What does Matthew 22:20 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 22:20 is situated within a passage where Jesus is being questioned by the Pharisees and Herodians in an attempt to trap Him in His words.

The question they pose concerns the legality of paying taxes to Caesar.

Jesus' response is both wise and telling; He asks for a coin used to pay the tax and inquires about whose image and inscription it bears.

The verse reads, "And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?" This question reveals that the coin, which bears Caesar's image and name, belongs to the Roman empire and, by extension, to Caesar himself.

The literal meaning implies that it is normal to give back to Caesar what belongs to him.

However, the deeper implication is a distinction between earthly authority and Divine sovereignty, suggesting that while it is proper to honor temporal obligations, one's ultimate allegiance belongs to God.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, Judea was a region under Roman control, and the Roman government required tax payments from its subjects.

The coin in question was likely a denarius, which bore the image of the Roman emperor, who was considered the sovereign ruler.

The Pharisees, a Jewish sect known for strict adherence to the Law, were joined by the Herodians, who supported Herod and were sympathetic to Roman rule.

Their collaboration was unusual, as they generally had opposing views, but they united in opposition to Jesus.

Their question regarding taxes had political and religious implications; a denial of the tax could be seen as rebellion against Rome, while agreeing to pay taxes could be viewed as compromising Jewish religious principles, which forbade idolatry (the coin's image could be considered as such).

Theological Insights

Theological interpretations of this verse often focus on the distinction between secular and sacred obligations.

From a Christian viewpoint, the passage contains an important principle about rendering to earthly authorities what is due to them while reserving our ultimate devotion and obedience for God.

This reflects the Christian understanding of the dual citizenship of believers - they are citizens of both the earthly realm and the Kingdom of God.

Another theological insight pertains to the concept of the Imago Dei, the belief that humans are made in the image of God.

Jesus' question prompts listeners not only to consider Caesar's image on the coin but also to reflect on the image of God within themselves and their obligation to God.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can be applied to how individuals manage citizenship responsibilities and religious convictions.

It suggests a balance between fulfilling civil duties, such as paying taxes and obeying laws, and maintaining a strong commitment to spiritual beliefs and practices.

Furthermore, it encourages believers to recognize the different realms of authority and influence in their lives and to navigate them with wisdom, ensuring that their allegiance to God is paramount.

Cross-References

• Mark 12:16-17: "And they brought it.

And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar'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."

• Genesis 1:27: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."

Language Study

The Greek word used for "image" is "eikon," which refers to a likeness or representation.

It carries the connotation of something that is an exact representation of the form and substance of what it depicts.

The "superscription" is "epigraphe," suggesting an inscription, title, or name written upon something.

In the context of this verse, the image (eikon) and superscription (epigraphe) on the coin directly point to the identity of the emperor and his authority.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, coins often bore the images of rulers or deities and served as a means of promoting the sovereignty and divinity of those figures.

The Romans were not unique in this practice; it was common in Greek culture as well and among various other ancient civilizations.

This practice often clashed with Jewish sensibilities, which had strict prohibitions against graven images.

This made the use of such coins in Jewish religious life, like paying the Temple tax, contentious.

Scientific Perspectives

There are no direct scientific perspectives related to this particular verse.

However, the disciplines of archaeology and numismatics play a role in providing context to the historical and cultural setting of the verse.

Coins from the period have been discovered and studied, giving insight into the economy, iconography, and political propaganda of the Roman Empire during the time of Jesus.

Commentaries

Commentators have noted several key points about this verse.

William Barclay points out the cleverness of Jesus' response in sidestepping the trap set by the Pharisees and Herodians.

He emphasizes that Jesus' answer acknowledges the practical necessity of paying taxes without compromising His primary allegiance to God.

John Calvin comments on the proper distinction between the civil and the spiritual, stressing that Jesus' answer prevents Christians from using spiritual freedom as a pretext for neglecting their civil duties.

Meanwhile, Matthew Henry reflects on how the coin's image implied ownership and Jesus' teachings on how one's life should reflect God's image, thereby indicating God's claim over an individual's life.