Luke 20:22
What does Luke 20:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 20:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 20:22 means
After their elaborate flattery, the spies presented their trap: "Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?" This was a masterfully crafted question designed to ensnare Jesus regardless of His answer. If He said yes, it would alienate many Jews who resented Roman rule and the tax as a sign of subjugation, thus undermining his popularity. If He said no, it would be seen as an act of rebellion against Rome, giving them grounds to deliver Him to the governor for sedition. The question forced a choice between religious principle and political expediency, seemingly without a safe answer.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Cesar, or no?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Is it right for us to make payment of taxes to Caesar or not?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Is it lawful to us to give tribute to Caesar or not?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or no?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
Context
This verse presents the precise, loaded question posed by the spies, immediately following their deceptive flattery. This question is the core of their trap, designed to force Jesus into a dilemma. Jesus' response to this question, which immediately follows, will demonstrate His divine wisdom in navigating their cunning and avoiding their snare.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 17:25
He saith, Yea. And when he came into the house, Jesus spake first to him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? the kings of the earth, from whom do they receive toll or tribute? from their sons, or from strangers?
- Deuteronomy 17:15
thou shalt surely set him king over thee, whom Jehovah thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee; thou mayest not put a foreigner over thee, who is not thy brother.
- Acts 5:37
After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the enrolment, and drew away some of the people after him: he also perished; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.
- Nehemiah 9:37
And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have power over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
- Ezra 4:13
Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful unto the kings.
- Mark 12:14
And when they were come, they say unto him, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and carest not for any one; for thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?
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