SEV Biblia, Chapter 22:17
Dinos pues, qu te parece: ¿Es lícito dar tributo a Csar, o no?
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 17. Tell us therefore what thinkest thou , etc.:] Since, as they suggested he was a person of great understanding and sincerity, they earnestly desire that he would be pleased, according to his usual frankness and openness, to give them his opinion; in which they intimate, they should sit down satisfied and contented: whether is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? Meaning, according to the law of God: this was a question among the Jews: the Herodians were for it, the Pharisees were against it, at least secretly; and, indeed, this latter was the general sense of the nation, who looked upon themselves to be, or however ought to be, a free people, being the children of God, and the seed of Abraham; and who urged, that according to their law, none but one of their own brethren, who was of their own nation and religion, was to be set as king over them; whereas Caesar, the Roman emperor, was a stranger, one of another nation, and an idolater; and some openly refused it, and made mutinies and insurrections on account of it, as Theudas, and Judas of Galilee: now by putting this question to Christ, in the presence of different parties, they hoped to get an advantage of him either way; for had he been silent, they would have reproached him, as not being the honest, faithful, frank, and open man, they pretended to take him to be; and if he had answered either in the affirmative or negative, they were prepared to make use of it to his injury; had he said that it was lawful to give tribute to Caesar, this being contrary to the general notions of the people, they would have improved it to draw them from him, and to set them against him; and had he affirmed it was not lawful to do it, they would then have accused him to the Roman governor, and delivered him up into his hands, to judge and condemn him, according to the Roman laws; which latter was what they were wishing for.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 15-22 - The Pharisees sent their disciples with the Herodians, a party amon the Jews, who were for full subjection to the Roman emperor. Thoug opposed to each other, they joined against Christ. What they said of Christ was right; whether they knew it or not, blessed be God we know it. Jesus Christ was a faithful Teacher, and a bold reprover. Chris saw their wickedness. Whatever mask the hypocrite puts on, our Lor Jesus sees through it. Christ did not interpose as a judge in matter of this nature, for his kingdom is not of this world, but he enjoin peaceable subjection to the powers that be. His adversaries wer reproved, and his disciples were taught that the Christian religion i no enemy to civil government. Christ is, and will be, the wonder, no only of his friends, but of his enemies. They admire his wisdom, but will not be guided by it; his power, but will not submit to it.
Greek Textus Receptus
ειπε 2036 5628 V-2AAM-2S ουν 3767 CONJ ημιν 2254 P-1DP τι 5101 I-ASN σοι 4671 P-2DS δοκει 1380 5719 V-PAI-3S εξεστιν 1832 5904 V-PQI-3S δουναι 1325 5629 V-2AAN κηνσον 2778 N-ASM καισαρι 2541 N-DSM η 2228 PRT ου 3756 PRT-N
