King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:21 Mean?

Matthew 22:21 in the King James Version says “They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and un...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Matthew 22:21 · KJV

Context

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.

22

When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

23

The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,

Read Matthew 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Pharisees and Herodians attempted to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Rome (v. 17). Either answer seemed dangerous—endorsing Roman taxation would alienate Jewish nationalists; opposing it could invite Roman charges of sedition. Jesus' brilliant response transcends their false dilemma. 'Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's' acknowledges legitimate civil authority and Christians' responsibility toward earthly government (Romans 13:1-7). Yet 'and unto God the things that are God's' establishes clear priority—God's ultimate claim supersedes all human authority. The coin bore Caesar's image (εἰκών/eikon); humans bear God's image (Genesis 1:27). We owe the state taxation; we owe God total allegiance. This principle establishes Christian civic responsibility while maintaining God's supreme authority. When government demands what belongs to God alone (worship, absolute obedience), believers must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman taxation was economically oppressive and religiously offensive to Jews. The denarius bore Caesar's image and inscriptions claiming divinity ('Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus'). For Jews, using such coins and paying this tax felt like endorsing idolatry and occupation. Zealots violently opposed Roman taxation. Herodians supported Rome's puppet rulers. These normally opposed groups united to trap Jesus. His answer satisfied neither party's agenda while establishing profound political theology still relevant today. Early Christians faced this tension constantly—how to live faithfully under imperial authority that demanded worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should Christians balance legitimate submission to government with ultimate loyalty to God?
  2. What modern situations create tension between civic duties and kingdom priorities?
  3. In what ways might we wrongly give to 'Caesar' what belongs exclusively to God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
λέγει1 of 17

“They say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῖς2 of 17

“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

Καίσαρι3 of 17

“Caesar's”

G2541

caesar, a title of the roman emperor

τότε4 of 17

“Then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

λέγει5 of 17

“They say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῖς6 of 17

“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

Ἀπόδοτε7 of 17

“Render”

G591

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

οὖν8 of 17

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τῷ9 of 17

“the things that are”

G3588

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

Καίσαρι10 of 17

“Caesar's”

G2541

caesar, a title of the roman emperor

Καίσαρι11 of 17

“Caesar's”

G2541

caesar, a title of the roman emperor

καὶ12 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

τῷ13 of 17

“the things that are”

G3588

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

τῷ14 of 17

“the things that are”

G3588

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

θεῷ15 of 17

“God's”

G2316

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

τῷ16 of 17

“the things that are”

G3588

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

θεῷ17 of 17

“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 Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 22:21 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 22:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 13:7Acts 4:19Proverbs 24:21Matthew 22:37Malachi 1:6-81 Peter 2:13-17

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