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Then he said to them, &#8220So give back to Caesar what is Caesar&#8217s, and to God what is God&#8217s.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/matthew/22.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” <a href="/esv/matthew/22.htm">English Standard Version</a> They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” <a href="/bsb/matthew/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” <a href="/blb/matthew/22.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> They say to Him, "Caesar's." Then He says to them, "Therefore give back to Caesar the things of Caesar, and to God the things of God." <a href="/kjv/matthew/22.htm">King James Bible</a> They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/22.htm">New King James Version</a> They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” <a href="/nasb/matthew/22.htm">NASB 1995</a> They said to Him, &#8220Caesar&#8217s.&#8221 Then He said to them, &#8220Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar&#8217s; and to God the things that are God&#8217s.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a> They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” <a href="/lsb/matthew/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Therefore, render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” <a href="/amp/matthew/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a> They said, “[The Emperor Tiberius] Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” <a href="/csb/matthew/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Caesar’s,” they said to him. Then he said to them, “Give, then, to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Caesar&#8217s,&#8221 they said to Him. Then He said to them, &#8220Therefore give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar&#8217s, and to God the things that are God&#8217s.&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/22.htm">American Standard Version</a> They say unto him, C锟絪ar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto C锟絪ar the things that are C锟絪ar's; and unto God the things that are God's. <a href="/cev/matthew/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "The Emperor's," they answered. Then Jesus told them, "Give the Emperor what belongs to him and give God what belongs to God." <a href="/erv/matthew/22.htm">English Revised Version</a> They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. <a href="/gwt/matthew/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They replied, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Very well, give the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and give God what belongs to God." <a href="/gnt/matthew/22.htm">Good News Translation</a> "The Emperor's," they answered. So Jesus said to them, "Well, then, pay to the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor, and pay to God what belongs to God." <a href="/isv/matthew/22.htm">International Standard Version</a> They told him, "Caesar's." So he told them, "Then give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." <a href="/msb/matthew/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Caesar?s,? they answered. So Jesus told them, ?Give to Caesar what is Caesar?s, and to God what is God?s.? <a href="/net/matthew/22.htm">NET Bible</a> They replied, "Caesar's." He said to them, "Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." <a href="/nheb/matthew/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> They said to him, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." <a href="/wbt/matthew/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> They say to him, Cesar's. Then saith he to them, Render therefore to Cesar, the things which are Cesar's; and to God, the things that are God's. <a href="/wey/matthew/22.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Caesar's," they replied. "Pay therefore," He rejoined, "what is Caesar's to Caesar; and what is God's to God." <a href="/web/matthew/22.htm">World English Bible</a> They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> They say to Him, “Caesar’s”; then He says to them, “Render therefore the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God”; <a href="/blb/matthew/22.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> They say to Him, "Caesar's." Then He says to them, "Therefore give back to Caesar the things of Caesar, and to God the things of God." <a href="/ylt/matthew/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> they say to him, 'Caesar's;' then saith he to them, 'Render therefore the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God;' <a href="/slt/matthew/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> They say to him, Caesar's. Then says he to them, Give back then to Caesar the things of Caesar; and the things of God to God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> They say to him: Caesar's. Then he saith to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God, the things that are God's. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Then render to Caesar what is of Caesar; and to God what is of God.” <a href="/nabre/matthew/22.htm">New American Bible</a> They replied, “Caesar’s.” At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> They said, Caesar’s. He said to them, Give therefore to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/22.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And they were saying, “Caesar's”; he said to them, “Give therefore what is Caesar's to Caesar, and what is God's to God.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/22.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> They said to him: Caesar's. Then he said to them: Give, therefore, to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. <a href="/godbey/matthew/22.