Mat 22:21 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 21. Render therefore unto Caesar , etc. Caesar's image and name on the coin proved that it was his. It was proper, therefore, to give it back to him when he called for it. But while this was done, he took occasion to charge them also to give to God what he claimed. This may mean either (1) the annual tribute due to the temple-service, implying that paying tribute to Caesar did not free them from the obligation to do that; or (2) that they should give their hearts, lives, property, and influence, all to God, as his due. (z) "Render" (a) "unto God"

Matthew 22:21

Verse 21. Render therefore unto Caesar, etc. Caesar's image and name on the coin proved that it was his. It was proper, therefore, to give it back to him when he called for it. But while this was done, he took occasion to charge them also to give to God what he claimed. This may mean either

(1) the annual tribute due to the temple-service, implying that paying tribute to Caesar did not free them from the obligation to do that; or

(2) that they should give their hearts, lives, property, and influence, all to God, as his due.

(z) "Render" Mt 17:25,27, Rom 13:7 (a) "unto God" Mal 1:6-8, 3:8-10