Matthew 22:15-17

Expanded Bible

Is It Right to Pay Taxes or Not?^(A)

¹⁵ Then the Pharisees left that place and ·made plans [plotted] to ·trap [catch] Jesus in ·saying something wrong [his words]. ¹⁶ They sent some of their own ·followers [disciples] and some people from the group called Herodians [^Ca political group that supported king Herod and his family]. They said, “Teacher, we know that you are ·an honest man [true; sincere] and that you teach ·the truth [with sincerity/honesty] about God’s way. You are not ·afraid of [^Lconcerned about] what other people think about you, because you ·pay no attention to who they are [play no favorites; are impartial; aren’t swayed by appearances]. ¹⁷ So tell us what you think. Is it ·right [permissible; lawful] to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” [^CSaying “yes” would anger Jews who hated Roman rule; saying “no” could result in being charged with insurrection.]