Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about paying taxes?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that Christians should ordinarily pay taxes and honor governing authorities as part of their obedience to God, while giving God the worship and ultimate allegiance that belong to him alone. In Matthew 22:17-21, Jesus commands, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Romans 13:1-7 explains that civil authorities are ordained by God to restrain evil and promote public order, so believers pay taxes, revenue, respect, and honor conscientiously. Even Jesus, though free as the Son, paid the temple tax in Matthew 17:24-27 to avoid unnecessary offense. This obedience is not blind: when human rulers command sin, God must be obeyed above men.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Romans 13:6-7 6 votes

    [6] For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually on this very thing. [7] Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.

  • Matthew 22:17-21 5 votes

    [17] Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" [18] But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test me, you hypocrites? [19] Show me the tax money." They brought to him a denarius. [20] He asked them, "Whose is this image and inscription?" [21] They said to him, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

  • Romans 13:1-7 4 votes

    [1] Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. [2] Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. [3] For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same, [4] for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn't bear the sword in vain; for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil. [5] Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. [6] For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually on this very thing. [7] Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.

  • Matthew 17:24-27 3 votes

    [24] When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the didrachma?" [25] He said, "Yes." When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?" [26] Peter said to him, "From strangers." Jesus said to him, "Therefore the children are exempt. [27] But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you."

  • Romans 13:2 3 votes

    Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment.

  • Romans 13:7 3 votes

    Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.

  • Matthew 22:15-22 2 votes

    [15] Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap him in his talk. [16] They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no matter who you teach, for you aren't partial to anyone. [17] Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" [18] But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test me, you hypocrites? [19] Show me the tax money." They brought to him a denarius. [20] He asked them, "Whose is this image and inscription?" [21] They said to him, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." [22] When they heard it, they marveled, and left him, and went away.

  • Romans 13:5-7 2 votes

    [5] Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. [6] For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually on this very thing. [7] Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.

  • Romans 13:1 2 votes

    Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.

  • Romans 13:7-8 2 votes

    [7] Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor. [8] Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about paying taxes and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about paying taxes