Matthew 22:17

KJV

Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

KJV (with Strong's)

Tell {G2036} us {G2254} therefore {G3767}, What {G5101} thinkest {G1380} thou {G4671}? Is it lawful {G1832} to give {G1325} tribute {G2778} unto Caesar {G2541}, or {G2228} not {G3756}?

Complete Jewish Bible

So tell us your opinion: does Torah permit paying taxes to the Roman Emperor or not?"

Berean Standard Bible

So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

American Standard Version

Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 22:17 presents a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry where His adversaries, a coalition of Pharisees and Herodians, attempt to ensnare Him with a politically charged question regarding the lawfulness of paying tribute to Caesar. This inquiry, designed to force Jesus into a dilemma that would either alienate the Jewish populace or provoke Roman authorities, serves as a testament to the cunning of His opponents and the unparalleled wisdom of His response, which masterfully navigates the complexities of earthly and divine allegiances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The question in Matthew 22:17 is strategically placed within a series of intense confrontations Jesus experiences in Jerusalem during His final week, following His triumphal entry and preceding His passion. This particular challenge immediately follows Jesus' parables of judgment against the religious leaders, such as the [Parable of the Two Sons](/matthew/21-28-32 "Matthew 21:28-32 - Parable of the Two Sons") and the [Parable of the Wicked Tenants](/matthew/21-33-46 "Matthew 21:33-46 - Parable of the Wicked Tenants"), which clearly indicted their hypocrisy and rejection of God's messengers. The religious authorities, feeling exposed and challenged by Jesus' authority ([Matthew 21:23](/matthew/21-23 "Matthew 21:23 - Challenging Jesus' Authority")), sought to retaliate by trapping Him in His words, hoping to find grounds for His arrest or discredit Him before the crowds. This specific question is followed by further attempts to trap Him by the Sadducees regarding the resurrection ([Matthew 22:23-33](/matthew/22-23-33 "Matthew 22:23-33 - The Sadducees and the Resurrection")) and by a lawyer regarding the greatest commandment ([Matthew 22:34-40](/matthew/22-34-40 "Matthew 22:34-40 - The Greatest Commandment")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was under Roman occupation, and the issue of taxation was a constant source of tension and resentment. The "tribute" (Latin: *census*, Greek: *kēnsos*) referred to in the verse was the Roman poll tax, a direct head tax levied on every adult male, signifying Roman dominion. This tax was particularly galling to many Jews, not only because it was an economic burden but also because the coins used to pay it (e.g., the denarius) often bore the image of the emperor, sometimes with inscriptions declaring him divine, which was considered idolatrous and blasphemous by strict monotheistic Jews. Groups like the Zealots actively resisted this tax, viewing it as a betrayal of God's sovereignty over Israel. The coalition of Pharisees (who generally opposed Roman rule but sought to maintain their religious authority) and Herodians (who supported the Herodian dynasty and Roman rule for political stability) was unusual, highlighting the desperation of their attempt to corner Jesus.
* **Key Themes:** The immediate context of Matthew 22:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and broader biblical theology. A primary theme is the **Intent to Trap Jesus**, where the religious leaders' questions are not genuine inquiries but malicious attempts to discredit or incriminate Him, showcasing their spiritual blindness and hardened hearts against the truth of God's kingdom, as seen in their repeated efforts to challenge Jesus' authority ([Matthew 21:23](/matthew/21-23 "Matthew 21:23 - Challenging Jesus' Authority")). This confrontation also highlights the theme of **Divine Wisdom vs. Human Cunning**, where Jesus' profound, unassailable wisdom consistently outmaneuvers the deceptive schemes of His adversaries, demonstrating His divine insight and authority, a wisdom far superior to that of the scribes and Pharisees ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authoritative Teaching")). Finally, the question directly addresses the complex theme of **The Nature of Authority**, forcing a consideration of the relationship between earthly political authority (Caesar) and divine authority, and where ultimate allegiance lies for the people of God, a tension that permeates discussions of the Kingdom of God and its demands ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tribute (Greek, _kēnsos'_):** This term specifically refers to the Roman poll tax, a direct head tax levied on every adult male in conquered territories. It was a deeply resented symbol of Roman subjugation and a flashpoint for Jewish nationalist sentiment, as its payment often involved coins bearing images of the emperor, which many considered idolatrous. The term highlights the political and religious tension inherent in the question.
