19 Then the scribes and the chief priestsl looked for a way to get their hands on himm that very hour, because they knew he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people.n

GOD AND CAESAR

20 Theyo watched closelyp and sent spiesq who pretended to be righteous,D so that they could catch him in what he said,r to hand hims over to the governor’st rule and authority. 21 They questioned him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly,u and you don’t show partialityE,v but teach truthfully the way of God.w 22 Is it lawfulx for us to pay taxesy to Caesarz or not?”

23 But detecting their craftiness, he said to them,F 24 “Show me a denarius.G Whose image and inscription does it have?”

“Caesar’s,” they said.

25 “Well then,” he told them, “give to Caesaraa the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

26 They were not able to catch him in what he said in public, and being amazed at his answer, they became silent.ab