Matthew 22:20

KJV

And he saith unto them, Whose [is] this image and superscription?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Whose {G5101} is this {G3778} image {G1504} and {G2532} superscription {G1923}?

Complete Jewish Bible

and he asked them, "Whose name and picture are these?"

Berean Standard Bible

“Whose image is this,” He asked, “and whose inscription?”

American Standard Version

And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 22:20, Jesus masterfully deflects a politically charged trap by the Pharisees and Herodians concerning the lawfulness of paying taxes to Caesar. Instead of directly answering their question, He requests to see the tribute money and then poses a counter-question, "Whose is this image and superscription?" This incisive inquiry shifts the focus from a simple yes/no answer to the underlying principles of authority, ownership, and the nature of the Roman denarius itself, setting the stage for His profound teaching on rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of confrontations between Jesus and various Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem during the final week of His earthly ministry, as recorded in [Matthew 21-23](/matthew/21 "Matthew 21-23 - Jesus' Final Confrontations in Jerusalem"). Following His triumphal entry and the cleansing of the temple, Jesus' authority is repeatedly challenged. In [Matthew 22:15](/matthew/22-15 "Matthew 22:15 - The Pharisees Conspire Against Jesus"), the Pharisees, typically meticulous observers of the Law, conspire with the Herodians, a political faction loyal to Herod and Rome, to trap Jesus. Their question, "Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?" ([Matthew 22:17](/matthew/22-17 "Matthew 22:17 - The Trap Question")), was designed to force Jesus into a dilemma: endorse Roman taxation and alienate the Jewish populace, or denounce it and face charges of sedition. Jesus, discerning their malice ([Matthew 22:18](/matthew/22-18 "Matthew 22:18 - Jesus Perceives Their Wickedness")), does not answer directly but instead asks for a coin, leading to the pivotal question in [Matthew 22:20](/matthew/22-20 "Matthew 22:20 - Jesus' Counter-Question"), which brilliantly exposes their hypocrisy and sets up His famous response in [Matthew 22:21](/matthew/22-21 "Matthew 22:21 - Render to Caesar and to God").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Roman occupation of Judea in the 1st century AD. Roman rule was enforced, and taxation was a constant source of resentment among the Jewish people, who viewed it as a symbol of their subjugation and a violation of their national and religious identity. The specific coin in question was likely the Roman denarius, a silver coin that served as a common daily wage. Crucially, this coin bore the image of Emperor Tiberius Caesar and an inscription (superscription) that often declared him "Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus" and "Pontifex Maximus" (chief priest). For devout Jews, the graven image on the coin could be seen as violating the Second Commandment ([Exodus 20:4](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - The Second Commandment")), and the imperial titles, especially claims of divinity, were blasphemous. Thus, the very act of possessing and using such a coin was a point of tension, and Jesus' question about its image and superscription directly confronted the political and religious sensitivities of His audience.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 22:20 contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Wisdom and Authority**, showcasing Jesus' unparalleled insight and ability to navigate complex ethical and political dilemmas, turning His adversaries' traps against them. Secondly, it addresses the theme of **Authority and Ownership**, specifically contrasting earthly dominion (represented by Caesar's image and inscription on the coin) with divine sovereignty. This sets the stage for the profound distinction between rendering to Caesar and rendering to God, emphasizing that ultimate allegiance belongs to God. Thirdly, the encounter exposes the **Hypocrisy** of Jesus' accusers; by asking them to produce the coin, Jesus reveals their own complicity in the very system they are questioning Him about. Their possession and use of the denarius demonstrate their active engagement with Roman authority, undermining their feigned piety. This passage also subtly introduces the theme of **Dual Citizenship**, prompting believers to consider their responsibilities to both earthly governments and the Kingdom of God, a concept further developed in passages like [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Image (Greek, _eikṓn'_):** From _eikō_; a likeness, i.e. (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance:--image. In this context, _eikṓn_ refers directly to the portrait of Emperor Tiberius Caesar stamped on the denarius coin. This image was not merely a decorative feature but a powerful symbol of Caesar's authority, presence, and claim of ownership over the coin and, by extension, the realm it represented. The term carries profound theological weight elsewhere in Scripture, as humanity is created in God's _eikṓn_ or image ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")).