* **lawful (Greek, _éxesti'_):** Impersonally meaning "it is right" or "it is permitted," this word carries significant legal and moral weight. The questioners are not merely asking about legality in a secular sense but are probing whether paying this tax aligns with Jewish law and religious principles, especially concerning God's sole sovereignty over Israel. Their intent is to force Jesus to contradict either Mosaic law or Roman law.
* **thinkest (Greek, _dokéō'_):** This verb means "to think" or "to seem," implying an opinion or judgment. By asking "What thinkest thou?", the questioners are attempting to elicit a personal, definitive stance from Jesus on a highly divisive issue, hoping to corner Him into an unpopular or seditious declaration. It underscores their desire to expose His perceived vulnerability or lack of wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Tell us therefore":** The conjunction "therefore" (οὖν, _oûn_) links this question to the preceding parables and Jesus' authoritative teaching, implying a challenge based on His proclaimed wisdom. The demand "Tell us" is not a humble request for instruction but an insistent demand for a public declaration, setting the stage for a trap.
* **"What thinkest thou?":** This direct question targets Jesus' personal opinion and judgment on a matter of public and religious controversy. It seeks to draw Him into a direct, unequivocal statement that could be used against Him, either by the Roman authorities (if He opposes the tax) or by the Jewish populace (if He endorses it).
* **"Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?":** This is the core of the trap. The term "lawful" (ἔξεστιν, _éxestin_) implies a question of moral and religious permissibility, not just civil legality. The choice presented is a stark dichotomy: either affirm the legitimacy of the Roman tax, thereby alienating nationalistic Jews and potentially compromising religious principles, or deny it, risking accusation of sedition against Rome. The questioners believe they have presented an inescapable dilemma.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 22:17 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to heighten the dramatic tension and underscore the cunning of Jesus' adversaries. The primary device is a **Dilemma**, where the questioners present Jesus with a seemingly unresolvable choice designed to force Him into a no-win situation, illustrating their malicious intent. This specific dilemma is a form of **False Dichotomy**, as they imply only two possible answers exist (yes or no to paying tribute), when in fact, Jesus' response transcends this simplistic binary. The use of **Irony** is also present; those who claim to uphold the law are attempting to entrap the very embodiment of divine law and wisdom. Furthermore, the scene functions as a **Test** or **Trial**, where Jesus' wisdom and divine authority are challenged, setting the stage for His profound and unexpected answer that reveals His superior understanding of both earthly and heavenly realms. The direct address, "What thinkest thou?", serves as a form of **Rhetorical Question**, albeit one posed with malicious intent, designed to elicit a damaging public statement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The question of paying tribute to Caesar in Matthew 22:17, while seemingly a political and economic issue, fundamentally probes the nature of allegiance and authority from a theological perspective. It forces a contemplation of the believer's dual citizenship – in an earthly kingdom and in the Kingdom of God. Jesus' eventual response (in [Matthew 22:21](/matthew/22-21 "Matthew 22:21 - Render to Caesar and to God")) establishes a principle that acknowledges the legitimate claims of earthly governing authorities while simultaneously asserting the paramount and ultimate claim of God over all of life. This passage highlights the tension between civil obedience and divine obedience, a tension that has recurred throughout history for believers. It underscores that while Christians are called to be responsible citizens, their ultimate loyalty and worship belong to God alone, and no earthly authority can usurp His supreme sovereignty.

