King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:19 Mean?

Matthew 22:19 in the King James Version says “Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. penny: in value seven pence halfpenny” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. penny: in value seven pence halfpenny”

Matthew 22:19 · KJV

Context

17

Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

18

But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

19

Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. penny: in value seven pence halfpenny

20

And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? superscription: or, inscription

21

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.

Read Matthew 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Shew me the tribute money (ἐπιδείξατέ μοι τὸ νόμισμα τοῦ κήνσου/epideixate moi to nomisma tou kēnsou). Jesus requests they produce the coin used for paying Roman poll tax (κῆνσος/kēnsos, Latin census). A penny (δηνάριον/dēnarion) was a Roman denarius, silver coin worth a day's wage for common laborers (Matthew 20:2). The coin bore Caesar's image (εἰκών/eikōn) and inscription claiming divinity: "Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus."

Jesus's request is strategically brilliant. By having them produce the coin, He exposes their hypocrisy—they claim religious scruples about Roman taxation yet possess and use Roman currency. The denarius in their pockets reveals their practical accommodation to Roman rule despite public posturing. Additionally, possession of the idolatrous coin in the temple precincts shows religious inconsistency. The subsequent question about the image (verse 20) sets up Jesus's devastating response about rendering to Caesar and to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Roman denarius was standard currency throughout the empire, minted with the emperor's portrait and propagandistic inscriptions. Under Tiberius Caesar (14-37 CE), the denarius depicted his profile with the legend "TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS" (Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus) on one side, and his mother Livia as Pax (goddess of peace) on the reverse. For Jews committed to monotheism and prohibitions against graven images (Exodus 20:4), handling such coins created religious discomfort. Yet economic reality required their use. The poll tax (tributum capitis) was particularly offensive—one denarius per person annually, paid directly to Rome's treasury, symbolizing subjugation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern compromises do Christians make while maintaining outward religious appearances?
  2. How does Jesus's request to 'show me' the coin expose the Pharisees' practical hypocrisy?
  3. In what ways do believers possess 'Caesar's coin' while claiming exclusive loyalty to God's kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἐπιδείξατέ1 of 11

“Shew”

G1925

to exhibit (physically or mentally)

μοι2 of 11

“me”

G3427

to me

τὸ3 of 11
G3588

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

νόμισμα4 of 11

“money”

G3546

what is reckoned as of value (after the latin <i>numisma</i>), i.e., current coin

τοῦ5 of 11
G3588

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

κήνσου6 of 11

“the tribute”

G2778

properly, an enrollment ("census"), i.e., (by implication) a tax

οἱ7 of 11
G3588

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

δὲ8 of 11

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

προσήνεγκαν9 of 11

“they brought”

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

αὐτῷ10 of 11

“unto him”

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

δηνάριον11 of 11

“a penny”

G1220

a denarius (or ten asses)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 22:19 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 Matthew 22:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 20:2Matthew 18:28Revelation 6:6

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