Jesus Christ — "Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar—and to God what belongs to God."
Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar—and to God what belongs to God.
Get This Quote & Author's Image Illustrated On:
Click any product to generate a realistic preview. Up to 3 at a time.
* Initial load can take up to 90 seconds — revising the preview in another color is nearly instant.
Kitchen
Apparel
Other
More from Jesus Christ
"But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple."
"Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."
"For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away."
Details
From a response to a question about paying taxes (Mark 12:17)
Date: c. 30-33 CE
PhilosophicalVerification
Unverifiable
Found in 1 providers: gemini
1 source checked
Understanding this quote
What it means
Honor the obligations you owe to each authority in your life. Civil governments have legitimate claims—taxes, laws, civic duties—and you should meet them. But spiritual and moral loyalty belongs to a higher power, and no political ruler can claim that. Keep the two realms distinct, give each its due, and do not let one swallow the other or excuse you from the other.
Relevance to Jesus Christ
Jesus said this when opponents tried to trap him by asking whether Jews should pay the Roman poll tax. Refusing would mark him as a rebel; accepting would alienate his followers. He pointed to Caesar's image on the coin and sidestepped the trap, revealing his core teaching: the kingdom of God transcends earthly politics. It reflects his refusal of zealot militancy and his focus on inner spiritual allegiance.
The era
First-century Judea was an occupied Roman province, and the tribute tax was deeply resented—coins bore Caesar's image and a claim of divinity, which many Jews considered idolatrous. Tax collectors were despised collaborators. Violent revolts, like the one led by Judas of Galilee, erupted over this very issue. Religious factions debated compliance fiercely, and Jesus's answer cut through the political minefield while affirming that Roman rule did not override God's ultimate authority.
AI-generated insights based on extensive research and information for context. Factual errors? Email [email protected].