13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words.
13 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk.
13 They sent some Pharisees and followers of Herod to bait him, hoping to catch him saying something incriminating.
13 Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words.
13 Later the leaders sent some Pharisees and supporters of Herod to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 12:13
Commentary on Mark 12:13-17
(Read Mark 12:13-17)
The enemies of Christ would be thought desirous to know their duty, when really they hoped that which soever side he took of the question, they might find occasion to accuse him. Nothing is more likely to insnare the followers of Christ, than bringing them to meddle with disputes about worldly politics. Jesus avoided the snare, by referring to the submission they had already made as a nation; and all that heard him, marvelled at the great wisdom of his answer. Many will praise the words of a sermon, who will not be commanded by the doctrines of it.