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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 22:17 So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/22-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/40_Mat_22_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 22:17 - Paying Taxes to Caesar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/22-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/22-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/22-16.htm" title="Matthew 22:16">◄</a> Matthew 22:17 <a href="/matthew/22-18.htm" title="Matthew 22:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/22.htm">New International Version</a> Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/matthew/22.htm">New Living Translation</a> Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” <a href="/esv/matthew/22.htm">English Standard Version</a> Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” <a href="/bsb/matthew/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” <a href="/blb/matthew/22.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore tell us, what do You think? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?" <a href="/kjv/matthew/22.htm">King James Bible</a> Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? <a href="/nkjv/matthew/22.htm">New King James Version</a> Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Tell us then, what do You think? Is it permissible to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?” <a href="/nasb/matthew/22.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Tell us therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?” <a href="/lsb/matthew/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore, tell us, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a tax to Caesar, or not?” <a href="/amp/matthew/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Tell us then, what do You think? Is it permissible [according to Jewish law and tradition] to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?” <a href="/csb/matthew/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? ” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Tell us, therefore, what You think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/22.htm">American Standard Version</a> Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto C锟絪ar, or not? <a href="/cev/matthew/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Tell us what you think! Should we pay taxes to the Emperor or not?" <a href="/erv/matthew/22.htm">English Revised Version</a> Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? <a href="/gwt/matthew/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So tell us what you think. Is it right to pay taxes to the emperor or not?" <a href="/gnt/matthew/22.htm">Good News Translation</a> Tell us, then, what do you think? Is it against our Law to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor, or not?" <a href="/isv/matthew/22.htm">International Standard Version</a> So tell us what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" <a href="/msb/matthew/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?? <a href="/net/matthew/22.htm">NET Bible</a> Tell us then, what do you think? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" <a href="/nheb/matthew/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" <a href="/wbt/matthew/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute to Cesar, or not? <a href="/wey/matthew/22.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Give us your judgement therefore: is it allowable for us to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?" <a href="/web/matthew/22.htm">World English Bible</a> Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?” <a href="/blb/matthew/22.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore tell us, what do You think? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?" <a href="/ylt/matthew/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> tell us, therefore, what dost thou think? is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?' <a href="/slt/matthew/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Therefore say to us, What seems to thee Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Tell us therefore what dost thou think, is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? <a href="/cpdv/matthew/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, tell us, how does it seem to you? Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar, or not?” <a href="/nabre/matthew/22.htm">New American Bible</a> Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Tell us, therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay head-tax to Caesar, or not? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/22.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Tell us therefore, how does it seem to you? Is it lawful to give the head tax to Caesar or not?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/22.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Tell us, therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? <a href="/godbey/matthew/22.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then tell us, what seems good to thee? is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? <a href="/haweis/matthew/22.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to pay tribute to C锟絪ar, or not? <a href="/mace/matthew/22.htm">Mace New Testament</a> tell us therefore, what is your opinion? is it lawful to pay tribute to Cesar, or no? <a href="/wey/matthew/22.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Give us your judgement therefore: is it allowable for us to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?" <a href="/worrell/matthew/22.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> tell us, therefore, what thinkest Thou: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?" <a href="/worsley/matthew/22.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Is it lawful to give tribute to Cesar, or not? <a href="/parallel/matthew/22-17.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=6497" 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> …16They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance. 17<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">So</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipon (V-AMA-2S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">tell</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">what</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">You</a> <a href="/greek/1380.htm" title="1380: dokei (V-PIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.">think:</a> <a href="/greek/1832.htm" title="1832: exestin (V-PIA-3S) -- It is permitted, lawful, possible. ">Is it lawful</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: dounai (V-ANA) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">to pay</a> <a href="/greek/2778.htm" title="2778: kēnson (N-AMS) -- A poll-tax. Of Latin origin; properly, an enrollment, i.e. a tax.">taxes</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/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not?”