* [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 - Living as Servants of God")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 22:17 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about navigating complex ethical and societal challenges with wisdom and discernment. Just as Jesus faced questions designed to trap Him, we too encounter situations where our faith is tested by seemingly impossible dilemmas, often presented by those with ulterior motives. This passage encourages us to look beyond the surface of questions and discern the true intentions behind them, relying on spiritual insight rather than reacting impulsively. It calls us to consider our allegiances in a world that often demands our undivided loyalty to earthly systems. While we are called to be good citizens and respect governing authorities, our ultimate allegiance must always remain with God. This requires a nuanced understanding of our responsibilities, ensuring that our civic duties never compromise our devotion to Christ or the principles of His Kingdom. Jesus' example teaches us to respond not with human cleverness, but with divine wisdom that transcends the immediate dilemma and points to a higher truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern the true motives behind challenging questions or situations I face, both personally and corporately?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise my ultimate allegiance to God for the sake of earthly peace or acceptance?**
* **How can I cultivate the kind of divine wisdom that Jesus demonstrated in responding to complex dilemmas?**
* **What does "rendering to Caesar" and "rendering to God" look like in my specific cultural and political context today?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Pharisees and Herodians, who were typically opposed, join forces to question Jesus?**

Answer: The alliance between the Pharisees and Herodians was an unusual and desperate measure, highlighting the extreme threat they perceived Jesus to be. The Pharisees were strict adherents to Jewish law, often opposing Roman occupation and its associated taxes, while the Herodians were a political party that supported the Herodian dynasty and, by extension, Roman rule, for the sake of stability and their own power. Their common enemy, Jesus, united them. They sought to trap Him in a dilemma: if He said "yes" to paying the tax, He would alienate the Jewish populace who resented Roman rule; if He said "no," He would be guilty of sedition against Rome, providing grounds for His arrest by Roman authorities, as seen in later accusations against Him ([Luke 23:2](/luke/23-2 "Luke 23:2 - Accusations Against Jesus")). Their shared goal was to discredit or eliminate Jesus, regardless of their differing political ideologies.

**What was the "tribute" (kēnsos) specifically, and why was it so controversial?**

Answer: The "tribute" (Greek: *kēnsos*) was the Roman poll tax, a direct annual head tax levied on all adult males in Roman provinces, including Judea. It was a deeply controversial tax for several reasons. Economically, it was a burden on the populace. More significantly, it was a profound symbol of Roman subjugation and loss of national sovereignty for the Jewish people, who believed God alone was their true King. Furthermore, the coins used to pay this tax, such as the Roman denarius, often bore the image of the emperor (e.g., Tiberius) and inscriptions that declared him "son of divine Augustus" or "pontifex maximus," which were considered idolatrous and blasphemous by many devout Jews. This made the act of paying the tax not just a political submission but a religious affront, intensifying the dilemma posed to Jesus. Jesus' famous response in [Matthew 22:21](/matthew/22-21 "Matthew 22:21 - Render to Caesar and to God") directly addresses the implications of this coin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 22:17 directly addresses a question about earthly tribute, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in Jesus' ultimate demonstration of His unique authority and His establishment of a Kingdom that transcends all earthly powers. Jesus, as the Son of God and the true King of Israel, perfectly embodies the tension and resolution of allegiance. His response to the Pharisees and Herodians, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" ([Matthew 22:21](/matthew/22-21 "Matthew 22:21 - Render to Caesar and to God")), not only outwits His adversaries but also lays a foundational principle for His followers: that while earthly governments have their place, God's claim is supreme and absolute. This principle is fully realized in Christ, who, though He submitted to earthly authorities even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Obedience to Death")), ultimately reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). His life, death, and resurrection demonstrate that true freedom and ultimate allegiance are found not in rebellion against or subservience to human systems, but in surrender to the divine authority of the one who purchased us with His own blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). Thus, the question of tribute ultimately points to the greater truth of who truly holds dominion and to whom all creation owes its ultimate allegiance – Jesus Christ, the sovereign Lord.

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

Luke 2:1

¶ And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

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.

Matthew 17:25

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?

Acts 28:22

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

Ezra 7:24

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.

Jeremiah 42:20

For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do [it].