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.

Render unto Caesar represented with emoji🤲👑

This playful pairing of hands reaching for a crown 🤲👑 not only illustrates the biblical directive to 'render unto Caesar' but delightfully subverts the notion of simple obligation. It functions as a whimsical reminder that our earthly duties, symbolized by the regal crown, are but one facet of our existence, artfully balancing the mundane with the profound.

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.