</a> 18But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me?…<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/12-14.htm">Mark 12:14-17</a> “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?” / But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.” / So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. ... <a href="/luke/20-22.htm">Luke 20:22-25</a> Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” / But Jesus saw through their duplicity and said to them, / “Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. ... <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="/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="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a> But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. <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 6:10-13</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. / Then these men went as a group and found Daniel petitioning and imploring his God. / So they approached the king and asked about his royal decree: “Did you not sign a decree that for thirty days any man who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions?” The king replied, “According to the law of the Medes and Persians the order stands, and it cannot be repealed.” ... <a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3</a> You shall have no other gods before Me. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-15.htm">Deuteronomy 17:15</a> you are to appoint over yourselves the king whom the LORD your God shall choose. Appoint a king from among your brothers; you are not to set over yourselves a foreigner who is not one of your brothers. <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="/jeremiah/27-5.htm">Jeremiah 27:5-7</a> By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please. / So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. / All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him. <a href="/ezra/7-26.htm">Ezra 7:26</a> If anyone does not keep the law of your God and the law of the king, let a strict judgment be executed against him, whether death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment. <a href="/nehemiah/9-37.htm">Nehemiah 9:37</a> Its abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us because of our sins. And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress. <a href="/genesis/41-40.htm">Genesis 41:40-44</a> You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” / Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.” / Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Tell us therefore, What think you? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?What.<a href="/jeremiah/42-2.htm">Jeremiah 42:2,3,20</a> And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, even for all this remnant; (for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:) … <a href="/acts/28-22.htm">Acts 28:22</a> But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.is.<a href="/deuteronomy/17-14.htm">Deuteronomy 17:14,15</a> When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me; … <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Ezra 4:13</a> Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.<a href="/ezra/7-24.htm">Ezra 7:24</a> Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.Caesar.<a href="/luke/2-1.htm">Luke 2:1</a> And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.<a href="/john/19-12.htm">John 19:12-15</a> And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar… <a href="/acts/17-7.htm">Acts 17:7</a> Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/10-23.htm">Allowable</a> <a href="/philippians/4-22.htm">Caesar</a> <a href="/acts/28-19.htm">Cesar</a> <a href="/matthew/21-28.htm">Judgement</a> <a href="/matthew/20-15.htm">Lawful</a> <a href="/matthew/17-25.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/matthew/21-41.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/matthew/17-25.htm">Poll-Tax</a> <a href="/matthew/21-3.htm">Right</a> <a href="/matthew/21-32.htm">Tax</a> <a href="/matthew/9-9.htm">Taxes</a> <a href="/matthew/21-28.htm">Think</a> <a href="/matthew/17-25.htm">Thinkest</a> <a href="/matthew/17-25.htm">Tribute</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/14-3.htm">Allowable</a> <a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Caesar</a> <a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Cesar</a> <a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Judgement</a> <a href="/matthew/27-6.htm">Lawful</a> <a href="/matthew/22-42.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/matthew/22-19.htm">Poll-Tax</a> <a href="/matthew/22-26.htm">Right</a> <a href="/matthew/22-19.htm">Tax</a> <a href="/mark/2-14.htm">Taxes</a> <a href="/matthew/22-42.htm">Think</a> <a href="/matthew/26-53.htm">Thinkest</a> <a href="/matthew/22-19.htm">Tribute</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'; 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It reflects the common rabbinical practice of posing questions to elicit a legal or theological opinion. The questioners are attempting to force Jesus into a dilemma, knowing His response could have significant political and social implications.Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar: The question of paying taxes to Caesar was a contentious issue among the Jews. The tax in question was the poll tax, a tribute to the Roman Empire, which was seen as a symbol of subjugation. The Pharisees, who resented Roman rule, and the Herodians, who supported it, both had vested interests in Jesus' answer. The term "lawful" refers to the Jewish law, not Roman law, highlighting the tension between religious obligations and political realities. This question also touches on the broader theme of allegiance and the relationship between God's kingdom and earthly authorities.or not?” The question is designed to be a binary choice, leaving no room for nuance. If Jesus says "yes," He risks alienating the Jewish populace who despised Roman occupation. If He says "no," He could be accused of sedition against Rome. This reflects the broader strategy of the religious leaders to discredit Jesus and find grounds for His arrest. The question also foreshadows the tension between Jesus' teachings and the political powers of the time, ultimately leading to His crucifixion.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> - The central figure in this passage, Jesus is being questioned by the Pharisees and Herodians. His response to their question reveals His wisdom and understanding of both earthly and divine authority. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a> - A religious group in Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They often opposed Jesus and sought to trap Him in His words. 3. <a href="/topical/h/herodians.htm">Herodians</a> - A political group that supported Herod Antipas and the Roman government. They were typically at odds with the Pharisees but united with them in this instance to challenge Jesus. 4. <a href="/topical/c/caesar.htm">Caesar</a> - The Roman emperor at the time, representing the secular authority and the power of the Roman Empire over the Jewish people. