### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term κῆνσος (kēnsos, `{{G2778}}`) is a transliteration of the Latin word "census." Its primary meaning, therefore, refers to an official enrollment or registration of people, typically conducted for the purpose of taxation. By implication, and as it is predominantly used in the New Testament, κῆνσος refers to the tax or tribute levied as a result of such a census. This was specifically a poll-tax or a head-tax, a direct impost on individuals, in contrast to other forms of taxation like customs duties or indirect taxes. It represented a direct acknowledgment of the authority of the governing power, particularly the Roman Empire, over the populace.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κῆνσος appears three times in the New Testament, exclusively within the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew and Mark, and always in contexts related to Roman taxation.
1. **[[Matthew 17:25]]**: In this passage, Jesus asks Peter about earthly kings, "From whom do they receive customs or tribute (τέλη ἢ κῆνσον)?" Here, κῆνσος is distinguished from τέλη (telē, `{{G5056}}`), which refers to customs or tolls, suggesting that κῆνσος denotes a direct personal tax, likely the Roman poll-tax. Jesus uses this distinction to illustrate a point about the sons of the king being exempt, subtly hinting at His own divine sonship and exemption from the temple tax.
2. **[[Matthew 22:17]]**: This is the most famous occurrence, part of the "render unto Caesar" discourse. The Pharisees and Herodians, attempting to trap Jesus, ask Him, "Tell us, therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay tribute (κῆνσος) to Caesar, or not?" This question was a profound political and religious dilemma for Jews under Roman occupation. A "yes" would alienate the nationalistic Jews who resented Roman rule and its taxation, viewing it as an affront to God's sole sovereignty. A "no" would expose Jesus to charges of sedition against Rome.
3. **[[Mark 12:14]]**: This is the parallel account to [[Matthew 22:17]], with the same question posed to Jesus: "Is it lawful to pay tribute (κῆνσος) to Caesar, or not?" The context and implications are identical to Matthew's account.
In both instances in Matthew and Mark, Jesus' response involves asking for a denarius (δηνάριον, `{{G1220}}`), the coin used for paying the tax, and inquiring whose image and inscription it bore. Upon being told "Caesar's," He famously declares, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." This response masterfully navigates the trap, acknowledging the legitimacy of secular authority in its proper sphere while simultaneously asserting the supreme claim of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
κῆνσος (kēnsos, `{{G2778}}`) is closely related to several other terms and concepts concerning taxation and authority in the biblical world:
* **τέλος (telos, `{{G5056}}`)**: As seen in [[Matthew 17:25]], this refers to indirect taxes, customs, or tolls, often collected at borders or markets. It contrasts with the direct nature of κῆνσος.
* **φόρος (phoros, `{{G5411}}`)**: A more general term for tribute or tax, often referring to a regular payment imposed on a subject people. While κῆνσος is a specific type of direct tax, φόρος can encompass various forms of tribute.
* **δίδραχμον (didrachmon, `{{G1367}}`)**: The temple tax, a religious levy paid by Jewish men for the upkeep of the Temple, distinct from the Roman κῆνσος. Jesus' discussion of this tax in [[Matthew 17:24-27]] highlights the different categories of taxes.
* **Roman Taxation System**: The broader historical context of Roman provincial administration, which relied heavily on taxation to fund its empire. This system often led to resentment and occasional revolts among subject peoples, particularly in Judea where it clashed with deep-seated religious and nationalistic sentiments. The requirement to pay κῆνσος symbolized Roman subjugation.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of κῆνσος in the Gospels carry profound theological weight:
1. **Legitimacy of Secular Authority**: Jesus' instruction to "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s" ([[Matthew 22:21]]; [[Mark 12:17]]) implicitly acknowledges the legitimate, albeit limited, authority of the civil government. This teaching aligns with later apostolic instruction regarding submission to governing authorities (e.g., [[Romans 13:1-7]]; [[1 Peter 2:13-17]]), viewing them as ordained by God for order and justice.
2. **Dual Allegiance and Ultimate Sovereignty**: While acknowledging Caesar's claim to the tax, Jesus immediately balances it with the imperative to "render to God the things that are God’s." This establishes a principle of dual, yet distinct, allegiances. Believers are citizens of an earthly kingdom with civic duties, but their ultimate allegiance, their very being, belongs to God. This implies that while the state has a claim on material possessions (like the coin with Caesar's image), God has a claim on the spiritual, the heart, and all of life, as humans are created in God's image.
3. **Divine Wisdom and Avoidance of Traps**: Jesus' response demonstrates His divine wisdom and ability to transcend the political traps set by His adversaries. He neither advocates rebellion nor endorses oppressive taxation without qualification. Instead, He elevates the discussion to a higher, spiritual plane, providing a timeless principle for navigating the relationship between faith and civil governance.
4. **The Kingdom of God vs. Earthly Kingdoms**: The question of κῆνσος highlights the tension between the values and demands of earthly kingdoms and the supreme, overarching reality of the Kingdom of God. Jesus' teaching clarifies that while believers live within earthly systems, their primary identity and ultimate loyalty are to God's kingdom.
### Summary
The Greek term κῆνσος (kēnsos, `{{G2778}}`), derived from the Latin "census," refers primarily to a Roman poll-tax or tribute levied as a result of a population enrollment. Its limited but pivotal occurrences in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark are central to the "render unto Caesar" passages. In these contexts, the payment of κῆνσος symbolized Roman authority and was a contentious issue for Jews. Jesus' response to the question of its lawfulness masterfully navigates a political trap, establishing a foundational theological principle: the acknowledgment of legitimate secular authority alongside the paramount and ultimate claim of God on all aspects of life. This teaching underscores the concept of dual allegiance, reminding believers that while they are called to fulfill civic duties, their ultimate loyalty and worship belong to God, to whom they must render "the things that are God's."
TRV