Matthew 22:15-22 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Paying Taxes

¹⁵ The Pharisees got together and planned how they could trick Jesus into saying something wrong. ¹⁶ They sent some of their followers and some of Herod’s followers^[a] to say to him, “Teacher, we know that you are honest. You teach the truth about what God wants people to do. And you treat everyone with the same respect, no matter who they are. ¹⁷ Tell us what you think! Should we pay taxes to the Emperor or not?”

¹⁸ Jesus knew their evil thoughts and said, “Why are you trying to test me? You show-offs! ¹⁹ Let me see one of the coins used for paying taxes.” They brought him a silver coin, ²⁰ and he asked, “Whose picture and name are on it?”

²¹ “The Emperor’s,” they answered.

Then Jesus told them, “Give the Emperor what belongs to him and give God what belongs to God.” ²² His answer surprised them so much that they walked away.