God and Caesar

20 They(A) watched closely(B) and sent spies(C) who pretended to be righteous,[a] so that they could catch him in what he said,(D) to hand him(E) over to the governor’s(F) rule and authority. 21 They questioned him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly,(G) and you don’t show partiality[b](H) but teach truthfully the way of God.(I) 22 Is it lawful(J) for us to pay taxes(K) to Caesar(L) or not?”

23 But detecting their craftiness, he said to them,[c] 24 “Show me a denarius.[d] Whose image and inscription does it have?”

“Caesar’s,” they said.

25 “Well then,” he told them, “give to Caesar(M) the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

26 They were not able to catch him in what he said in public, and being amazed at his answer, they became silent.(N)

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Footnotes

  1. 20:20 Or upright
  2. 20:21 Lit you don’t receive a face
  3. 20:23 Other mss add “Why are you testing me?
  4. 20:24 A denarius = one day’s wage

The Question about Paying Tribute

20 So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said and then to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor. 21 So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you are right in what you say and teach, and you show deference to no one but teach the way of God in accordance with truth.(A) 22 Is it lawful for us to pay tribute to Caesar or not?” 23 But he perceived their craftiness and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose head and whose title does it bear?” They said, “Caesar’s.” 25 He said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.”(B) 26 And they were not able in the presence of the people to trap him by what he said, and being amazed by his answer they became silent.

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