Render Unto Caesar
“Caesar’s,” they answered. Matthew 22:21 · Berean Standard Bible
They say, 'Caesar's.' Jesus responds, 'Then give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.'
The coin has Caesar's image — give it back to him. But you have God's image — give yourself back to God. That's the deeper point.
Jesus gives an answer so perfect it silences every trap-setter in the room.
Coins belong to Caesar. You belong to God. The tax question was small. The real question is: who gets your life?
They answer 'Caesar's,' and Jesus delivers His famous response: 'Render (apodote, 'give back') to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's' — distinguishing political obligation from ultimate allegiance.
Apodidōmi means 'give back what is owed'; since Caesar's image is on the coin, return it to him. But since God's image is on you (Gen 1:27), give yourself entirely to God.
Jesus delivers a response that transcends the political binary and reframes the entire question.
Jesus escapes the trap with a response that operates on two levels: acknowledging civic duty while asserting God's supreme claim on every human life.
19Show Me the coin used for the tax.”
20“Whose image is this,” He asked, “and whose inscription?”
21“Caesar’s,” they answered.
22And when they heard this, they were amazed. So they left Him and went away.
23That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him.
Read all of Matthew 22 — A wedding banquet, a trick question about taxes, and the greatest commandment — Jesus outmaneuvers every trap set for him.
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