And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.

MARK 12:17KJV
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Mark 12:17 (KJV)

What does Mark 12:17 mean?

Mark 12:17 records Jesus telling his listeners to give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God. This means Jesus is recognizing that people have responsibilities both to earthly authorities and to God, and these should be kept in their proper place.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to a question from religious leaders who are trying to trap him about whether it is right to pay taxes to the Roman emperor, Caesar. By saying, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's," Jesus avoids their trap and points out that loyalty to God and obedience to civil authorities are not necessarily in conflict. The crowd is amazed at his wise and unexpected answer.

The Greek behind Mark 12:17

  • "Render" (ἀπόδοτε, apodote): This Greek word means "give back" or "return." Jesus is not just saying "give," but "give back" what is due, highlighting the idea of rightful obligation.
  • "Caesar" (Καίσαρος, Kaisaros): Refers to the Roman emperor, representing earthly government and authority. Jesus uses Caesar as a symbol for secular power.
  • "God" (Θεοῦ, Theou): Refers to the one true God, emphasizing that there are things—like worship, loyalty, and devotion—that belong only to God.
  • "Marvelled" (ἐθαύμαζον, ethaumazon): This word means to be amazed or astonished. The reaction shows that Jesus’ answer was unexpected and wise, cutting through the trap set for him.

Why Mark 12:17 matters

  • Mark 12:17 clarifies that Jesus does not call for rebellion against government, but also does not place earthly rulers above God—he draws a clear line between civic and spiritual duties.
  • This verse is often misunderstood as supporting total obedience to government, but Jesus’ words actually set boundaries: what belongs to God cannot be claimed by any earthly power.
  • In the wider context, Mark 12:17 shows Jesus’ wisdom in handling difficult questions and avoiding traps, while teaching a principle that applies to many situations where loyalties might seem to conflict.