Render unto Caesar
Meaning
This phrase advises one to fulfill their civic obligations, especially paying taxes to the government, while still maintaining their spiritual duties.
Origin
The phrase originates from a pivotal moment in the New Testament when Jesus was confronted by Pharisees and Herodians, who sought to trap him with a question about the legality of paying taxes to the Roman Emperor, Caesar. They presented him with a Roman coin, asking if it was lawful to pay the tribute. Jesus, pointing to Caesar's image on the coin, famously declared, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." This astute reply deftly sidestepped their trap, acknowledging the legitimacy of temporal authority for civic matters while firmly establishing a separate, higher allegiance to divine authority.
Examples
- The company knew it had to render unto Caesar by paying its corporate taxes on time, despite the large sum involved.
- When discussing citizen duties, the mayor reminded everyone that we must render unto Caesar what is due to maintain public services.