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

MARK 12:13KJV
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Mark 12:13 (KJV)

What does Mark 12:13 mean?

Mark 12:13 describes how some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus with the intention of trapping him by his own words. Their goal was not honest questioning, but to find something Jesus said that could be used against him.

In this scene, religious leaders (the Pharisees) and political supporters of Herod (the Herodians) are working together, even though they usually disagreed. They approach Jesus during his public teaching in Jerusalem, looking for a way to accuse him or discredit him. This verse sets up the confrontation that follows, showing the tension and opposition Jesus faced from different groups.

The Greek behind Mark 12:13

  • The word "catch" (ἀγρεύσωσιν, agreusōsin) is often used for hunting or trapping, which highlights that their approach was sneaky and meant to ensnare Jesus, not to seek real answers.
  • "Words" (λόγος, logos) here refers to what Jesus might say; the focus is on twisting his speech rather than his actions.
  • The phrase "to" (ἵνα, hina) introduces their purpose, making it clear that their mission was intentional and planned, not a casual encounter.

Why Mark 12:13 matters

  • Mark 12:13 shows unlikely groups (Pharisees and Herodians) joining forces against Jesus, underlining how threatening his message seemed to different parts of society.
  • The verse prepares the reader for the challenge and trick question that follows, helping us understand the hostile environment Jesus was operating in.
  • It clarifies that the questions put to Jesus in the following verses are not sincere but are designed to trap him, which shapes how we read his responses.

Where else these words appear

“Herodians” Greek G2265 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • Mark 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

“Pharisees” Greek G5330 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Mark 2:18 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
  • Luke 16:14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

“send” Greek G649 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
  • John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.