Matthew 22:16-17
Context22:16 They sent to him their disciples along with the Herodians, 1 saying, “Teacher, we know that you are truthful, and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 2 You do not court anyone’s favor because you show no partiality. 3 22:17 Tell us then, what do you think? Is it right 4 to pay taxes 5 to Caesar 6 or not?”
[22:16] 1 sn The Herodians are mentioned in the NT only once in Matt (22:16 = Mark 12:13) and twice in Mark (3:6; 12:13; some
[22:16] 2 sn Teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Very few comments are as deceitful as this one; they did not really believe this at all. The question of the Pharisees and Herodians was specifically designed to trap Jesus.
[22:16] 3 tn Grk “And it is not a concern to you about anyone because you do not see the face of men.”
[22:17] 4 tn Or “lawful,” that is, in accordance with God’s divine law. On the syntax of ἔξεστιν (exestin) with an infinitive and accusative, see BDF §409.3.
[22:17] 5 tn According to L&N 57.180 the term κῆνσος (khnso") was borrowed from Latin and referred to a poll tax, a tax paid by each adult male to the Roman government.
[22:17] 6 tn Or “to the emperor” (“Caesar” is a title for the Roman emperor).