Verse MeaningMarkSome background helps
Mark 12:13: Meaning Explained
And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
Mark 12:13
“They sent some Pharisees and Herodians to him to trap him with his own words.”
What Does This Verse Mean?
The religious leaders send people to ask Jesus trick questions, hoping he'll say something they can use against him.
What’s Happening Here
Since they couldn't arrest Jesus directly, the leaders send representatives to trap him by asking questions designed to make him look bad.
Key Words
PhariseesReligious leaders who were strict about following rules
HerodiansPeople who supported the king and the Roman government
TrapSet a trick to catch someone doing something wrong
Why It Matters
When people can't beat you with truth, they sometimes try to trick you. But Jesus was too wise to fall for their games.
Did You Know?
It's interesting that the Pharisees (who opposed Rome) and the Herodians (who supported Rome) worked together against Jesus, even though they normally opposed each other.
Word Study
G2532
Andκαὶ
G649
they sendἀποστέλλουσιν
G4314
untoπρὸς
G846
himαὐτὸν
G5100
certainτινας
G5330
of the PhariseesΦαρισαίων
G2265
of the HerodiansἩρῳδιανῶν
G2443
toἵνα
G64
catchἀγρεύσωσιν
G3056
in his wordsλόγῳ
Cross References
Continue Exploring
Read Mark 12:13 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.