Matthew 22:21
What does Matthew 22:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 22:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 22:21 means
They respond, 'Caesar’s,' affirming the emperor's ownership implied by the coin's image. Jesus then delivers His profound and timeless answer: 'Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.' This masterstroke disentangles civil duty from spiritual allegiance, acknowledging legitimate governmental authority while upholding ultimate loyalty to God. It simultaneously avoids the Pharisees' trap and provides a principle for living faithfully in both earthly and heavenly realms, validating both spheres of authority.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000They say unto him, Cæsar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
KJV
King James Version · 1611They say unto him, Cesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cesar the things which are Cesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901They say unto him, Cæsar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949They say to him, Caesar's. Then he said to them, Give to Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and to God the things which are God's.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862they say to him, `Caesar's;' then saith he to them, `Render therefore the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752They say to him: Caesar's. Then he saith to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God, the things that are God's.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They say to him, Caesar's. Then he says to them, Pay then what is Caesar's to Caesar, and what isGod's toGod.
Context
This verse provides the culminating answer to the trap question, immediately following the acknowledgment of Caesar's image on the coin. Jesus' brilliant response not only deftly sidesteps the political and religious snare but also establishes a foundational principle of separating and fulfilling responsibilities to both earthly authorities and divine authority. This climactic answer silences His adversaries and reveals His profound wisdom.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 3:16
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer thee in this matter.
- Malachi 3:8
Will a man rob God? yet ye rob me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
- 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?
- Acts 4:19
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye:
- Romans 13:7
Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
- Proverbs 24:21
My son, fear thou Jehovah and the king; And company not with them that are given to change:
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