Keraia
Matthew 22

Matthew 22:21

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

Translations

Modern
“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Traditional
They say unto him, Cesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cesar the things which are Cesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
Literal
They say to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He says to them, “Therefore give back the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God.”
Latin
Dicunt ei: Cæsaris. Tunc ait illis: Reddite ergo quæ sunt Cæsaris, Cæsari: et quæ sunt Dei, Deo.

Original

Greek
English
“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Notes

Matthew 22:21

Jesus answered with wisdom. He said people should give Caesar the honor that belongs to him, but they must give God the greater honor and loyalty. Being loyal to God does not always mean being disloyal to human rulers. Jesus showed that there are two realms of authority, Caesar’s and God’s, and God’s authority is greater (Acts 4:19).

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

People

Tiberius: Roman emperor during Jesus' ministry and death

Glossary

Coins Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ Tax, Taxation

Topics

Citizens: Duties of Commandments: Precepts of Jesus--Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse Duty of Man to God Government: Duty of Citizens To Jesus, the Christ: Tested by the Pharisees and the Herodians King: Respect Due To Kings: Pay Tribute To Law: General Scriptures Concerning Money of the Romans, Stamped with the Image of Caesar Money: Image On Nationalism Paying Taxes Penny: Roman, had Caesar's Image on It Pharisees: Come to Jesus with Questions Prudence: Exemplified by Christ Submission to Authority Tribute (Taxes): from Conquered Nations Tribute: Roman: Christ Showed to the Pharisees and Herodians the Propriety