New Testament
Luke 20:22
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So tell us — is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"
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Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?
What Luke 20:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the religious leaders are trying to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, the Roman ruler. They want to see if He will say it is lawful, which could anger the Jewish people who resented Roman rule, or if He says it is not lawful, which could lead to accusations of rebellion against Rome. This question highlights the tension between civic duty and religious beliefs. Jesus' response, which follows in the next verses, emphasizes the importance of giving to God what belongs to Him, while also acknowledging the role of government. This interaction shows how Jesus navigated complex social and political issues with wisdom, teaching that one can fulfill both civic responsibilities and spiritual obligations without conflict.
How to apply Luke 20:22 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider our responsibilities to both our government and our faith. It reminds us that we can engage with civic duties, like paying taxes, while still prioritizing our spiritual commitments. Balancing these aspects of life is essential for living faithfully in a complex world.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Questions in the Temple (Luke 20:20–44)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What did Jesus mean by giving to Caesar what is Caesar's?
In Luke 20:22, when Jesus refers to giving to Caesar what belongs to him, He emphasizes the importance of fulfilling civic duties, such as paying taxes. This statement illustrates that while we have obligations to our government, we also have spiritual responsibilities to God. Jesus teaches that both realms can coexist, and we should honor our commitments in both areas without compromising our faith.
Why did the religious leaders ask Jesus about paying taxes?
The religious leaders questioned Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar to trap Him. They aimed to create a situation where He could either alienate the Jewish people by endorsing Roman taxation or provoke Roman authorities by opposing it. This question reveals their intent to undermine Jesus' authority and to challenge His teachings, highlighting the political and religious tensions of the time.
How can we apply Jesus' teaching on taxes today?
Jesus' teaching in Luke 20:22 encourages us to recognize our dual responsibilities to both our government and our faith. Today, this means fulfilling our civic duties, such as paying taxes and obeying laws, while also prioritizing our spiritual commitments. It reminds us that we can engage in societal responsibilities without compromising our beliefs, promoting a balanced approach to living in a complex world.
What is the significance of the phrase 'give to God what belongs to God'?
The phrase 'give to God what belongs to God,' which follows the question about taxes, signifies the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty over all aspects of life. It reminds us that while we have obligations to earthly authorities, our ultimate allegiance is to God. This teaching encourages believers to evaluate what is truly valuable and to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.
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