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 20:25KJV
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Luke 20:25 (KJV)

What does Luke 20:25 mean?

In Luke 20:25, Jesus answers a question about paying tax to Caesar by distinguishing what belongs to the Roman ruler from what belongs to God. His answer acknowledges the claim represented by the tax while also naming a distinct claim belonging to God.

Jesus speaks to people who are trying to trap him in his words. After asking them to identify the image on a coin, Jesus uses that coin as the starting point for his answer.

The Greek behind Luke 20:25

  • “Render” — ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi): This word can mean “give back” or “pay what is due.” The sense of giving back fits Jesus’ reference to a coin bearing Caesar’s image.
  • “Caesar” — Καῖσαρ (Kaisar): Caesar was the title used for the Roman emperor. In this verse, the name points to the ruler whose image appeared on the coin used in the tax question.

Why Luke 20:25 matters

  • Jesus’ answer addresses a loaded question without choosing between its two offered options. His questioners had asked whether paying tax to Caesar was lawful, hoping to use his answer against him.
  • The coin helps explain why Caesar enters the answer. When Jesus asks whose image and inscription are on the coin, the questioners answer, “Caesar’s” (Luke 20:24).
  • The mention of God broadens the answer beyond the tax question. Jesus sets “the things which be God’s” alongside “the things which be Caesar’s,” giving each phrase its own place in the sentence.

Where else these words appear

“therefore” Greek G5106 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
  • Hebrews 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
  • James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

“Caesar” Greek G2541 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
  • Luke 20:24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.
  • Acts 25:11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.

“Render” Greek G591 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
  • Matthew 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.
  • Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.