Keraia
Matthew 22

Matthew 22:20

Paying Taxes to Caesar · Matthew 22:15–22
Read Matthew 22

Translations

Modern
“Whose image is this,” He asked, “and whose inscription?”
Traditional
And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
Literal
And He says to them, “Whose is this image, and the inscription?”
Latin
Et ait illis Jesus: Cujus est imago hæc, et superscriptio?

Original

Greek
English
“Whose image is this,” He asked, “and whose inscription?”

Notes

Matthew 22:20

The people had to pay the poll tax with the denarius coin. This coin showed the picture and title of Caesar (the Roman emperor). Old Testament rules against worshiping images (Exodus 20:4; Leviticus 26:1; Deuteronomy 4:15–24) made this coin controversial for Jews (see Josephus, War 2.9.2–3). To avoid conflict, some Roman governors in Palestine minted coins without human images. This showed respect for Jewish religious concerns.

Matthew 22:15–22

In first-century Palestine, debates about Roman taxes were intense (see also Matthew 17:24–27).

Matthew 21:23–22:46

This section focuses on how Jewish leaders challenged the authority of Jesus. Each time, the wisdom of Jesus revealed their lack of spiritual understanding. These debates also revealed the status of Jesus as the Messiah and the consequences of rejecting him. Sadly, the leaders became more resistant with each encounter and plotted to kill Jesus (Matthew 21:23, 46; 22:15–17, 23, 34, 41).

Events

Parallels

Mark 12:13–17 Luke 20:19–26

Glossary

Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ

Topics

Citizens: Duties of Government: Duty of Citizens To Jesus, the Christ: Tested by the Pharisees and the Herodians Money of the Romans, Stamped with the Image of Caesar Money: Image On Penny: Roman, had Caesar's Image on It Pharisees: Come to Jesus with Questions Prudence: Exemplified by Christ Tribute (Taxes): from Conquered Nations Tribute: Roman was Paid in Roman Coin Tribute: Roman: Christ Showed to the Pharisees and Herodians the Propriety