Lexical Summary Kaisar: Caesar Original Word: Καῖσαρ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Caesar. Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor -- Caesar. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition Caesar, a Roman emperor NASB Translation Caesar (21), Caesar's (8). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2541: ΚαῖσαρΚαῖσαρ, Καίσαρος (Alexander Buttmann (1873) 16 (15)), ὁ, Caesar (properly, the surname of Julius Caesar, which being adopted by Octavianus Augustus and his successors afterward became an appellative, and was appropriated by the Roman emperors as a part of their title (cf. Dict. of Biogr. and Mythol. under the word Topical Lexicon Historical Identity and Development of the TitleOriginating with Gaius Julius Caesar, the name became an imperial designation for successive Roman emperors. In New Testament times three holders of the title appear either directly or by implication: Augustus (Luke 2:1), Tiberius (Luke 3:1), and Nero (for whom Paul appeals, Acts 25–28; cf. Philippians 4:22). The title symbolized absolute civil authority throughout the Mediterranean world, affecting taxation, census taking, judicial appeals, and daily governance. Imperial Authority and Everyday Life 1. Taxation and Currency The denarius bearing the emperor’s image (Matthew 22:17–21; Mark 12:14–17; Luke 20:22–25) embodied Caesar’s economic reach. When questioned about paying tribute, Jesus responded, “‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s’” (Mark 12:17), acknowledging legitimate civic obligations while maintaining God’s ultimate sovereignty. 2. Census and Administration “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire” (Luke 2:1). The Roman census brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, demonstrating how imperial edicts advanced divine prophecy regarding Messiah’s birthplace (Micah 5:2). 3. Judicial Authority Roman citizens could appeal to the emperor. Confronted by hostile Judean leaders, Paul declared, “I appeal to Caesar!” (Acts 25:11). Festus affirmed, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you will go” (Acts 25:12). This right transported the apostle and the gospel to Rome (Acts 28), fulfilling Christ’s promise of Paul’s witness “before kings” (Acts 9:15). Jesus and Caesar: Conflict of Allegiance At His trial the chief priests cried, “We have no king but Caesar” (John 19:15), rejecting their Messianic hope in favor of imperial favor. The statement highlights the spiritual crisis of choosing worldly power over God’s anointed King. Pilate’s fear of being perceived as “no friend of Caesar” (John 19:12) illustrates the political pressures permeating Roman administration. Caesar’s Household and the Advance of the Gospel Paul’s Roman imprisonment bore unexpected fruit: “All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household” (Philippians 4:22). Palace staff, soldiers, and officials encountered the gospel, proving that the empire’s very center was not impermeable to Christ’s reign. Theological Themes • Divine Sovereignty over Empires Though emperors claimed absolute power, Scripture portrays God as the One who “removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). The census, the coin, the court—each imperial mechanism ultimately serves redemptive purposes. • Dual Citizenship and Obedience Believers are urged to submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1–7; 1 Peter 2:13–17) yet must obey God rather than men when commands conflict (Acts 5:29). Jesus’ teaching keeps civic duty in perspective, safeguarding worship from idolatry. • Eschatological Contrast Revelation contrasts human empires with the everlasting kingdom of Christ (Revelation 11:15). Earthly Caesars rise and fall; Jesus Christ is “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). Ministry Implications 1. Gospel Penetration of Political Structures Engagement with civil institutions, as modeled by Paul, can open mission opportunities even in elite circles. 2. Courage under Political Pressure Faithfulness may require respectful yet resolute dissent when state demands violate Scriptural truth. 3. Stewardship of Civic Responsibility Christians honor governing authorities through prayer (1 Timothy 2:1–2), taxation, and lawful conduct, displaying integrity that commends the gospel. Key References Matthew 22:17–21; Mark 12:14–17; Luke 2:1; Luke 20:22–25; John 19:12, 15; Acts 25:11–12; Acts 28:19; Philippians 4:22 Forms and Transliterations Καισαρα Καίσαρα Καίσαρά Καισαρι Καίσαρι Καίσαρί Καισαρος Καίσαρος Καίσαρός Kaisara Kaísara Kaísará Kaisari Kaísari Kaísarí Kaisaros Kaísaros KaísarósLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 22:17 N-DMSGRK: δοῦναι κῆνσον Καίσαρι ἢ οὔ NAS: to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? KJV: to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? INT: to give tribute to Ceasar or not Matthew 22:21 N-GMS Matthew 22:21 N-GMS Matthew 22:21 N-DMS Mark 12:14 N-DMS Mark 12:16 N-GMS Mark 12:17 N-GMS Mark 12:17 N-DMS Luke 2:1 N-GMS Luke 3:1 N-GMS Luke 20:22 N-DMS Luke 20:24 N-GMS Luke 20:25 N-GMS Luke 20:25 N-DMS Luke 23:2 N-DMS John 19:12 N-GMS John 19:12 N-DMS John 19:15 N-AMS Acts 17:7 N-GMS Acts 25:8 N-AMS Acts 25:10 N-GMS Acts 25:11 N-AMS Acts 25:12 N-AMS Acts 25:12 N-AMS Acts 25:21 N-AMS Strong's Greek 2541 |
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