Matthew 22:21

KJV

They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

KJV (with Strong's)

They say {G3004} unto him {G846}, Caesar's {G2541}. Then {G5119} saith he {G3004} unto them {G846}, Render {G591} therefore {G3767} unto Caesar {G2541} the things which are {G3588} Caesar's {G2541}; and {G2532} unto God {G2316} the things that are {G3588} God's {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"The Emperor's," they replied. Yeshua said to them, "Nu, give the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor. And give to God what belongs to God!"

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

They say unto him, Cæsar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this profound and often-quoted exchange, Jesus masterfully navigates a political trap set by His adversaries, delivering a timeless principle that defines the believer's dual responsibilities to earthly authorities and to God. His response, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's," establishes a foundational truth about the nature of human governance and divine sovereignty, asserting that while civil duties are valid, ultimate allegiance and worship belong solely to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal statement in [Matthew 22](/matthew/22 "Matthew 22 - Confrontations in Jerusalem") occurs during Jesus' final week in Jerusalem, a period marked by intense theological and political confrontations with various Jewish religious factions. Immediately preceding this verse, the Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to Jewish law and opposition to Roman rule, conspired with the Herodians, a pro-Roman political party, to entrap Jesus. Their question in [Matthew 22:17](/matthew/22-17 "Matthew 22:17 - The Trap Question") regarding the lawfulness of paying taxes to Caesar was designed to force Jesus into a dilemma: either endorse Roman taxation and alienate the Jewish populace, or condemn it and be accused of sedition against Rome. Jesus' request for a denarius, the coin used for the tribute tax, and His subsequent question about whose image and inscription it bore, set the stage for His brilliant and unassailable reply.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was under Roman occupation, a reality deeply resented by many Jews who longed for national independence and the restoration of a Davidic kingdom. The tribute tax (Latin: *tributum capitis*), a poll tax levied on every adult, was a particularly galling symbol of Roman subjugation, as it involved the use of coins bearing the image of the emperor, often deified, which was seen as idolatrous by many devout Jews. The denarius, specifically, typically featured the head of Tiberius Caesar and an inscription declaring him "Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus," and "Pontifex Maximus" (chief priest). This context highlights the extreme sensitivity of the question posed to Jesus and the political tightrope He was forced to walk.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospels and broader biblical narrative. It addresses the theme of **Dual Allegiance and Citizenship**, illustrating that believers have legitimate responsibilities to both earthly governments and to God, without one negating the other. It profoundly emphasizes **Ultimate Allegiance to God**, subtly shifting the focus from the coin's image to humanity's creation in [God's image](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity in God's Image"), thereby asserting that our very being, not just our possessions, belongs to God. Furthermore, Jesus' response exemplifies **Divine Wisdom and Discernment**, showcasing His ability to transcend human political traps and provide a timeless principle for ethical living under any authority, prioritizing divine claims above all others, as seen throughout His teachings on the [Kingdom of God](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - The Kingdom of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Render (Greek, _apodídōmi'_):** From G591, meaning "to give away, i.e. up, over, back, etc. (in various applications):--deliver (again), give (again), (re-)pay(-ment be made), perform, recompense, render, requite, restore, reward, sell, yield." This word implies returning something that is rightfully due or belongs to another. It is not merely "to give" but "to give back," suggesting that the coin, bearing Caesar's image, was already recognized as Caesar's property or domain.
* **Caesar (Greek, _Kaîsar'_):** From G2541, referring to "Cæsar, a title of the Roman emperor." This term specifically identifies the Roman imperial authority, embodying the secular power and its claims, particularly in the context of taxation and governance.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** From G2316, meaning "a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity." This word refers to the ultimate, supreme divine authority, contrasting sharply with Caesar. The parallel structure of the verse implies that just as Caesar has a claim based on his image on the coin, God has a far greater claim based on His image (the _imago Dei_) stamped upon humanity itself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They say unto him, Caesar's."**: This initial response from Jesus' question about the coin's image confirms that the Pharisees and Herodians recognize the coin as belonging to Caesar, thereby acknowledging his authority over the currency and, by implication, a certain sphere of civil life.
* **"Then saith he unto them,"**: This phrase marks Jesus' transition to His profound and climactic teaching, indicating that their admission about the coin's ownership provides the very premise for His subsequent instruction.
* **"Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's;"**: Jesus commands the payment of taxes and fulfillment of civic duties to the governing authority. The use of "render" (apodídōmi) implies giving back what is due, acknowledging the legitimate, though limited, claims of the state over material possessions and civil order. This validates the role of earthly government in God's created order.
* **"and unto God the things that are God's."**: This second, parallel clause is the profound climax of Jesus' statement. It elevates the discussion beyond mere taxation to the ultimate claims of God. If the coin, bearing Caesar's image, belongs to Caesar, then humanity, created in God's image ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity in God's Image")), belongs entirely to God. This encompasses not just material possessions but one's very life, worship, allegiance, and heart.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus' response is a masterclass in rhetorical brilliance, employing several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically antithetical parallelism, where two contrasting ideas are presented side-by-side ("unto Caesar... unto God"). This structure highlights the distinction between two spheres of authority while also implying their co-existence. There is also profound **Symbolism** at play: the coin, bearing Caesar's image, symbolizes the realm of earthly authority and material possessions, while the implied "image of God" on humanity symbolizes the spiritual realm and the ultimate claim God has on human life and worship. Furthermore, Jesus' response carries a subtle **Irony**: the very coin used to trap Him becomes the instrument through which He exposes the limited nature of earthly power compared to the boundless sovereignty of God. His answer is a brilliant **Aphorism**, a concise, memorable statement of a general truth, designed to be easily recalled and applied.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is foundational for understanding the Christian's relationship with civil authority and divine sovereignty. It establishes a dual citizenship: believers are citizens of both an earthly kingdom and the Kingdom of God. While acknowledging the legitimate role of human government in maintaining order and justice, Jesus unequivocally places God's claims as supreme. Our ultimate allegiance, worship, and very being belong to God, who created us in His image. Therefore, our obedience to earthly rulers must always be subservient to our higher obedience to God, ensuring that no human command ever supersedes a divine one. This principle provides a framework for navigating complex ethical dilemmas where state demands might conflict with divine commands.

