Καῖσαρ (Kaisar)
Kaisar
Caesar
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 25 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word Kaisar is a proper noun borrowed directly from Latin, referring to the Roman emperor or his imperial title. It appears twenty-five times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts. The term originated as a family name for Julius Caesar before becoming the standard designation for successive rulers of Rome, such as Augustus and Tiberius.
Its usage highlights the tension between earthly political authority and divine sovereignty. Jesus references it when discussing taxes, instructing his followers to render to the emperor what belongs to him (Matthew 22:21). In Acts, Paul appeals to Kaisar to secure a fair trial, demonstrating how early Christians navigated legal systems under imperial rule without necessarily endorsing its ideology.
The sources note that in Philippians 4:22, the phrase "those of Caesar's household" likely refers not just to the emperor himself but to slaves and freedmen attached to the palace. This detail reveals that the Christian message had spread even into the inner circles of imperial administration, reaching people in various domestic offices across Rome and provinces like Ephesus.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Caesar represents the highest earthly power, yet Scripture shows us that God’s purposes move even through imperial decrees and political tensions. When Jesus was asked about paying taxes to Caesar, He did not offer a simple political answer but pointed to a deeper reality: we live in two realms at once. The coin bearing Caesar’s image belongs to him, but the human heart, made in God’s image, belongs to Him.
This word reminds us that our ultimate citizenship is not defined by any government or leader. Even when believers like Paul used legal rights under Roman law, they did so without compromising their loyalty to Christ. The gospel reached into Caesar’s own household, showing that no sphere of life is outside God’s reach. We can engage with the world around us while keeping our hearts fixed on Jesus.
Whether facing modern authorities or navigating complex social structures, this word invites us to trust that God is sovereign over all rulers. We honor civil responsibilities as far as they do not conflict with our duty to God, remembering that every authority is permitted by Him for a time. Our hope rests not in political systems but in the King who reigns forever.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 25 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to Caesar8×
- of Caesar5×
- Caesar4×
- Caesar.3×
- of Caesar.2×
- To Caesar2×
- Caesar’s.2×
- to Caesar.1×
- before Caesar1×
- Of Caesar.1×
- Caesar,1×
- Caesar's1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Καίσαρος7×
- Καίσαρι7×
- Καίσαρος.4×
- Καίσαρα4×
- Καίσαρί2×
- Καίσαρα.¶2×
- Καίσαρά1×
- Καίσαρος.¶1×
- Καίσαρος,1×
- Καίσαρι.¶1×
- Καίσαρα.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 22:21
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.”
Jesus uses this word to distinguish between civil obligations and spiritual devotion, establishing a principle for how believers relate to state authority.
-
Luke 2:1
Now in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.
The mention of Caesar Augustus grounds the birth of Christ in specific history, showing that God uses even secular political events to fulfill His plan.
-
Acts 25:11
For if I have done wrong and have committed anything worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die; but if none of those things is true that they accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
Paul’s appeal to Caesar demonstrates how early Christians navigated legal systems without rejecting their faith or the structures of society.
-
Philippians 4:22
All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar’s household.
This reference reveals that the Christian message had penetrated the inner circles of imperial power, reaching those within Caesar's own household.