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> They say to Him, Caesar's. Then He says to them, <FR>Therefore render Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things which are God's.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/22.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> They say unto him, C锟絪ar?s. Then saith he to them, Render therefore to C锟絪ar, the things which are C锟絪ar?s; and to God, the things which are God?s. <a href="/mace/matthew/22.htm">Mace New Testament</a> they answer'd, Cesar's, then said he to them, render therefore unto Cesar, the things which are Cesar's: and unto God, the things that are God's. <a href="/wey/matthew/22.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Caesar's," they replied. "Pay therefore," He rejoined, "what is Caesar's to Caesar; and what is God's to God." <a href="/worrell/matthew/22.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> They say to Him, "Caesar's." Then saith He to them, <FR>"Render, therefore, the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/22.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> They answered, Cesar's. Then saith He unto them, <FR>Render therefore to Cesar the things that are Cesar's; and to God the things that are God's.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/22-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=6521" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/22.htm">Paying Taxes to Caesar</a> …20“Whose image is this,” He asked, “and whose inscription?” 21<a href="/greek/2541.htm" title="2541: Kaisaros (N-GMS) -- Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor.">“Caesar’s,”</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: Legousin (V-PIA-3P) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">they answered.</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">So</a> <a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: Tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that."></a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">Jesus told</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them,</a> <a href="/greek/591.htm" title="591: Apodote (V-AMA-2P) -- From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.">“Give</a> <a href="/greek/2541.htm" title="2541: Kaisari (N-DMS) -- Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor.">to Caesar</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what is</a> <a href="/greek/2541.htm" title="2541: Kaisaros (N-GMS) -- Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor.">Caesar’s,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theō (N-DMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">to God</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God’s.” </a> 22And when they heard this, they were amazed. So they left Him and went away.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-7</a> Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ... <a href="/mark/12-17.htm">Mark 12:17</a> Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him. <a href="/luke/20-25.htm">Luke 20:25</a> So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-17</a> Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. / For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. ... <a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a> But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. <a href="/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21</a> My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious. <a href="/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16-18</a> Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. / If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. / But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” <a href="/daniel/6-10.htm">Daniel 6:10</a> Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before. <a href="/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7</a> And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. <a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">1 Samuel 10:19</a> But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.” <a href="/john/19-11.htm">John 19:11</a> Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.” <a href="/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19</a> But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. <a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Exodus 22:28</a> You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:2</a> Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. <a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm">Jeremiah 29:7</a> Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>They say to him, Caesar's. Then said he to them, Render therefore to Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's.Render.<a href="/matthew/17-25.htm">Matthew 17:25-27</a> He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? … <a href="/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21</a> My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:<a href="/luke/23-2.htm">Luke 23:2</a> And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.are Caesar's.and.<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37</a> Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.<a href="/matthew/4-10.htm">Matthew 4:10</a> Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.<a href="/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16-18</a> Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/22-17.htm">Caesar</a> <a href="/philippians/4-22.htm">Caesar's</a> <a href="/matthew/22-17.htm">Cesar</a> <a href="/philippians/4-22.htm">Cesar's</a> <a href="/matthew/22-16.htm">God's</a> <a href="/matthew/22-17.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/judges/14-9.htm">Rejoined</a> <a href="/matthew/21-41.htm">Render</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/12-14.htm">Caesar</a> <a href="/mark/12-16.htm">Caesar's</a> <a href="/mark/12-14.htm">Cesar</a> <a href="/mark/12-16.htm">Cesar's</a> <a href="/matthew/22-30.htm">God's</a> <a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/luke/9-60.htm">Rejoined</a> <a href="/mark/12-17.htm">Render</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 22</div>1. <a href="/matthew/22-1.htm">The parable of the marriage of the king's son.