* [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 - Submission to Authority")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obedience to God Rather Than Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 22:21 offers enduring guidance for believers in every generation, particularly in navigating the complexities of civic engagement and spiritual devotion. It calls us to be conscientious citizens, participating responsibly in society by obeying laws, paying taxes, and contributing to the common good, recognizing that earthly authorities are instituted by God for order. However, it simultaneously reminds us that our primary identity and ultimate allegiance are to God. This means our lives, talents, and resources are ultimately His, to be used for His glory and the advancement of His Kingdom. When the demands of Caesar conflict with the commands of God, our higher calling is to obey God. This verse challenges us to live with discernment, constantly evaluating where our true treasures and loyalties lie, ensuring that our commitment to God remains paramount, influencing every aspect of our lives, from our finances to our ethics.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find it challenging to "render unto Caesar" while simultaneously "rendering unto God"?**
* **How does the principle of ultimate allegiance to God shape your view of civic duties and political engagement today?**
* **What does it mean practically to "render unto God the things that are God's" in your daily life, beyond just monetary contributions?**
* **When might the demands of "Caesar" conflict with the commands of "God," and how should a believer respond in such situations?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean Christians should always obey the government, no matter what?**

Answer: No, this verse does not advocate for absolute, unquestioning obedience to all government commands. While it clearly establishes the legitimacy of civil authority and the Christian's responsibility to fulfill civic duties like paying taxes, it crucially balances this with the command to "render unto God the things that are God's." This implies a hierarchy of allegiance. As the apostles later declared in [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - We Must Obey God Rather Than Men"), "We must obey God rather than men." Therefore, when the demands of the state directly contradict God's moral law or compel believers to sin, our ultimate allegiance to God takes precedence. The verse calls for discernment, recognizing the legitimate sphere of government while always prioritizing divine commands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 22:21 directly addresses the relationship between civil and divine authority, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in Jesus' own embodiment of this principle and His ultimate claim as the one to whom all things, both Caesar's and God's, ultimately belong. Jesus, the Son of God, perfectly rendered to God what was God's through His complete obedience, sacrificial life, and atoning death, becoming the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He did not merely teach about rendering to God; He *was* the perfect rendering. Furthermore, Jesus' resurrection and ascension declare Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Thus, even Caesar's authority ultimately derives from and is subject to Christ's sovereign rule ([Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Governing Authorities Established by God")). In Christ, the tension between earthly and heavenly allegiances is resolved, as believers are called to live as citizens of His eternal Kingdom, whose ultimate loyalty is to Him, the one who purchased them with His own blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")).

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 13:7

¶ 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.

Proverbs 24:21

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

Malachi 1:6

¶ A son honoureth [his] father, and a servant his master: if then I [be] a father, where [is] mine honour? and if I [be] a master, where [is] my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

Malachi 1:8

And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, [is it] not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, [is it] not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts.

Matthew 22:37

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Daniel 6:20

And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: [and] the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?