* **Superscription (Greek, _epigraphḗ'_):** From _epigraphō_; an inscription:--superscription. This term refers to the written text or legend on the coin. On the Roman denarius, this inscription typically included the emperor's name, titles, and sometimes claims of divinity (e.g., "Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus"). This inscription served as a legal and ideological declaration, asserting Caesar's identity, authority, and often his perceived divine status, which was deeply offensive to Jewish monotheistic beliefs.
* **Saith (Greek, _légō'_):** A primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas _epō_ and _phēmí_ generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while _rheō_ is properly to break silence merely, and _laléō_ means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter. Here, _légō_ indicates Jesus' deliberate and authoritative utterance of the question, a calculated rhetorical move designed to expose His interrogators and set forth a profound truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he saith unto them":** This phrase highlights Jesus' active and deliberate engagement with His adversaries. Having already perceived their malicious intent ([Matthew 22:18](/matthew/22-18 "Matthew 22:18 - Jesus Perceives Their Wickedness")), Jesus takes the initiative, turning the tables on them. His direct address signifies His authority and control over the conversation, refusing to be drawn into their trap on their terms.
* **"Whose [is] this image":** Jesus' question immediately draws attention to the visual representation on the coin. The "image" (_eikṓn_) of Caesar was not merely a portrait but a declaration of his dominion and ownership. By asking "Whose is this image?", Jesus forces His questioners to acknowledge the very authority they were implicitly accepting by using the coin. This question subtly introduces the concept of ownership and belonging, which is crucial for His subsequent teaching.
* **"and superscription?":** The addition of "and superscription" (_epigraphḗ_) deepens the inquiry. The inscription on the coin explicitly identified Caesar and often included blasphemous claims of divinity. This part of the question pushes beyond mere visual recognition to the proclaimed identity and authority of the one represented. It forces the Pharisees and Herodians to confront the full implications of the Roman authority they were engaging with, including its idolatrous claims. The question is designed to make them articulate the source of the coin's authority, which they would readily admit was Caesar.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus' question in [Matthew 22:20](/matthew/22-20 "Matthew 22:20 - Jesus' Counter-Question") is rich with literary devices that amplify its impact and meaning. Firstly, it is a masterfully employed **Rhetorical Question**. Jesus does not ask for information He lacks; rather, He asks a question whose answer is obvious to His audience, forcing them to articulate the truth that exposes their own position. This rhetorical technique skillfully shifts the burden of proof and argument onto His adversaries, making them complicit in their own exposure. Secondly, there is profound **Irony** at play. The very coin that the Pharisees and Herodians use to trap Jesus becomes the instrument of their own undoing. They, who outwardly opposed Roman rule, are revealed to be actively participating in its economic system, carrying and using the coins that bear the image and blasphemous claims of the very emperor they wish to undermine. Their hypocrisy is subtly, yet powerfully, highlighted. Thirdly, the coin itself serves as a potent **Symbolism**. The "image" and "superscription" on the denarius symbolize Caesar's earthly authority, dominion, and even his self-proclaimed divine status. By drawing attention to these elements, Jesus uses the physical object to represent the broader concept of earthly power and ownership, contrasting it with the ultimate spiritual authority and ownership of God, which He then expounds upon in the following verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 22:20 is far more than a clever retort; it lays the theological groundwork for understanding the complex relationship between earthly authority and divine sovereignty. Jesus' question about the image and superscription on the coin implicitly raises the question of whose "image" we ultimately bear and to whom our ultimate allegiance belongs. While Caesar's image signifies his claim to earthly dominion and the coin's ownership, the deeper theological truth is that humanity is created in the image of God ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")). Therefore, just as the coin belongs to Caesar because it bears his image, so humanity belongs to God because we bear His image. This passage thus introduces the critical distinction between our civic duties and our spiritual obligations, affirming that while we are to render to temporal authorities what is due to them, our ultimate and profoundest allegiance is reserved for God, who alone holds ultimate authority and ownership over all creation.

* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")
* [Romans 13:7](/romans/13-7 "Romans 13:7 - Render to All Their Dues")
* [1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13-17 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submission to Authority")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 22:20, though brief, provides profound insights for believers navigating life in a complex world. Jesus' discerning approach teaches us to look beyond superficial questions and identify the underlying motives or principles at play, whether in personal interactions or broader societal issues. We are called to cultivate a Christ-like wisdom that allows us to respond not merely to the surface-level challenge, but to address the heart of the matter with truth and grace. This passage also compels us to reflect on our dual citizenship—our identity as citizens of an earthly nation and, more importantly, as citizens of God's eternal Kingdom. It reminds us that while we have legitimate responsibilities to civil authorities, our ultimate allegiance, our deepest loyalty, and our very being are stamped with the image of God. Therefore, our lives should reflect His ownership and His glory above all else. This means discerning how to live faithfully within earthly systems without compromising our devotion to God, always prioritizing His will and kingdom values.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle to discern between what belongs to "Caesar" (earthly obligations) and what belongs to God (divine allegiance)?**
* **How can I cultivate the kind of wisdom Jesus demonstrated in this encounter, allowing me to respond to challenging situations with grace and truth, rather than falling into traps?**
* **Considering that I am created in God's image, how does my daily life reflect His ownership and glory? What "superscriptions" am I allowing to define me?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus ask to see the coin instead of just answering the question directly?**

Answer: Jesus' request to see the coin, followed by His question about its "image" and "superscription," was a brilliant strategic move that served multiple purposes. Firstly, it avoided a direct "yes" or "no" answer that would have immediately trapped Him politically. If He said "yes," He would alienate the Jewish populace who resented Roman taxation. If He said "no," He would be accused of sedition against Rome. Secondly, by asking them to produce the coin, Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of His interrogators. The Pharisees, who feigned piety and concern for Jewish law, were themselves carrying and using the very Roman currency they questioned Him about. Their possession of the coin demonstrated their active participation in the Roman economic system. Thirdly, it shifted the focus from a simple legalistic question to a profound theological principle. The "image" and "superscription" on the coin were not just decorative; they represented Caesar's authority and claim of ownership. Jesus used this visual aid to set up His teaching in [Matthew 22:21](/matthew/22-21 "Matthew 22:21 - Render to Caesar and to God"), distinguishing between what belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God, thereby elevating the discussion to a higher, spiritual plane.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 22:20, with Jesus' incisive question about the "image" and "superscription" on the coin, powerfully foreshadows His own unique identity and ultimate authority. While the coin bore the image of Caesar, signifying his temporal dominion, Jesus Himself is revealed as the very "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), the perfect representation and embodiment of the Father's glory. The "superscription" on Caesar's coin declared his earthly titles and claims; yet, it is Jesus who possesses the true "superscription" of divine authority, having "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). His question not only exposed the hypocrisy of His adversaries but also subtly redirected their attention to the ultimate claim of ownership – that humanity, created in God's image ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")), belongs supremely to God. Thus, the passage moves beyond earthly taxation to the profound truth of Christ's kingship and the believer's ultimate allegiance. We are called to render to Caesar what is Caesar's, but to God what is God's, recognizing that our very lives, stamped with the divine image, are Christ's possession, bought with His precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")). Our true fulfillment is found not in earthly allegiances, but in acknowledging and living under the supreme reign of the One who bears the true divine image and superscription.

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 20:24

Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.