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Luke 20

And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,

And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?

But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.

And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.

And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.

And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.

And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.

And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.

Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.

But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.

So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?

He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.

And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?

Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.

And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:

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

But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.

And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.

And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.

Last of all the woman died also.

Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.

And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:

But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.

And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.

And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?

And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?

Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,

Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

What does Luke 20:22 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 20:22 comes from a narrative in which the religious leaders are attempting to trap Jesus in His words.

They pose a politically charged question: "Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?" In essence, they are asking whether it is permissible according to Jewish law to pay taxes to the Roman emperor.

This question is designed to be a dilemma: if Jesus says yes, He could be accused of betraying Jewish nationalistic sentiments; if He says no, He could be reported to the Roman authorities as inciting rebellion.

The verse captures the tension between political authority and religious obligation present in first-century Judea.

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Historical Context

During the time this verse was written, Judea was under Roman occupation, and the payment of tribute to Rome was a hotly contested issue.

Many Jews resented Roman rule and the imposition of taxes, which served as a constant reminder of their subjugation.

The religious leaders, knowing Jesus' popularity with the masses and His teaching about the kingdom of God, brought forward a question that was both theological and political in nature. Their aim was likely to discredit Jesus with either the Jewish populace or the Roman authorities.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse sets the stage for a discussion about the relationship between secular authority and divine guidance.

Jesus' subsequent response, instructing to "render unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's" (Luke 20:25), draws a distinction between the material and the spiritual realms.

This suggests that while civic duties should be fulfilled, they should not supersede one's obligations to God.

Practical Applications

In contemporary life, this verse can serve as a basis for discussions about the relationship between religion and state.

It highlights the importance of fulfilling one's legal and civic responsibilities while maintaining religious principles.

This balance is fundamental in diverse societies where people navigate the complexities of adhering to personal beliefs while participating in broader secular frameworks.

Cross-References

Matthew 22:17-21: "Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? (...) Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."
Mark 12:14-17: "Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? (...) And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
Romans 13:7: "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "tribute" is "φόρος" (phoros), which refers to a tax or levy, typically paid by a subject nation to a ruling empire.

The phrase "lawful" translates from "ἔξεστιν" (exesti), which means permitted or lawful, often with an implication of moral or ethical permissibility.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison with other ancient cultures, the concept of paying tribute was common in many empires such as those of the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Persians.

It was a way to show subservience to a higher authority. In the context of religion, the question posed to Jesus also has parallels to questions of religious loyalty in other faiths and how those intersect with secular demands.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not have direct scientific relevance as it deals with political-religious matters.

However, it could tangentially invoke discussions on ethics in political systems, which can be informed by social sciences, such as sociology and political science.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of the verse, generally agreeing that Jesus adeptly avoided the trap set by the religious leaders.

Experts like William Barclay note Jesus' response upholds the legitimacy of government and the payment of taxes, a position supported by later New Testament writings (Romans 13:1-7).

At the same time, scholars dissent on the extent of Jesus' separation between the domains of God and Caesar, with some suggesting a more integrated view of religious and secular life.

Luke 20

Luke 20

What does Luke 20:22 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 20:22 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?