Luke 20:25 So Jesus told them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

◄ Luke 20:25 ►

New International Version
He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

New Living Translation
“Well then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

English Standard Version
He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Berean Standard Bible
So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Berean Literal Bible
And He said to them, "Therefore give back to Caesar the things of Caesar, and to God the things of God."

King James Bible
And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

New King James Version
And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

New American Standard Bible
And He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

NASB 1995
And He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

NASB 1977
And He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Amplified Bible
He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Christian Standard Bible
“Well then,” he told them, “give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Well then,” He told them, “give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.”

American Standard Version
And he said unto them, Then render unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's, and unto God the things that are God's.

Contemporary English Version
Then he told them, "Give the Emperor what belongs to him and give God what belongs to God."

English Revised Version
And he said unto them, Then render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He said to them, "Well, then give the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and give God what belongs to God."

Good News Translation
So Jesus said, "Well, then, pay to the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor, and pay to God what belongs to God."

International Standard Version
So he told them, "Then give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

Majority Standard Bible
So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

NET Bible
So he said to them, "Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

New Heart English Bible
He said to them, "Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said to them, Render therefore to Cesar the things which are Cesar's, and to God the things which are God's.

Weymouth New Testament
"Pay therefore," He replied, "what is Caesar's to Caesar--and what is God's to God."

World English Bible
He said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and He said to them, “Give back, therefore, the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God”;

Berean Literal Bible
And He said to them, "Therefore give back to Caesar the things of Caesar, and to God the things of God."

Young's Literal Translation
and he said to them, 'Give back, therefore, the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he said to them, Return therefore to Caesar, Caesar's things, and to God the things of God.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's: and to God the things that are God's.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, he said to them: “Then repay the things that are Caesar’s, to Caesar, and the things that are God’s, to God.”

New American Bible
So he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

New Revised Standard Version
He said to them, “Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Jesus said to them, Give therefore to Caesar that which is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Yeshua said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
He said to them: Give, therefore, to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.

Godbey New Testament
And He said to them, Therefore render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things which are God's.

Haweis New Testament
Then said he to them, Pay therefore to Cæsar the things which are Cæsar’s, and to God the things which are God’s.

Mace New Testament
render then, said he, to Cesar, what belongs to Cesar, and to God, what belongs to God.

Weymouth New Testament
"Pay therefore," He replied, "what is Caesar's to Caesar--and what is God's to God."

Worrell New Testament
And He said to them, "Then, render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

Worsley New Testament
Then said He unto them, Render therefore unto Cesar the things that are Cesar's, and to God the things that are God's.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Paying Taxes to Caesar
…24“Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. 25 So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 26And they were unable to trap Him in His words before the people; and amazed at His answer, they fell silent.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Matthew 22:21
“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Mark 12:17
Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him.

Romans 13:7
Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.

1 Peter 2:13-17
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. / For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. ...

Matthew 17:24-27
After they had arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the two drachmas?” / “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?” / “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him. ...

Romans 13:1-2
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

Proverbs 24:21
My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.

Daniel 3:16-18
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. / If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. / But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”

Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

1 Samuel 8:10-18
So Samuel spoke all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. / He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. ...

Exodus 22:28
You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.

Ecclesiastes 8:2-5
Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. / Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. / For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” ...

Jeremiah 29:7
Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

Nehemiah 9:37
Its abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us because of our sins. And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress.

Treasury of Scripture

And he said to them, Render therefore to Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and to God the things which be God's.

Render.

Proverbs 24:21
My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

Matthew 17:27
Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Matthew 22:21
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.

unto God.

Acts 4:19,20
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…

Acts 5:29
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

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Luke 20

1. Jesus confirms his authority by a question of John's baptism.
9. The parable of the vineyard.
19. Of giving tribute to Caesar.
27. He instructs the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection.
41. How Jesus is the Son of David.
45. He warns his disciples to beware of the scribes.

Berean Study Bible

So He told them
This phrase introduces the response of Jesus to a question posed by the Pharisees and Herodians. The context is crucial here, as Jesus is addressing a trap set by these groups to ensnare Him in His words. The Greek word for "told" (εἶπεν, eipen) indicates a deliberate and authoritative response. Jesus, as the divine teacher, speaks with wisdom that transcends human cunning. This moment reflects His role as the ultimate source of truth and authority.

