Devine Scripture

Matthew 22:17

What does Matthew 22:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 22:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 22:17 means

Having laid their deceptive groundwork, the conspirators pose their trap question: 'Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?' This question presented a dilemma. If Jesus said yes, He risked alienating the Jewish people, who resented Roman taxation. If He said no, He could be accused of sedition against Rome. This strategically ambiguous question aimed to corner Jesus, forcing Him into an impossible political and religious bind, thereby undermining His authority.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cesar, or not?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Give us, then, your opinion of this: Is it right to give tax to Caesar, or not?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

tell us, therefore, what dost thou think? is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Tell us therefore what dost thou think? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

tell us therefore what thou thinkest: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

Context

This verse presents the core of the trap question, immediately following the deceptive flattery and introduction of the unusual alliance. It creates the highly sensitive dilemma designed to compromise Jesus regardless of His answer. Understanding the political and religious tension surrounding Roman taxation is essential to appreciate the cunning nature of this challenge.

v.16And they send to him their disciples, with the Herodians, saying, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, and carest not for any one: for thou regardest not the person of men.

v.17This passage

v.18But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why make ye trial of me, ye hypocrites?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ezra 7:24

    Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, the singers, porters, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll, upon them.

  • Luke 3:1

    Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judæa, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituræa and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Acts 28:22

    But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.

  • Acts 17:7

    whom Jason hath received: and these all act contrary to the decrees of Cæsar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

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