</a> 9. <a href="/matthew/22-9.htm">The vocation of the Gentiles.</a> 12. <a href="/matthew/22-12.htm">The punishment of him who lacked a wedding garment.</a> 15. <a href="/matthew/22-15.htm">Tribute ought to be paid to Caesar.</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/22-23.htm">Jesus confutes the Sadducees for the resurrection;</a> 34. <a href="/matthew/22-34.htm">answers which is the first and great commandment;</a> 41. <a href="/matthew/22-41.htm">and puzzles the Pharisees by a question about the Messiah.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>"Caesar’s," they answered. In this context, the Pharisees and Herodians were attempting to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to the Roman government. The mention of "Caesar" refers to the Roman Emperor, who was the ruling authority over Judea at the time. The use of the term highlights the political tension between the Jewish people and the Roman Empire. The coin used for the tax bore the image of Caesar, which was a point of contention for Jews who were opposed to Roman rule and the idolatrous implications of the emperor's image. This phrase sets the stage for Jesus' profound response, which navigates the political and religious implications of the question.So Jesus told them, Jesus' response is both wise and strategic. He addresses the question in a way that avoids the trap set by His opponents. By speaking directly to them, He demonstrates His authority and wisdom. His response is not only a direct answer to their question but also a teaching moment that transcends the immediate political issue."Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, This phrase acknowledges the legitimacy of secular authority and the responsibilities that come with living under such governance. Jesus recognizes the practical necessity of paying taxes and fulfilling civic duties. This statement aligns with other biblical teachings on respecting governmental authorities, such as <a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1-7</a>, where Paul instructs believers to submit to governing authorities as they are instituted by God. The phrase also implies a distinction between earthly and divine obligations, suggesting that while believers live in the world, they must also consider their higher allegiance to God.and to God what is God’s." Here, Jesus emphasizes the ultimate authority and sovereignty of God. While acknowledging the role of earthly governments, He reminds His listeners of their primary duty to God. This statement calls for a recognition of God's ownership over all creation, as seen in <a href="/psalms/24.htm">Psalm 24:1</a>, which declares that "The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it." The phrase challenges believers to consider what belongs to God, such as worship, obedience, and devotion. It also reflects the biblical theme of dual citizenship, where Christians are called to live responsibly in the world while maintaining their primary allegiance to God's kingdom. This teaching encourages a balanced approach to civic and spiritual responsibilities, highlighting the importance of discerning what belongs to each realm.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is responding to a question designed to trap Him. His wisdom and authority are evident in His response. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees_and_herodians.htm">Pharisees and Herodians</a> These groups, typically at odds with each other, unite in an attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. 3. <a href="/topical/c/caesar.htm">Caesar</a> Represents the Roman authority and government, symbolizing secular power and the political system of the time. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The setting of this encounter, a city under Roman occupation, where tensions between Jewish religious leaders and Roman authorities were high. 5. <a href="/topical/d/denarius.htm">Denarius</a> The coin used for the tax, bearing the image of Caesar, which becomes a focal point in Jesus' teaching.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/dual_citizenship.htm">Dual Citizenship</a> As Christians, we are citizens of both earthly nations and the Kingdom of God. We must navigate our responsibilities to both with wisdom and integrity. <a href="/topical/s/stewardship_of_resources.htm">Stewardship of Resources</a> Jesus' teaching encourages us to discern what belongs to God and what belongs to earthly authorities, prompting us to manage our resources accordingly. <a href="/topical/i/image_and_ownership.htm">Image and Ownership</a> Just as the denarius bears Caesar's image, we bear God's image. This calls us to dedicate our lives and actions to God. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_conflict.htm">Wisdom in Conflict</a> Jesus demonstrates how to respond wisely to attempts at entrapment, teaching us to seek divine wisdom in challenging situations. <a href="/topical/s/separation_of_church_and_state.htm">Separation of Church and State</a> This passage supports the idea that while we respect governmental authority, our ultimate allegiance is to God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 22</a> <a href="/q/state-church_relationship.htm">What is the relationship between state and church?</a> <a href="/q/does_'render_to_caesar'_conflict_with_serving_god.htm">Matthew 22:15–22: Does Jesus’s instruction to “render to Caesar” conflict with other biblical commands to serve God alone? </a> <a href="/q/should_christians_avoid_world_id.htm">Should Christians avoid Worldcoin's World ID initiative?</a> <a href="/q/what_happened_on_holy_tuesday.htm">What occurred on Holy Tuesday before Easter?