Mark 12:13
And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical 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).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the unusual alliance between Pharisees and Herodians reveal about how religious and political factions unite against Jesus?
- How does recognizing their malicious intent to 'trap' Jesus help us identify similar manipulative questioning today?
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Analysis & 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.