Luke 20:22

King James Version 1769 (Standard Version)

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

📖 Grammatical Analysis

Original Text

Ἔξεστιν ἡμῖν Καίσαρι φόρον δοῦναι, ἢ οὔ;

Transliteration

Is it exestin for us to Kaisari phoron dounai, or not?

Grammar Details

• *exestin*: present active, 3rd singular - it is lawful/permitted
• *Kaisari*: dative, masculine, singular - to Caesar
• *phoron*: accusative, masculine, singular - tax/tribute
• *dounai*: aorist active infinitive - to give

Word Meanings

• *exestin*: it is lawful/it is permitted/it is right
• *Kaisari*: to Caesar/for Caesar
• *phoron*: tax/tribute/poll tax
• *dounai*: to give/to pay/to render

Referenced Verses

• Deut 17:15 : 15 Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother.
• Ezra 4:13 : 13 Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.
• Ezra 4:19-22 : 19 And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein. 20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them. 21 Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me. 22 Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
• Ezra 9:7 : 7 Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.
• Neh 5:4 : 4 There were also that said, We have borrowed moy for the king's tribute, and that upon our lands and viyards.
• Neh 9:37 : 37 And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
• Matt 17:25 : 25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
• Matt 22:17-21 : 17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
• Mark 12:14-17 : 14 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? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.
• Acts 5:37 : 37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.