Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Paying Taxes?
12 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Paying Taxes in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about paying taxes. This collection of 12 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 10 Verses About Paying Taxes
- 1Matthew 17:24
“And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? tribute: called in the original, didrachma, being in value fifteen pence sterling; about thirty seven cents”
KJV - 2Matthew 22:15
“Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.”
KJV - 3Matthew 22:17
“Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?”
KJV - 4Matthew 22:21
“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.”
KJV - 5Mark 12:13
“And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.”
KJV - 6
- 7Luke 20:19
“And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.”
KJV - 8Romans 13:1
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. ordained: or, ordered”
KJV - 9Romans 13:2
“Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”
KJV - 10Romans 13:5
“Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”
KJV
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Paying Taxes? (12 Verses)
“And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? tribute: called in the original, didrachma, being in value fifteen pence sterling; about thirty seven cents”
“Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.”
“Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?”
“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.”
“And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.”
“Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?”
“And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.”
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. ordained: or, ordered”
“Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”
“Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”
“For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.”
“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Paying Taxes
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about paying taxes. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about paying taxes and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about paying taxes is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on paying taxes needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about paying taxes with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about paying taxes, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Paying Taxes?
You have studied 12 verses about paying taxes. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.