What does Matthew 22:19 mean?

Explanation

The verse in question, "Shew me the tribute money.

And they brought unto him a penny." (Matthew 22:19), occurs within a narrative where the Pharisees are attempting to trap Jesus with a question about the legality of paying taxes to Caesar.

They ask Jesus whether it is lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not, hoping to find grounds to accuse him of either treason or blasphemy.

In Jesus' time, the Roman Empire had imposed taxes on the regions and peoples under its rule, including the Jewish population.

Jesus' response is to ask for the currency used to pay the tax - the tribute money.

When a denarius (translated as "penny" in the King James Version) is presented to him, he makes a profound statement about the separation of earthly authority and divine authority by stating, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21).

This verse encapsulates the dilemma faced by the Jewish people under Roman rule and the timeless question of how to navigate the relationship between civic duties and spiritual obligations.

Historical Context

At the time of this verse, Judea was under Roman occupation, and the Jews were subjected to Roman taxes.

The tribute money would have been a Roman coin, likely a denarius, which bore the image of the emperor.

In Jewish law, graven images, including those on coins, could be considered idolatrous, adding a layer of religious tension to the use of such currency.

This question posed to Jesus was deeply political and designed to force him into a polarizing stance.

If he spoke against the tribute, he could be accused of rebellion against Rome; if he supported it, he might alienate his Jewish followers who resented Roman dominance.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives can be drawn from this verse.

From a Christian standpoint, the verse highlights Jesus' wisdom in avoiding a political trap and teaching about the dual responsibilities to both earthly governance and to God.

It suggests a separation between the secular and the religious, endorsing the legitimacy of earthly authorities while also affirming the sovereignty of the divine.

From a Jewish perspective, the question posed to Jesus was significant, as it related to the broader issue of Roman occupation and the permissibility of paying taxes to a pagan government.

Jesus' response could be perceived as acknowledging the practical necessities of life under Roman rule while maintaining devotion to God.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by recognizing the distinction between civic responsibilities and spiritual commitments.

Paying taxes, obeying laws, and participating in the governance process are seen as necessary to contribute to society's functioning and welfare.

At the same time, believers are reminded to maintain their religious duties and moral values, ensuring that their actions in the secular realm do not compromise their spiritual integrity.

In the modern context, this principle can guide individuals in navigating complex ethical decisions and participating in civil discourse.

Cross-References

• Mark 12:14-17: "And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?"
• Luke 20:22-25: "Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? ...

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

• Romans 13:1: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.

For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the key word for "tribute money" is κήνσος (kensos), which refers specifically to the tax money or census tax owed to the Roman emperor.

The "penny" mentioned is δηνάριον (denarion), which translates to "denarius," a standard silver coin used in the Roman Empire.

These terms ground the story in its Roman political context and imply the direct involvement of the empire's economy in the daily lives of the people, even as they expose the cultural and religious tensions present in its use.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The issue of paying tribute to a ruling power can be found in other ancient cultures and religious interpretations. For instance, in ancient Mesopotamia or Egypt, tribute was often paid to the ruling king or pharaoh, who was sometimes seen as a deity or divine representative.

In contrast, Jewish law emphasized that no earthly ruler could claim divine authority, which made the act of paying taxes to the Roman emperor, particularly contentious.

In other religious traditions, such as Islam, the concept of zakat parallels the concept of giving to God what is due to God, as it is an act of religious almsgiving or tax.

Scientific Perspectives

While there are no direct scientific perspectives on this verse, the historical and economic aspects of tribute money can be examined through disciplines such as archaeology and numismatics.

These fields study ancient coins to gain insights into the economic systems, political structures, and cultural exchanges of the period.

Research into the metallurgy of Roman coins, for instance, can reveal information about trade networks, resource control, and the reach of the Roman economy.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical commentators offer differing insights on this verse.

Matthew Henry, for example, views Jesus' request for the tribute money as a way to demonstrate that civil obligations do not interfere with divine ones.

William Barclay notes the skillful way Jesus avoids the trap set by the Pharisees and Herodians, teaching that while we have duties to God that transcend all others, we also have duties to the state.

John Calvin emphasizes that Jesus navigated the question in such a way as to avoid giving the enemies of the truth the opportunity to slander God's doctrine.

Other commentators focus on the broader implications of the passage for understanding the relationship between church and state, and the roles of Christians in secular society.