King James Version

What Does Mark 12:13 Mean?

Mark 12:13 in the King James Version says “And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.”

Mark 12:13 · KJV

Context

11

This was the Lord's doing , and it is marvellous in our eyes?

12

And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

13

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

14

And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

15

Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. penny: valuing of our money seven pence halfpenny

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words (ἀποστέλλουσιν πρὸς αὐτὸν τινας τῶν Φαρισαίων καὶ τῶν Ἡρῳδιανῶν ἵνα αὐτὸν ἀγρεύσωσιν λόγῳ). The verb agreuōsin (ἀγρεύσωσιν) means to hunt, trap, or ensnare—revealing malicious intent. This wasn't genuine theological inquiry but a calculated trap. The Pharisees (religious conservatives opposing Rome) and Herodians (political opportunists supporting Herod and Rome) were normally enemies, yet united against Jesus—demonstrating the depth of their hostility.

The coalition's diversity reveals the trap's cleverness: whatever Jesus answered would alienate one group. If He endorsed Roman tribute, zealous Jews would reject Him; if He opposed it, Herodians could report Him to Roman authorities for sedition. This catch him in his words (λόγῳ, logō) anticipates Jesus' brilliant response (v. 17) that transcends their false dilemma.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This confrontation occurred during Passion Week in Jerusalem's temple courts, after Jesus' triumphal entry and cleansing of the temple (Mark 11). Religious leaders felt threatened by His growing popularity and authority. The Pharisees emerged after the Maccabean revolt (160s BC), emphasizing Torah observance and oral tradition. The Herodians supported the Herodian dynasty's collaboration with Rome. Their alliance against Jesus was politically expedient but theologically bizarre—like modern progressives and traditionalists uniting against a common threat. This episode demonstrates how opposition to Christ can create strange bedfellows (Luke 23:12 records Pilate and Herod becoming friends through their shared rejection of Jesus).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the unusual alliance between Pharisees and Herodians reveal about how religious and political factions unite against Jesus?
  2. How does recognizing their malicious intent to 'trap' Jesus help us identify similar manipulative questioning today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀποστέλλουσιν2 of 14

“they send”

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

πρὸς3 of 14

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτὸν4 of 14

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τινας5 of 14

“certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

τῶν6 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Φαρισαίων7 of 14

“of the Pharisees”

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

καὶ8 of 14

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῶν9 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἡρῳδιανῶν10 of 14

“of the Herodians”

G2265

herodians, i.e., partisans of herod

ἵνα11 of 14

“to”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

αὐτὸν12 of 14

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀγρεύσωσιν13 of 14

“catch”

G64

to hunt, i.e., (figuratively) to entrap

λόγῳ14 of 14

“in his words”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 12:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 12:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 3:6Luke 11:54Luke 20:20-26Mark 8:15Psalms 38:12Psalms 140:5

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