Mark 12:17

Verse

Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him.

American Standard Version (1901)

And Jesus said unto them, Render unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled greatly at him.

Bible in Basic English

And Jesus said to them, Give to Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and to God the things which are God's. And they were full of wonder at him.

Free Bible Version

“Then give back to Caesar what belongs to him, and give back to God what belongs to him,” Jesus told them. They were amazed at his reply.

Geneva Bible 1599

Then Iesus answered, and saide vnto them, Giue to Cesar the things that are Cesars, and to God, those that are Gods: and they marueiled at him.

King James (Authorized) Version

And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.

One Unity Resource Bible

Yeshua [Salvation] answered them, “Render to Caesar [Ruler] the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” They marveled greatly at him.

Plain English Version

Jesus said, “Well, you have to give Caesar and the Roman government whatever belongs to them, and you have to give God whatever belongs to him.” When they heard him say that they were all really surprised.

Translation for Translators

Then Jesus said to them, “That is correct, so give to the government [MTY] what they require, and give to God what he requires.” They were frustrated at his answer but amazed at what he said, because they were not able to accuse him of anything because of what he said.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Jesus said, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” They marveled at him.

Noah Webster Bible

And Jesus answering, said to them, Render to Cesar the things that are Cesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they wondered at him.

World English Bible

Jesus answered them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” They marveled greatly at him.

Young's Literal Translation

and Jesus answering said to them, 'Give back the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God;' and they did wonder at him.

Context

Paying Taxes to Caesar

¹⁶So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. ¹⁷Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him.

Sermons

The "Robbers"

Robert Wurtz II

Our Obligations to God and Men.

Edward Payson

Summary

In Mark 12:17, Jesus responds to a question about paying taxes by instructing to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God. This statement emphasizes the importance of honoring both earthly authorities and God's authority. It teaches about the balance between civic responsibilities and spiritual duties, reminding believers to prioritize their allegiance to God above all else. Jesus' wise answer showcases the need for discernment in navigating the demands of the world while remaining faithful to God.

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to CÃ&brvbrsar the things that are CÃ&brvbrsar's--Putting it in this general form, it was impossible for sedition itself to dispute it, and yet it dissolved the snare. and to God the things that are God's--How much is there in this profound but to them startling addition to the maxim, and how incomparable is the whole for fulness, brevity, clearness, weight! and they marvelled at him--"at His answer, and held their peace" (Luk 20:26), "and left Him, and went their way" (Mat 22:22). The Resurrection (Mar 12:18-27).