14 When they had come, they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and don't defer to anyone; for you aren't partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou (d) regardest not the person of men, but teachest the (e) way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
(d) You do not judge by the outward appearance, so that the truth is therefore not darkened by any means at all.
(e) The way by which we come to see God.
And when they were come,.... Unto Jesus in the temple:
they said unto him, master; they saluted him in like manner, as they did their doctors and Rabbins, calling him "Rabbi", though they were not his disciples; but one part of them were the disciples of the Pharisees, and the other had Herod for their master;
we know that thou art true; an honest, sincere, and upright man,
and carest for no man, for thou regardest not the person of men; no, not Caesar himself;
but teachest the way of God in truth; instructest men in the word, will, and worship of God, with all integrity and faithfulness; answer therefore this question,
is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not? The Syriac and Persic versions read, "head money"; and so it is read in Beza's most ancient copy; a tax that was levied on the heads of families; or on every particular head in a family; See Gill on Matthew 22:16, Matthew 22:17.
And when they were come, they say unto him, Master--Teacher.
we know that thou art true, and carest for no man; for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth--By such flattery--though they said only the truth--they hoped to throw Him off His guard.
Is it lawful to give tribute to CÃ&brvbr;sar, or not?--It was the civil poll tax paid by all enrolled in the "census." See on Matthew 17:25.
*More commentary available at chapter level.