Give to Caesar
The word "give" (ἀπόδοτε, apodote) in Greek implies a sense of obligation or duty. It is not merely a suggestion but a command to fulfill one's responsibilities. "Caesar" refers to the Roman emperor, representing the secular authority of the time. This phrase acknowledges the legitimacy of governmental authority and the Christian duty to respect and fulfill civic responsibilities. Historically, this reflects the Roman occupation of Judea and the complex relationship between the Jewish people and their Roman rulers.

what is Caesar’s
This phrase emphasizes the distinction between secular and divine obligations. The use of "what is Caesar’s" suggests that certain aspects of life, such as taxes and civic duties, fall under the jurisdiction of earthly authorities. It acknowledges the reality of living within a societal structure and the necessity of participating in its functions. This reflects the broader biblical principle of respecting and submitting to governing authorities as instituted by God (Romans 13:1-7).

and to God
The conjunction "and" (καί, kai) serves as a pivotal transition, highlighting the dual nature of the obligations being discussed. "To God" shifts the focus from earthly to divine responsibilities. This phrase underscores the ultimate allegiance of believers to God, who is the supreme authority over all creation. It reflects the biblical teaching that while Christians live in the world, their primary loyalty is to God and His commandments.

what is God’s
This concluding phrase encapsulates the heart of Jesus' teaching. "What is God’s" refers to everything that belongs to God, including worship, obedience, and the entirety of one's life. The Greek word for "what" (τὰ, ta) implies all-encompassing ownership. This phrase calls believers to recognize that their lives, talents, and resources are ultimately God's and should be dedicated to His service. It serves as a reminder of the comprehensive nature of God's claim on His creation and the call to live a life of holiness and devotion.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 25. - And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. As regarded the immediate issues the Lord's answer was in the affirmative: "Yes, it is lawful under the present circumstances to pay this tribute." The Roman money current in the land, bearing the image and title of the Caesar, bore perpetual witness to the fact that the rule of Rome was established and acknowledged by the Jewish people and their rulers. It was a well-known and acknowledged saying, that "he whose coin is current is king of the land." So the great Jewish rabbi Maimonides, centuries after, wrote, "Ubi-cunque numisma regis alicujus obtinet, illic incolae regem istum pro Domino agnoscunt." The tribute imposed by the recognized sovereign ought certainly to be paid as a just debt; nor would this payment at all interfere with the people's discharging their duties God-ward. The tithes, tribute to the temple, the offerings enjoined by the Law they revered, - these ancient witnesses to the Divine sovereignty in Israel might and ought still to be rendered, as well as the higher obligations to the invisible King, such as faith, love, and obedience. Tribute to the Caesar, then, the acknowledged sovereign, in no way interfered with tribute to God. What belonged to Caesar should be given to him, and what belonged to God ought to be rendered likewise to him. Godet, in a long and able note, adds that Jesus would teach the turbulent Jewish people that the way to regain their theocratic independence was not to violate the duty of submission to Caesar by a revolutionary shaking off of his yoke, but to return to the faithful fulfilment of all duties toward God, "To render to God what is God's was the way for the people of God to obtain a new David instead of Caesar as their Lord. To the Pharisees and Zealots, 'Render unto Caesar;' to the Herodians, 'Render unto God.'" Well caught the great Christian teachers their Master's thought here in all their teaching respecting an institution such as slavery, in their injunctions concerning rigid and unswerving loyalty to established authority. So St. Paul: "Be subject to the powers... not only from fear of punishment, but also for conscience' sake" (Romans 13:1 and 1 Timothy).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

So
Τοίνυν (Toinyn)
Conjunction
Strong's 5106: Indeed now, therefore, accordingly, well then. From toi and nun; truly now, i.e. Accordingly.

[Jesus] told
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

them,
αὐτούς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

“Give
ἀπόδοτε (apodote)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 591: From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.

to Caesar
Καίσαρι (Kaisari)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2541: Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor.

what [is]
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Caesar’s,
Καίσαρος (Kaisaros)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2541: Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

to God
Θεῷ (Theō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

what [is]
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

God’s.”
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

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NT Gospels: Luke 20:25 He said to them Then give (Luke Lu Lk)