Bible Strands
Matthew 22:17
So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The disciples and Herodians approach Jesus with flattery to trap Him, asking whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar.
The words — ἔξεστιν (exestin) means "is it lawful," and δοῦναι (dounai) means "to give," framing the inquiry around legal permission for a financial payment.
The thread — This question intersects with imperial taxation decrees (Luke 2:1), New Testament instructions on civil payment (Romans 13:6), and Jesus’ prior discussion of temple dues with Peter (Matthew 17:25).
Why it lands — The verse places civil obligation and divine authority in direct tension, requiring the reader to evaluate how external political demands intersect with religious duty.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cesar, or not?
Cross-references
- Luke 2:1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire.
- Romans 13:6 This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work.
- Matthew 17:25 “Yes,” he answered. When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?”
- Acts 28:22 But we consider your views worth hearing, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.”
- Deuteronomy 17:14 When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, “Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,”
- Ezra 4:13 Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer.
- Ezra 7:24 And be advised that you have no authority to impose tribute, duty, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.
- Nehemiah 5:4 Still others were saying, “We have borrowed money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards.
- Nehemiah 9:37 Its abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us because of our sins. And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress.
- Jeremiah 42:2 Jeremiah the prophet and said, “May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For few of us remain of the many, as you can see with your own eyes.