Luke 20:22

KJV

Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?

KJV (with Strong's)

Is it lawful {G1832} for us {G2254} to give {G1325} tribute {G5411} unto Caesar {G2541}, or {G2228} no {G3756}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Does Torah permit us to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor or not?”

Berean Standard Bible

Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

American Standard Version

Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 20:22 captures a pivotal moment when religious leaders, seeking to ensnare Jesus, pose a loaded question about the legality of paying tribute to Caesar. This seemingly simple query was a meticulously crafted trap, designed to force Jesus into a position where He would either alienate the Jewish populace by endorsing Roman rule or incur the wrath of Roman authorities by advocating rebellion. The verse sets the stage for Jesus' profound and divinely wise response, which transcends the immediate political dilemma to articulate a foundational principle concerning the dual allegiances of believers to both earthly governments and the divine kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a series of confrontations between Jesus and the religious authorities in Jerusalem, specifically the chief priests, scribes, and elders, during the Passion Week. Following Jesus' triumphal entry and His cleansing of the temple, these leaders repeatedly challenge His authority and seek to discredit Him. [Luke 20:1-8](/luke/20-1-8 "Luke 20:1-8 - Challenging Jesus' Authority") describes their initial direct challenge, which Jesus deftly parries with a question about John's baptism. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has just delivered the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers ([Luke 20:9-19](/luke/20-9-19 "Luke 20:9-19 - Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers")), a parable clearly aimed at the religious leaders, exposing their rejection of God's Son and foreshadowing their ultimate judgment. Angered by this, they send "spies" who feign sincerity to "catch Him in His words" ([Luke 20:20](/luke/20-20 "Luke 20:20 - The Trap is Set")), setting the immediate scene for the tribute question.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Judea in the 1st century AD was a Roman province, directly governed by Rome. The "tribute" (Latin: *tributum capitis*, a poll tax) was an annual tax levied on all adult subjects, a constant reminder of Roman subjugation. This tax was deeply resented by the Jewish people for several reasons: it symbolized their loss of national sovereignty; the coin used for payment, typically a denarius, often bore the image of Emperor Tiberius and blasphemous inscriptions like "Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus," which was idolatrous to monotheistic Jews; and it was vehemently opposed by nationalist groups like the Zealots, who believed God alone was Israel's king. The question in [Luke 20:22](/luke/20-22 "Luke 20:22 - The Tribute Question") was thus a political and religious minefield, designed to force Jesus into either sedition against Rome or apostasy against Jewish law and popular sentiment.
* **Key Themes:** The question in [Luke 20:22](/luke/20-22 "Luke 20:22 - The Tribute Question") serves as a critical juncture for several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Wisdom and Authority of Jesus**, showcasing His unparalleled ability to navigate complex ethical and political dilemmas with divine insight, consistently confounding His adversaries. Secondly, it introduces the profound theme of **Divine vs. Earthly Authority**, laying the groundwork for Jesus' subsequent teaching on rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's ([Luke 20:25](/luke/20-25 "Luke 20:25 - Render to Caesar")). This principle establishes a framework for understanding the believer's dual citizenship and responsibilities. Lastly, the passage touches upon the practical challenge of **Navigating Societal Obligations** for believers, particularly how to interact with and submit to governing authorities, even those that may be pagan or oppressive, a theme further developed in later New Testament epistles like [Romans 13](/romans/13 "Romans 13 - Submission to Governing Authorities").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lawful (Greek, _éxesti'_):** This word, derived from a root suggesting "being out in public" or "permissible," denotes what is proper, right, or allowed, particularly from a legal or moral standpoint. In this context, the questioners are probing the legality and religious permissibility of paying the Roman poll tax, framing it as a matter of divine law versus human decree. Their intent is to force Jesus to declare whether it is "right" in God's eyes to submit to a pagan ruler's demand for tribute.
* **give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb has a broad application, meaning "to give," "bestow," or "deliver." Here, it refers to the act of handing over the tribute money. The choice of this verb emphasizes the active participation required in paying the tax, making the question not just about the *legality* of the tax itself, but about the *act* of giving it, which could be interpreted as an acknowledgment of Caesar's sovereignty over God's.
* **tribute (Greek, _phóros'_):** This term specifically refers to a "load borne," or a tax, particularly an individual assessment or poll tax levied by a superior power. It distinguishes itself from other forms of taxes or customs duties. The use of *phoros* highlights that the question is not about general economic transactions but about a direct, personal tax imposed by the Roman Empire, which carried significant symbolic weight regarding subjugation and allegiance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Is it lawful for us":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the core of the question as a matter of legality and moral permissibility. The "us" refers to the Jewish people, implying a collective religious and national identity. The questioners are not asking about Roman law, but about what is "lawful" according to Jewish religious tradition and God's law, given the Roman occupation and the idolatrous nature of the tax.
* **"to give tribute unto Caesar":** This clause specifies the action and the recipient. "To give tribute" refers to the act of paying the Roman poll tax, a direct acknowledgment of Roman authority. "Unto Caesar" identifies the ultimate recipient and symbol of that authority, the Roman Emperor. This phrase crystallizes the dilemma: does one's allegiance to God permit or forbid the payment of a tax to a pagan ruler who claims divine status?
* **"or no?":** This simple disjunctive phrase frames the question as a binary choice, demanding a direct "yes" or "no" answer. It reveals the trap's design, as either answer would have severe consequences for Jesus. A "yes" would alienate Him from the nationalist Jews who opposed Roman rule, while a "no" would be construed as sedition against the Roman Empire, providing grounds for His arrest.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 20:22 masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is the **Dilemma**, a classic rhetorical trap where any direct answer leads to an undesirable outcome. The questioners present Jesus with a no-win situation, hoping to force Him into either political rebellion or religious compromise. This creates dramatic **Irony**, as those feigning sincerity ("We know that thou sayest and teachest rightly...") are, in fact, acting as spies with malicious intent. The question itself functions as a **Rhetorical Question** in the sense that it is not asked for genuine information but to expose and condemn. Furthermore, the scene is a powerful example of **Foreshadowing**, as the very issue of Jesus' kingship and His relationship to Roman authority will ultimately lead to His crucifixion under the charge of sedition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The question in Luke 20:22, though a trap, serves as a profound theological touchstone regarding the believer's relationship with both divine and temporal authorities. It compels a consideration of where ultimate allegiance lies and how one navigates the often-complex demands of earthly governments while maintaining fidelity to God's kingdom. Jesus' subsequent answer (Luke 20:25) establishes the foundational principle that while believers have legitimate obligations to governing authorities (such as paying taxes), their ultimate and unreserved allegiance belongs to God. This dual citizenship requires discerning wisdom, recognizing that earthly rulers derive their authority, however imperfectly, from God's sovereign design, yet their claims are always subordinate to His. This passage thus provides a framework for Christian engagement with the state, balancing submission with the supreme call to honor God.

