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Matthew 22:17

Authority and leadershipMoney and wealth

15 Then the Pharisees went out and conspired to trap Jesus in His words.

16 They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance.

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

18 But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me?

19 Show Me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought Him a denarius.

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Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
KJV
Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
WEB
Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
ASV
Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
DARBY
tell us therefore what thou thinkest: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
BLB
Therefore tell us, what do You think? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?”
ÅB
Så fortell oss hva du mener: Er det tillatt å betale skatt til keiseren, eller ikke?»
OTB
Si oss da, hva mener du? Er det lovlig å betale skatt til keiseren, eller ikke?"
B1930
Si oss da: Hvad tykkes dig? er det tillatt å gi keiseren skatt, eller ikke?

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Luke 2:1

    Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire.

    Read in context

  • Romans 13:6–7

    This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work.

    Read in context

  • Matthew 17:25

    “Yes,” he answered. When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?”

    Read in context

  • Acts 28:22

    But we consider your views worth hearing, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.”

    Read in context

  • Acts 5:37

    After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered.

    Read in context

  • John 19:12–15

    From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”

    Read in context

  • Ezra 7:24

    And be advised that you have no authority to impose tribute, duty, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.

    Read in context

  • Deuteronomy 17:14–15

    When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, “Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,”

    Read in context