Matthew 22:17

Therefore, tell us what to you seems right: is it mutar (permissible) to pay poll tax to Caesar or not?

Orthodox Jewish Bible

In The King James Version

Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

In Context

16And they are sending to Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach their talmidim with the Herodians, saying, Rabbi, we know that you are an ehrliche Yid (a good Jew) and of the Derech Hashem you give Divrei Torah in Emes, and you show no deference to flesh, for you are impartial toward Bnei Adam.

18But he, having known their rah (evil), said to them, Why do you test me, tzevuim?

Read all of Matthew 22

Cross References

Deuteronomy 17:14When thou art come unto ha'aretz which Hashem Eloheicha giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a melech over me, like Kol HaGoyim that are about me;

Ezra 7:24Also we make known to you, that touching any of the Kohanim and Levi'im, singers, gatekeepers, Netinim, or ministers of this Beis Elohim, it shall not be lawful to impose tax, tribute, or duty, upon them.

Nehemiah 9:37And it yieldeth much increase unto the melachim whom Thou hast set over us because of chattoteinu; also they have dominion over geviyyoteinu, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in tzarah gedolah.

Jeremiah 42:20For ye acted deceitfully, erring in your nafshot, when ye sent me unto Hashem Eloheichem, saying, Pray on our behalf unto Hashem Eloheinu; and according unto all that Hashem Eloheinu shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do it.

Luke 2:1And it came about at that time that a dvar malchut (decree) was sent out from Caesar Augustus to register everyone in the entire Roman Empire.

John 19:12From this point, Pilate began seeking to free Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach; but those of Yehudah cried out, saying, If this man you free, you are no friend of Caesarʼs; everyone making himself a Melech speaks against Caesar.

Matthew Henry on Matthew 22:16-23

The Question Respecting Tribute. 15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. 16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. 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… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Matthew 22:17