22 ¹⁵ THEN THE PHARISEES went and agreed on a plan to trap him in his own words. 22 ¹⁶ Some of their followers were sent to him in company with men of Herod's party. They said, 'Master, you are an honest man, we know; you teach in all honesty the way of life that God requires, truckling to no man, whoever he may be. 22 ¹⁷ Give us your ruling on this: are we or are we not is permitted to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor?' 22 ¹⁸ Jesus was aware of their malicious intention and said to them, 'You hypocrites! Why are you trying to catch me out? 22 ¹⁹ Show me the money in which the tax is paid.' They handed him a silver piece. 22 ²⁰ Jesus asked, 'Whose head is this, and whose inscription?' 22 ²¹ 'Caesar's', they replied. He said to them, 'Then pay Caesar what is due to Caesar, and pay God what is due to God.' 22 ²² This answer took them by surprise, and they went away and left him alone.