Paying taxes to Caesar

15Then the Pharisees went out and conspired to trap Jesus in His words.

16They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance.

17So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

18But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me?

19Show Me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought Him a denarius.

20“Whose image is this,” He asked, “and whose inscription?”

21“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

22And when they heard this, they were amazed. So they left Him and went away.

13Later, they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to catch Jesus in His words.

14“Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?”

15But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.”

16So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered.

17Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him.

20So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor.

21“Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

22Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

23But Jesus saw through their duplicity and said to them,

24“Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they answered.

25So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

26And they were unable to trap Him in His words before the people; and amazed at His answer, they fell silent.