This verse is quite straightforward, and Revised Standard Version represents a fairly literal rendering of the Greek text. Jesus’ answer is precise yet not specific. The hearers are still called upon to make their own decision regarding what belongs to the Emperor and what belongs to God.

As in verse 17, Caesar’s is normally translated as “The Emperor’s” (Good News Translation) or “The Roman Emperor’s.” In some languages a complete sentence will be more natural, as in “They are of the Emperor,” or even “They are the picture and name of the Emperor.”

Good News Translation expresses the therefore with “Well, then,” which is more natural in English.

Render means “pay” (Good News Translation), “give back to,” or “return to.” Some translators have used an imperative here, but a structure such as “You should give back” is better.

It is sometimes more natural to put the emphasis on the object of the returning, as in “Whatever belongs to the Emperor you should give back to the Emperor, and whatever belongs to God you should give back to God.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .