Matthew 22:21

Render therefore unto Cesar the things which are Cesar's The Jewish doctors laid down the principle that "He is king whose coin passes current." St Paul expands this principle, which underlies our Lord's answer (Romans 13:1 foll. Cp. also 1 Peter 2:13-17). Render= "pay back as due."

and unto God the things that are God's The claim of the kingdom of Heaven is equally cogent. As the subjects and "husbandmen" of God, the Jews owe Him service and fruit. Neither in regard to Cæsar nor to God do the facts of the case leave any doubt as to what is due, and to whom, nor does obedience to the one of necessity clash with obedience to the other.