New Testament
Luke 20:24
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Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?" They answered, "Caesar's."
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Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s.
What Luke 20:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Jesus is asked about paying taxes, a contentious issue among the people. He requests a denarius, a Roman coin, and asks whose image is on it. The response is 'Caesar's,' indicating that the coin belongs to the Roman authority. This moment highlights Jesus' wisdom in navigating a tricky political question. By pointing out that the coin bears Caesar's image, He implies that people should give to the government what belongs to it, while also suggesting a deeper principle about giving to God what belongs to Him. This interaction illustrates the relationship between faith and civic duty, emphasizing that while believers are to respect earthly authorities, their ultimate allegiance is to God. Jesus' clever response avoids a trap set by His questioners and reveals His understanding of both the spiritual and temporal realms.
How to apply Luke 20:24 to your life
This passage encourages us to balance our responsibilities to both God and government. We should fulfill our civic duties, such as paying taxes, while also prioritizing our spiritual commitments. Reflect on how you can honor both realms in your daily life.
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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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Luke 20:24
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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 does Luke 20:24 mean?
Luke 20:24 captures a moment when Jesus is asked about paying taxes. He asks for a denarius and points out that it bears Caesar's image, suggesting that people should give to the government what belongs to it, while also implying a deeper obligation to God.
What is the significance of Caesar's image in Luke 20:24?
Caesar's image on the coin signifies Roman authority and ownership. By highlighting this, Jesus teaches that while we have obligations to earthly governments, we also have responsibilities to God that transcend those obligations.
How does Luke 20:24 relate to civic duty?
Luke 20:24 emphasizes the importance of fulfilling civic duties, like paying taxes, while also reminding us that our ultimate allegiance is to God. It encourages a balance between respecting earthly authorities and honoring spiritual commitments.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 20:24?
The lesson from Luke 20:24 is about balancing our obligations to both God and government. It teaches us to respect and fulfill our civic responsibilities while prioritizing our spiritual duties.
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