New Testament
Matthew 22:21
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"Caesar's," they answered. Then Jesus said, "So give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God."
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They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
What Matthew 22:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Jesus is responding to a question about paying taxes. The people asked if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, the Roman ruler. Jesus cleverly asks whose image is on the coin used for the tax, which they answer is Caesar's. He then instructs them to give Caesar what is due to him, meaning they should fulfill their civic duties, such as paying taxes. However, he also emphasizes the importance of giving to God what belongs to Him, highlighting the distinction between earthly authority and divine authority. This teaches that while we have responsibilities to our government, we also have greater responsibilities to God. The message encourages believers to balance their obligations to society with their spiritual commitments, recognizing that both realms are important in their lives.
How to apply Matthew 22:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to fulfill our responsibilities as citizens while also prioritizing our relationship with God. We should pay our taxes and respect authority, but we must also ensure that our spiritual commitments are not neglected. Balancing these duties is essential for a faithful life.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Questions in the Temple (Matthew 22:15–46)
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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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Keep studying Matthew 22:21
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 22:21 mean?
Matthew 22:21 means that Jesus is teaching about the importance of fulfilling both civic duties, like paying taxes to the government, and spiritual obligations to God. He emphasizes that while we owe respect and duty to earthly authorities, our ultimate responsibility is to God.
What is the meaning of 'Render unto Caesar' in Matthew 22:21?
'Render unto Caesar' means to give to the government what is due to it, such as taxes. This phrase highlights the idea that we should respect and fulfill our obligations to earthly authorities while also recognizing our responsibilities to God.
How does Matthew 22:21 relate to civic responsibility?
Matthew 22:21 relates to civic responsibility by instructing believers to pay taxes and respect governmental authority. It teaches that fulfilling these duties is part of being a responsible citizen.
What does Matthew 22:21 teach about giving to God?
Matthew 22:21 teaches that while we should give to Caesar what is his, we must also give to God what belongs to Him. This emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our spiritual commitments alongside our earthly responsibilities.
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