New Testament

Matthew 22:17

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the religious leaders are trying to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, the Roman ruler.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

So tell us what you think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

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 unlawful, which could get Him in trouble with the authorities. This question reflects the tension between the Jewish people and their Roman oppressors. Jesus' response to this question is significant because it reveals His wisdom and understanding of the relationship between earthly authority and spiritual obligations. He ultimately teaches that while it is important to fulfill civic duties, such as paying taxes, one must also prioritize their duty to God. This interaction highlights the complexities of living in a society governed by secular laws while maintaining one's faith and values.

Key themes

Related topics

authority, wisdom, leadership

How to apply Matthew 22:17 to your life

This verse encourages us to consider our responsibilities both as citizens and as followers of our faith. We should fulfill our obligations to society, like paying taxes, while also ensuring that our spiritual commitments and values remain a priority in our lives. Balancing these duties is essential.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 22:17 mean?

Matthew 22:17 captures a moment where religious leaders question Jesus about the legality of paying taxes to Caesar. They aim to trap Him into making a statement that could upset either the Jewish people or the Roman authorities.

What is the significance of paying taxes in Matthew 22:17?

In Matthew 22:17, paying taxes symbolizes the tension between civic responsibilities and spiritual obligations. Jesus' response emphasizes that while we should fulfill our duties to the government, our ultimate allegiance is to God.

How does Matthew 22:17 relate to faith and civic duty?

Matthew 22:17 illustrates the balance between faith and civic duty by showing that believers should meet their obligations to society, like paying taxes, while also prioritizing their spiritual commitments.

What lesson can we learn from Matthew 22:17?

The lesson from Matthew 22:17 is about the importance of balancing our responsibilities as citizens with our spiritual values. It teaches that fulfilling civic duties does not negate our commitment to God.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

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