Matthew 22:15-17

Amplified Bible

Tribute to Caesar

¹⁵Then the Pharisees went and conspired together plotting how to trap Him by [distorting] what He said.^(A) ¹⁶They sent their disciples to Him, along with the ^[a]Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are sincere and that You teach the way of God truthfully, without concerning Yourself about [what] anyone [thinks or says of Your teachings]; for You are impartial and do not seek anyone’s favor [and You treat all people alike, regardless of status]. ¹⁷Tell us then, what do You think? Is it permissible [according to Jewish law and tradition] to pay a ^[b]poll-tax to Caesar, or not?”

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Footnotes

Matthew 22:16 A Jewish political party loyal to Herod. The Pharisees, who strongly opposed Herod and Roman rule, and the Herodians, who were strong allies of Herod and Rome, set aside their political differences in order to conspire together against Jesus.
Matthew 22:17 Every Jew was required to pay the poll-tax. It was considered a sign of subservience to Rome.