Luke 20:22
Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?
Original Language Analysis
ἔξεστιν
Is it lawful
G1832
ἔξεστιν
Is it lawful
Strong's:
G1832
Word #:
1 of 7
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
φόρον
tribute
G5411
φόρον
tribute
Strong's:
G5411
Word #:
4 of 7
a load (as borne), i.e., (figuratively) a tax (properly, an individual assessment on persons or property; whereas g5056 is usually a general toll on g
Historical Context
The Roman census tax (tributum capitis) began in AD 6 when Judea became a Roman province. Jews had to pay with Roman denarii bearing Caesar's image and the inscription 'Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus.' For monotheistic Jews, coins proclaiming Caesar's divinity were especially offensive. Revolutionary zealots taught that paying was apostasy.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you posed questions not to learn but to trap someone into a no-win situation?
- How do you respond when facing a question designed to make any answer you give seem wrong?
- What does Jesus's handling of this trap teach about wisdom in politically charged conversations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? (ἔξεστιν ἡμᾶς Καίσαρι φόρον δοῦναι ἢ οὔ, exestin hēmas Kaisari phoron dounai ē ou)—a masterfully crafted trap. The word φόρος (phoros) refers specifically to the Roman poll tax, paid annually by every Judean to Rome, a hated symbol of subjugation.
Answer 'yes' and Jesus alienates the Jewish masses who resented Roman occupation. Answer 'no' and he commits sedition against Caesar, grounds for immediate arrest. The question is theological (is it lawful, i.e., according to God's law?) but politically loaded. This is the same tax that sparked Judas the Galilean's revolt (Acts 5:37), crushed by Rome with mass crucifixions.