New Testament
Mark 12:17
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Jesus replied, "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God." They were amazed at him.
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And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.
What Mark 12:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Jesus is responding to a question about paying taxes to the Roman government. His statement, "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God," emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities both to earthly authorities and to God. Jesus acknowledges the legitimacy of civil government while also highlighting that our ultimate allegiance is to God. This dual obligation means that while we should comply with laws and regulations, we must also prioritize our spiritual duties and moral obligations. The crowd was astonished by his wisdom, as he skillfully navigated a potentially contentious issue without alienating either side. This teaching encourages believers to balance their civic duties with their faith, recognizing that both realms have their rightful place in a believer's life.
How to apply Mark 12:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to be responsible citizens while also prioritizing our relationship with God. We should pay our taxes and respect authority, but we must also ensure that our actions align with our faith and values. Balancing these responsibilities is key to living a faithful life.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Questions in the Temple (Mark 12:13–37)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Mark 12:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 12:17 mean?
Mark 12:17 means that Jesus teaches us to fulfill our obligations to both the government and God. He emphasizes that while we should respect earthly authorities, our ultimate loyalty belongs to God.
What is the meaning of 'Render to Caesar' in Mark 12:17?
'Render to Caesar' means to give the government what it is due, such as taxes. Jesus acknowledges the authority of civil government while also reminding us to give God what is rightfully His.
How does Mark 12:17 apply to our lives today?
Mark 12:17 encourages us to be responsible citizens by paying taxes and respecting authority while also prioritizing our faith and moral values in our actions.
What themes are present in Mark 12:17?
The themes in Mark 12:17 include civic responsibility, spiritual obligation, the wisdom of Jesus, dual allegiance to God and government, and the relationship between faith and politics.
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