Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they…
““Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said. 16And they *sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. 17Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?” 18But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? 19Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. 20And He *said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21They *said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He *said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” 22And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Jesus teaches the separation of civic duties and spiritual obligations, urging fairness to both authority and God.
In simple terms: Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.
Key Takeaway
Balance civic responsibility with spiritual integrity.
Themes
faith
politics
ethics
authority
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
scriptural
ethical
When to use this quote
- government taxation
- religious practice
- ethical decision-making
- public discourse
Key Concepts
secular law
divine law
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you navigate conflicts between civil law and personal belief?
- What responsibilities do you owe to secular versus spiritual communities?
A Different Perspective
The distinction can be ambiguous in modern complex societies.