Luke 20:25

KJV

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Render {G591} therefore {G5106} unto Caesar {G2541} the things which be {G3588} Caesar's {G2541}, and {G2532} unto God {G2316} the things which be {G3588} God's {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Then,” he said to them, “give the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor. And give God what belongs to God!”

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Then render unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 20:25, Jesus delivers a masterful and concise statement that deftly navigates a political trap while simultaneously articulating a profound theological principle concerning the dual loyalties of humanity. His response distinguishes between legitimate civic obligations owed to earthly authorities and the supreme, ultimate allegiance due to God, thereby establishing a foundational paradigm for believers to balance their responsibilities as citizens of both earthly kingdoms and the Kingdom of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal statement by Jesus is situated within a series of confrontations with the religious authorities in Jerusalem during the final week before His crucifixion. Following His triumphal entry and cleansing of the temple, Jesus' authority is challenged by the chief priests, scribes, and elders ([Luke 20:1-8](/luke/20-1-8 "Luke 20:1-8 - Jesus' Authority Challenged")). He then tells the parable of the wicked tenants, which directly indicts these leaders ([Luke 20:9-19](/luke/20-9-19 "Luke 20:9-19 - Parable of the Wicked Tenants")), further intensifying their animosity. The question about paying taxes to Caesar, posed by their spies—Pharisees and Herodians ([Luke 20:20-22](/luke/20-20-22 "Luke 20:20-22 - The Trap Question")), is a deliberate trap designed to force Jesus into a politically untenable position, either as a rebel against Rome or a collaborator with the oppressive regime. Jesus' response, therefore, is not merely an answer to a question but a strategic and divinely inspired counter-move in this high-stakes theological and political chess match.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was under Roman occupation, a reality deeply resented by most Jews. Taxation by Rome was a constant source of grievance, particularly the poll tax, which required every adult to pay a denarius annually. This tax was especially offensive because the denarius bore the image of the Roman Emperor (Tiberius at the time) and an inscription declaring him "Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus." For many devout Jews, carrying or using such a coin was seen as a violation of the First Commandment against idolatry ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - No Other Gods")) and a blasphemous acknowledgment of a foreign, pagan ruler's divine status. The question posed to Jesus was thus highly charged, aimed at exposing Him as either a seditious revolutionary (if He forbade the tax) or a compromiser of Jewish religious principles (if He endorsed it).

* **Key Themes:** Jesus' response in this passage contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It highlights the **wisdom and authority of Jesus** as He masterfully evades a cunning trap, demonstrating His unparalleled insight into both human nature and divine truth ([Luke 20:23-24](/luke/20-23-24 "Luke 20:23-24 - Jesus Discerns Their Craftiness")). The verse also introduces the crucial theme of **dual allegiance**, acknowledging the legitimate, albeit subordinate, authority of earthly governments while firmly asserting the ultimate and supreme sovereignty of God. This concept underscores the principle that while believers are called to be responsible citizens, their deepest loyalty and identity are rooted in their relationship with God. Furthermore, by implicitly contrasting Caesar's image on the coin with humanity's creation in the image of God ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")), Jesus subtly introduces the theme of **divine ownership and human stewardship**, suggesting that what bears God's image truly belongs to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Render (Greek, _apodídōmi'_):** This verb means "to give away," "to give back," "to pay back," or "to restore what is due." It carries the connotation of fulfilling an obligation or debt. In the context of taxes, it implies a proper fulfillment of a civic duty, not merely a concession. When applied to God, it signifies a profound obligation to return to Him what is inherently His—our very being, our worship, and our lives.
* **Caesar (Greek, _Kaîsar'_):** This is a title for the Roman Emperor, derived from the family name of Julius Caesar. In this context, it represents the secular governing authority, the state, and its demands. The coin bearing Caesar's image and inscription served as a tangible symbol of his temporal power and claim to authority.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** This term refers to the supreme Divinity, the Creator and Sovereign of the universe. In contrast to Caesar, God represents the ultimate spiritual authority and the rightful recipient of absolute allegiance and worship. The juxtaposition with Caesar highlights the qualitative difference between earthly and divine claims.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them":** This opening phrase sets the stage for Jesus' direct and authoritative response to the religious leaders' manipulative question. It emphasizes that this is Jesus' definitive pronouncement, delivered with full awareness of their intentions.
* **"Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's":** Jesus acknowledges the legitimacy of civil government and its right to collect taxes. The implication is that since the coin bears Caesar's image and is used in his economic system, it belongs to him in a practical sense, and therefore, what is due to Caesar (taxes, civic obedience) should be given. This is a pragmatic recognition of the temporal order.
* **"and unto God the things which be God's":** This clause introduces the crucial counter-balance and ultimate priority. While Caesar has a claim on his coin, God has a claim on that which bears His image—humanity itself. This is a call to profound spiritual allegiance, implying that our lives, our worship, our hearts, and our ultimate obedience belong to God alone. It asserts the supremacy of divine authority over all earthly claims.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus' response is a masterclass in rhetorical brilliance, employing several literary devices. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, where "Caesar" and "God" are placed in stark opposition, highlighting the distinct realms of obligation. This creates a powerful contrast between temporal and eternal, material and spiritual, human and divine. There is also profound **Symbolism** in the denarius itself; the coin, bearing Caesar's image, symbolizes earthly power and material possessions, while the implied "image" of God on humanity symbolizes ultimate divine ownership and spiritual identity. Jesus' use of a **Rhetorical Question** ("Whose image and superscription hath it?") before delivering His punchline is also a key device, forcing His interrogators to acknowledge Caesar's claim on the coin, thereby setting up the logical progression to God's greater claim on humanity. Finally, the statement functions as an **Aphorism**, a concise, memorable, and universally applicable truth that transcends its immediate context.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:25 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the relationship between Christian faith and civic responsibility. It establishes that believers operate under a dual citizenship: they are citizens of an earthly nation and subjects of God's heavenly kingdom. While civil governments derive their authority from God ([Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")) and are ordained to maintain order and justice, their authority is always subordinate to God's supreme rule. This means Christians are called to be exemplary citizens, honoring laws, paying taxes, and contributing to the common good, provided these duties do not violate God's higher commands. Ultimately, our deepest allegiance, our very being, and our worship belong exclusively to God, for we are created in His image and redeemed by His grace.

* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13-17 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submit to Every Human Institution")
* [Matthew 22:15-22](/matthew/22-15-22 "Matthew 22:15-22 - The Question About Paying Taxes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' profound statement in Luke 20:25 continues to challenge and guide believers in every generation. It calls us to a discerning and balanced approach to our responsibilities in the world. We are not to withdraw from civic engagement, nor are we to allow earthly loyalties to eclipse our ultimate devotion to God. Instead, we are to be active and responsible citizens, contributing to society's well-being and upholding justice, while simultaneously ensuring that our lives, our resources, and our very selves are primarily devoted to God's purposes. This means evaluating all earthly demands through the lens of divine truth, prioritizing God's will above all else, and recognizing that our ultimate identity and citizenship are found in Christ. It compels us to ask: What truly bears the image of God in our lives, and are we rendering that fully to Him?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I "render unto Caesar" in my daily life, and am I doing so with integrity and a good conscience?**
* **How does my life demonstrate that I am "rendering unto God the things which be God's," particularly in areas of time, talent, and treasure?**
* **Are there areas where my allegiance to earthly systems or ideologies might be competing with or overshadowing my ultimate allegiance to God?**
* **How can I better live out my dual citizenship—as a responsible citizen of my nation and a devoted subject of God's Kingdom—in a way that honors both without compromising either?**

### FAQ
**What does "render" truly imply in this context?**

Answer: The Greek word `apodídōmi` (G591), translated as "render," means "to give back," "to pay back," or "to restore what is due." It implies fulfilling an obligation or debt. In the context of Caesar, it means paying taxes and obeying legitimate civic laws as a due responsibility for the benefits of an ordered society. In the context of God, it means recognizing that our very being, made in His image ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")), and all that we possess are ultimately His, and therefore, our worship, obedience, and lives are due back to Him as our Creator and Redeemer. It's not just a suggestion, but a fundamental obligation.

**Does this verse support the separation of church and state?**

Answer: While the verse distinguishes between the realms of Caesar (state) and God (divine authority), it does not advocate for a complete separation in the modern sense of two entirely independent spheres with no interaction. Instead, it establishes a hierarchy where God's authority is supreme. It permits Christians to participate in civil society and obey its laws, but only insofar as those laws do not contradict God's higher law. The verse teaches that the state has a legitimate, God-ordained role, but that role is always subordinate to God's ultimate sovereignty. Believers are called to influence the state with godly principles while never compromising their ultimate allegiance to God ([Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men")).

**How do Christians balance their earthly duties with their heavenly allegiance?**

Answer: Christians balance these duties by recognizing that all legitimate authority, including that of the state, is ultimately derived from God ([Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")). Therefore, obeying just laws and contributing to society are acts of obedience to God. However, when the demands of "Caesar" conflict with the commands of "God," the Christian's ultimate allegiance must always be to God. This means prioritizing divine commands, even if it leads to civil disobedience or suffering ([Daniel 3:16-18](/daniel/3-16-18 "Daniel 3:16-18 - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Refuse to Worship the Idol")). The goal is to live as responsible citizens of earth while constantly remembering that our true citizenship is in heaven ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")), and our lives are ultimately for God's glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:25, while a direct answer to a political trap, finds its deepest fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus perfectly embodies what it means to "render unto God the things which be God's," for He is the Son who perfectly obeyed the Father in all things, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His entire life was a seamless demonstration of absolute allegiance to God, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice to reconcile humanity, made in God's image, back to God. Furthermore, Jesus' kingdom "is not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), yet He acknowledged the authority of earthly rulers, even submitting to the Roman governor's judgment ([John 19:10-11](/john/19-10-11 "John 19:10-11 - Pilate's Authority")). He paid the temple tax ([Matthew 17:24-27](/matthew/17-24-27 "Matthew 17:24-27 - Paying the Temple Tax")) and taught His followers to be subject to governing authorities ([Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")), demonstrating that true spiritual devotion does not negate civic responsibility but rather elevates it to an act of obedience to God. Ultimately, Jesus, as the perfect image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), is the one to whom all things are rendered—both Caesar's and God's—for "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). He is the true King to whom all allegiance is due.

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

Romans 13:6

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Romans 13:7

¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Acts 4:19

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

Acts 4:20

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Proverbs 24:21

¶ My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change:

Mark 12:17

And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.

Matthew 17:27

Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.