Luke 20:22

Authorized King James Version

Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἔξεστιν
Is it lawful
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
#2
ἡμῖν
for us
to (or for, with, by) us
#3
Καίσαρι
unto Caesar
caesar, a title of the roman emperor
#4
φόρον
tribute
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
#5
δοῦναι
to give
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#6
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#7
οὔ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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