King James Version

What Does Luke 20:25 Mean?

Luke 20:25 in the King James Version says “And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.”

Luke 20:25 · KJV

Context

23

But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

24

Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.

25

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

26

And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

27

Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

Read Luke 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's (ἀπόδοτε τοίνυν τὰ Καίσαρος Καίσαρι καὶ τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ τῷ θεῷ, apodote toinyn ta Kaisaros Kaisari kai ta tou theou tō theō)—one of Scripture's most quoted verses, establishing dual obligation without conflating the two spheres. The verb ἀπόδοτε (apodote) means 'give back' or 'render'—pay what is owed.

Jesus refuses the false dilemma. Caesar's image on the coin indicates his claim; humans bear God's image (Gen 1:27), indicating His ultimate claim. The answer transcends the trap: honor civic duty while maintaining that God's claim is absolute and final. This is neither theocracy nor secularism but eschatological tension—living in Caesar's realm while belonging to God's kingdom.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This principle influenced centuries of Christian political theology: Augustine's 'Two Cities,' medieval debates over church/state relations, Reformation theology of vocation, and modern religious liberty. Jesus neither endorsed Roman rule as divinely ordained nor called for revolutionary overthrow—both would have pleased different factions.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'things' legitimately belong to Caesar (civil government) versus God in your context?
  2. How do Christians today navigate dual citizenship when earthly and heavenly kingdoms conflict?
  3. What does it mean practically to render unto God what is God's—what does He claim?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
τῷ1 of 15

“the things which be”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν3 of 15

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς,4 of 15

“unto them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀπόδοτε5 of 15

“Render”

G591

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

Τοίνυν6 of 15

“therefore”

G5106

truly now, i.e., accordingly

τῷ7 of 15

“the things which be”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Καίσαρι8 of 15

“Caesar's”

G2541

caesar, a title of the roman emperor

Καίσαρι9 of 15

“Caesar's”

G2541

caesar, a title of the roman emperor

καὶ10 of 15

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῷ11 of 15

“the things which be”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τῷ12 of 15

“the things which be”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεῷ13 of 15

“God's”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τῷ14 of 15

“the things which be”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεῷ15 of 15

“God's”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 20:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 20:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 13:6-7Acts 5:29Acts 4:19-20Matthew 22:211 Corinthians 10:311 Peter 2:13-17

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