--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Jesus said that we should render to the…" description: "\"Jesus said that we should render to the state what properly belongs to the state, and though he had taxes in mind, we might reasonably infer that givin..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/94a/lewis-b-smedes-4850_belongs_jesus-said-that-we-should-render-to-the_1138975.png" --- # Jesus said that we should render to the state what… ![“Jesus said that we should render to the state what properly belongs to the state, and though he had taxes in mind, we might reasonably infer that giving the state the job of punishing wrongdoers is one way of giving the state its due.” quote by Lewis B. Smedes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/94a/lewis-b-smedes-4850_belongs_jesus-said-that-we-should-render-to-the_1138975.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/94a/lewis-b-smedes-4850_belongs_jesus-said-that-we-should-render-to-the_1138975.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/94a/lewis-b-smedes-4850_belongs_jesus-said-that-we-should-render-to-the_1138975.png) > “Jesus said that we should render to the state what properly belongs to the state, and though he had taxes in mind, we might reasonably infer that giving the state the job of punishing wrongdoers is one way of giving the state its due.” [Lewis B. Smedes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-b-smedes/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The passage interprets Jesus’ teaching on taxes as endorsing the state’s right to punish wrongdoing, implying that giving the state its proper role includes enforcing justice. **In simple terms:** Jesus supports the state’s role in punishing wrongdoers. Key Takeaway Respect lawful authority while questioning its limits. Themes theology politics justice authority Mood thoughtful ethical Type religious philosophical When to use this quote - tax policy - criminal law - government legitimacy - community governance Key Concepts Christian ethics social contract civil obedience Questions to Reflect On - Is state punishment always just? - How do we balance obedience and conscience? A Different Perspective It may oversimplify complex moral debates about state power. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Infer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/infer/) [Jesus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jesus/) [Job](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/job/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Render](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/render/) [Taxes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/taxes/) ## Related quotes > [You have to really stretch your imagination to infer what the intrinsic value of Bitcoin is. I haven't been able to do it. 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Story is fluid and it belongs to nobody.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-abani/story-is-powerful-story-is-fluid-and-it-belongs-to-nobody/) [Chris Abani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-abani/) > [The world belongs to those who persevere.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nathaniel-branden/the-world-belongs-to-those-who-persevere/) [Nathaniel Branden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathaniel-branden/) > [The world belongs to the articulate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-land/the-world-belongs-to-the-articulate/) [Edwin Land](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-land/) > [Meryl Streep belongs on anybody's list of greats.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dick-cavett/meryl-streep-belongs-on-anybody-s-list-of-greats/) [Dick Cavett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dick-cavett/) > [The Very Last Person You Think About Right Before You Fall Asleep . 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