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) Render therefore unto Caesar.--As far as the immediate question was concerned, this was of course an answer in the affirmative. It recognised the principle that the acceptance of the emperor's coinage was an admission of his de facto sovereignty. But the words that followed raised the discussion into a higher region, and asserted implicitly that that admission did not interfere with the true spiritual freedom of the people, or with their religious duties. They might still "render to God the things that were His"--i.e. (1), the tithes, tribute, offerings which belonged to the polity and worship that were the appointed witnesses of His sovereignty, and (2) the faith, love, and obedience which were due to Him from every Israelite. The principle which the words involved was obviously wider in its range than the particular occasion to which it was thus applied. In all questions of real or seeming collision between secular authority and spiritual freedom, the former claims obedience as a de facto ordinance of God up to the limit where it encroaches on the rights of conscience, and prevents men from worshipping and serving Him. Loyal obedience in things in different on the part of the subject, a generous tolerance (such as the Roman empire at this time exercised towards the religion of Israel) on the part of the State, were the two correlative elements upon which social order and freedom depended. Questions might arise, as they have arisen in all ages of the Church, as to whether the limit has, or has not, been transgressed in tins or that instance, and for these the principle does not, and in the nature of things could not, provide a direct answer. What it does prescribe is that all such questions should be approached in the temper which seeks to reconcile the two obligations, not in that which exaggerates and perpetuates their antagonism. Least of all does it sanction the identification of the claims of this or that form of ecclesiastical polity with the "things that are God's."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - Caesar's. They are constrained to answer that the coin bears the effigy of the Roman emperor. Render (ἀπόδοτε, give back, as a due) therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's (τὰ Καίσαρος). Rabbinism ruled that the right of coinage appertained to the ruler of a state, and was a proof of de facto government, which it was unlawful to resist. The current coin, which they used in their daily transactions, showed that the Jews were no longer independent, but set under and acquiescing in a foreign domination. Being subjects of Caesar, it was their duty to submit to his demands, and to pay the taxes which he had a right to levy. This was an answer to the insidious question propounded. Christ does not take either side in the controversy; he makes no question of the mutual rights of conquered and conquerors; he utters no aspiration for the recovery of independence; he uses facts as they are, and points to habitual practice as a sufficient solution of the difficulty. No reply could be wiser or simpler. Herein he gives a lesson for all time. No plea of religion can hold good against obedience to lawful authority. "Render to all their dues," says St. Paul (<a href="/romans/13-7.htm">Romans 13:7</a>): "tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." The things that are God's; τὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ. The things of God arc ourselves - our life, powers, faculties, means; to use these in God's service is our duty and our privilege. There need be no conflict between religion and politics, Church and state. Let a citizen do his duty to God, and he will find his obligations to the civil power are coincident and harmonious. Let the state respect the rights of God and of conscience, and there will he no collision between itself and the Church, but both will peaceably cooperate for the good of the community. Had the Jews rendered to God his dues, they would never have been reduced to their present state of subjection and debasement; would never have had to pay tribute to a foreign nation. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/22-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“Caesar’s,” Καίσαρος (Kaisaros) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2541.htm">Strong's 2541: </a> Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor. they answered. Λέγουσιν (Legousin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. So οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. [Jesus] told λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. them, αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “Give Ἀπόδοτε (Apodote) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_591.htm">Strong's 591: </a> From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc. to Caesar Καίσαρι (Kaisari) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2541.htm">Strong's 2541: </a> Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor. what [is] τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Caesar’s, Καίσαρος (Kaisaros) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2541.htm">Strong's 2541: </a> Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. to God Θεῷ (Theō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. what [is] τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. God’s.” Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 22:21 They said to him Caesar's (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/22-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 22:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 22:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/22-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 22:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 22:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>