εἰπὸν οὖν, etc.: the snare, a question as to the lawfulness in a religious point of view (ἔξεστι fas est, Grotius) of paying tribute to Caesar. The question implies a possible antagonism between such payment and duty to God as theocratic Head of the nation. Vide Deuteronomy 17:15. ἢ οὔ : yes or no? they expect or desire a negative answer, and they demand a plain one responsum rotundum, Bengel; for an obvious reason indicated by Lk. (Luke 20:20). They demanded more than they were ready to give, whatever their secret leanings; no fear of them playing a heroic part.

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Old Testament