this explosive context.

Theological Insights

Different theological interpretations can arise from this passage.

From a Christian perspective, Jesus' answer illustrates His wisdom in dealing with attempts to entangle Him in a theological or political debate.

Moreover, it highlights the distinction between the obligations of believers to their government and their religious duties to God.

Some theologians might see in this text a basis for the Christian understanding of the separation between church and state. Others may view it as an encouragement for Christians to be wise and discerning when faced with challenging situations.

Practical Applications

One practical application of Luke 20:26 is the call to wisdom and prudence in our conversations and the way we answer tough questions.

It encourages believers to think critically, to be aware of the motives behind the questions people ask, and to answer in a way that is truthful without being unnecessarily divisive or confrontational.

In modern life, this may apply to how one navigates discussions about politics, religion, or other sensitive topics.

Cross-References

Matthew 22:21: "They say unto him, Caesar's.

Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."

Mark 12:17: "And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.

And they marvelled at him."

Romans 13:1: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.

For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek of this passage include:

επιλαμβάνομαι (epilambanomai): means "to take hold of" or "seize"; here, it indicates an inability to catch Jesus in His words.
θαυμάζω (thaumazō): translates to "marvel" or "wonder"; it connotes admiration or amazement at Jesus' wise reply.
σιωπάω (siōpaō): means "to be silent" or "hold one's peace"; suggests that Jesus' answer left the questioners speechless.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this account to other ancient texts, one could look at wisdom literature from various cultures that also emphasize the importance of discerning speech and the ability to avoid being ensnared by one's own words.

Ancient Egyptian instructions, Greek philosophy, and Eastern texts often contain similar themes of prudence and wise discourse.

Scientific Perspectives

Science may not directly address the specific theological and historical content of this verse, but it does touch upon the principles of logic, reasoning, and the human psychological tendency to be biased in one's understanding.

Cognitive psychology examines how individuals process information and may either seek or avoid cognitive dissonance, which could be of relevance in understanding the reactions of Jesus' questioners.

Commentaries

Classic biblical commentators have much to say on this verse.

Matthew Henry comments on the prudence and wisdom of Jesus' reply, which both evaded the trap set for Him and left His questioners unable to argue with Him publicly.

John Gill notes the astonishment of the leaders at their inability to ensnare Jesus.

Modern commentaries may highlight the socio-political implications of the dialogue and its relevance to contemporary issues of church and state relations.

Luke 20

Luke 20

What does Luke 20:26 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 20:26 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?