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> - The setting of this encounter, a city of great religious and political significance for the Jewish people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_authority.htm">Understanding Authority</a> Jesus acknowledges the legitimacy of earthly authorities while maintaining the supremacy of God's authority. Christians are called to respect and obey governmental laws unless they directly contradict God's commands. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_speech.htm">Wisdom in Speech</a> Jesus demonstrates wisdom in His response, avoiding the trap set by His opponents. Believers should seek God's wisdom in their interactions, especially when faced with challenging questions. <a href="/topical/d/dual_citizenship.htm">Dual Citizenship</a> As Christians, we hold dual citizenship—earthly and heavenly. We are to fulfill our responsibilities in both realms, balancing our duties to God and to the state. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_conflict.htm">Discernment in Conflict</a> The Pharisees and Herodians represent opposing views, yet they unite against Jesus. Believers must discern the motives behind questions and challenges, responding with grace and truth. <a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_finances.htm">Integrity in Finances</a> The question of taxes highlights the importance of integrity in financial matters. Christians are called to be honest and responsible stewards of their resources.<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/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'render_to_caesar'.htm">What did Jesus mean by 'Render to Caesar'?</a> <a href="/q/how_can_i_love_others_like_jesus_does.htm">What does the Bible say about churches' tax-exempt status?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'not_of_this_world'_signify.htm">What does "Not of This World" signify?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_submit_to_authorities.htm">How should we submit to governing authorities?</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>(17) Is it lawful to give tribute . . .?--The question was obviously framed as a dilemma. If answered in the affirmative, the Pharisees would be able to denounce Him to the people as a traitor to His country, courting the favour of their heathen oppressors. If in the negative, the Herodians (on the assumption which seems the more probable) could accuse Him, as He was eventually accused, of "perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar" (<a href="/luke/23-2.htm" title="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.">Luke 23:2</a>).Tribute.--The original gives the Latin "census," i.e., the poll-tax of a denarius per head, assessed on the whole population, the publicans being bound to transmit the sum so collected to the Roman treasury. As being a direct personal tax it was looked on by the more zealous Jews as carrying with it a greater humiliation than export or import duties, and was consequently resisted (as by Judas of Galilee and his followers) by many who acquiesced more or less readily in the payment of the customs (<a href="/acts/5-37.htm" title="After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.">Acts 5:37</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - Tell us therefore. Because you are so truthful and impartial, give us your unprejudiced opinion about the following much-disputed question. These people assume to be simple-minded inquirers, who came to Jesus to have a perplexity resolved. St. Luke gives their real character, "They sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words." Is it lawful (ἔξεστι) to give tribute (κῆνσον, censure) unto Caesar, or not? The tribute is the poll tax levied by the Romans. Caesar at this time was Tiberius; the title was now applied to the emperors, though its subsequent use was different. By asking concerning the lawfulness of the payment, they do not inquire whether it was expedient or advisable to make it, but whether it was morally and religiously right, consistent with their obligation as subjects of the theocratic kingdom. Some, as Judas of Galilee (<a href="/acts/5-37.htm">Acts 5:37</a>; Josephus, 'Ant.,' 18:1: 1, 6), had resorted to violence in their opposition to the tax; and indeed, the question here put was much debated between opposite parties. The Pharisees were strongly opposed to foreign domination, and thought it derogatory and sacrilegious for the people of Jehovah to pay impost to a foreign and heathen authority. The Herodians, on the other hand, submitted without reserve to the supremacy of Rome, and, for political reasons, silenced all nationalist and ultra-patriotic feeling. By putting this question, the disputants thought to force Christ into a dilemma, where he must answer directly "Yes" or "No," and where, whichever reply he made, he would equally offend one or other of the parties into which the state was divided. If he affirmed the lawfulness of the tax, he would lose his popularity with the mass of the people, as one who disowned the sovereignty of Jehovah, and would give the death blow to his own claims as Messiah-King. If he garb a negative reply, he would be deemed an enemy of Rome and a promoter of seditious views, and be liable to be handed over to the civil power for the punishment of disaffection and treason (see <a href="/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20</a>). They falsely brought this charge against him before Pilate (<a href="/luke/23-2.htm">Luke 23:2</a>). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/22-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>So οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. tell εἰπὸν (eipon) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. us ἡμῖν (hēmin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. what τί (ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. You σοι (soi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. think. δοκεῖ (dokei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1380.htm">Strong's 1380: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem. Is it lawful ἔξεστιν (exestin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1832.htm">Strong's 1832: </a> It is permitted, lawful, possible. to pay δοῦναι (dounai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. taxes κῆνσον (kēnson) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2778.htm">Strong's 2778: </a> A poll-tax. Of Latin origin; properly, an enrollment, i.e. a tax. 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. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. not?” οὔ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/22-17.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 22:17 Tell us therefore what do you think? (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/22-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 22:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 22:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/22-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 22:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 22:18" /></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>