* [Matthew 22:17](/matthew/22-17 "Matthew 22:17 - Parallel Account in Matthew")
* [Mark 12:14](/mark/12-14 "Mark 12:14 - Parallel Account in Mark")
* [Romans 13:7](/romans/13-7 "Romans 13:7 - Paul on Rendering Dues")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The question posed to Jesus in Luke 20:22, though ancient, resonates powerfully with believers today, prompting us to reflect on our own allegiances and responsibilities in a complex world. We are often faced with situations where the demands of earthly systems seem to conflict with our spiritual convictions, whether concerning taxation, political engagement, or social justice. This verse reminds us that true wisdom, exemplified by Christ, lies not in choosing one extreme over another, but in discerning God's overarching sovereignty. It challenges us to consider how we can honor governing authorities (as ordained by God for order) while simultaneously ensuring that our ultimate devotion and obedience are reserved for God alone. Our lives should bear witness to a kingdom that is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), yet we are called to live faithfully within this world, demonstrating Christ's wisdom and love in all our interactions, even with systems that may seem flawed or oppressive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance my civic duties (like paying taxes) with my ultimate allegiance to God's kingdom?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to compromise my faith for political expediency or social acceptance?**
* **How can I seek divine wisdom when faced with complex ethical or political dilemmas in my own life?**
* **What does "rendering to God what is God's" truly mean in my daily walk?**

### FAQ

**Who posed this question to Jesus, and what was their motive?**

Answer: The question was posed by "spies" sent by the chief priests and scribes, as explicitly stated in [Luke 20:20](/luke/20-20 "Luke 20:20 - The Trap is Set"). These individuals feigned sincerity, pretending to be righteous and genuinely seeking an answer. Their true motive, however, was malicious: they sought to "catch Him in His words, that they might deliver Him unto the power and authority of the governor." They aimed to trap Jesus, either by forcing Him to advocate rebellion against Roman rule (which would lead to His arrest by Roman authorities) or by having Him endorse Roman taxation (which would alienate Him from the Jewish populace who deeply resented Roman occupation and its associated taxes).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:22, while presenting a specific historical and political dilemma, ultimately points to the supreme authority and wisdom of Christ. The question about tribute to Caesar foreshadows the ultimate confrontation between earthly power and divine sovereignty that culminates in Jesus' trial and crucifixion. When Pilate later asks Jesus if He is "the King of the Jews" ([John 18:33](/john/18-33 "John 18:33 - Pilate Questions Jesus")), Jesus' response in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World") ("My kingdom is not of this world") echoes the principle He lays down regarding Caesar's tribute. Jesus, as the true King, demonstrates that His kingdom transcends and ultimately subsumes all earthly powers. His willingness to submit to earthly authorities, even unto death on a Roman cross, was not an endorsement of their ultimate power but a demonstration of His divine mission to redeem humanity. Through His death and resurrection, He established a new covenant and a spiritual kingdom, inviting all to render their lives, their hearts, and their ultimate allegiance to Him, the one who paid the ultimate tribute for our salvation and reigns eternally as [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 9:37

And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we [are] in great distress.

Ezra 4:19

And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and [that] rebellion and sedition have been made therein.

Ezra 4:22

Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

Nehemiah 5:4

There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, [and that upon] our lands and vineyards.

Ezra 4:13

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.

Acts 5:37

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.

Ezra 9:7

Since the days of our fathers [have] we [been] in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, [and] our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as [it is] this day.