Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might ensnare Him in speech. And they watched Him, and sent spies, their disciples, with the Herodians, who feigned themselves to be righteous, that they might catch Him in His discourse, so as to deliver Him to the power and jurisdiction of the governor. Now when they were come, they asked Him, saying, 'Teacher, we know that Thou art true, that Thou sayest and teachest rightly, and teachest the way of God in truth; and Thou carest for no one, for Thou lookest not on the outward appearance of man. Tell us, therefore, what thinkest Thou? Is it lawful to pay tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?"

But Jesus, knowing their wickedness and hypocrisy, and perceiving their craftiness, said to them, "Why do ye try Me, ye hypocrites? Show Me the tribute money, that I may see it." Then they brought to Him a shilling. And He saith to them, "Whose image and inscription hath it?" And they said to Him, "Caesar's." Then Jesus saith to them, "Render then to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God, the things that are God's." And when they heard this, they could not take hold of what He said before the people. And being astonished at His answer, they kept silent and left Him and went away.