Greek · G2541

Καῖσαρ

Cæsar, a title of the Roman emperor

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Καῖσαρ G2541
Pronunciation Kaîsar

What does Καῖσαρ (Kaîsar) mean in the Bible?

Kaisar names Caesar, the Roman emperor or the imperial title attached to that office. The term identifies a historical ruler and political authority; it does not by itself carry a complete theology of government, empire, or Christian allegiance.

Reader summary

Full entry for Καῖσαρ (G2541) · Open the biblical lexicon

Questions this entry answers

What does Καῖσαρ (Kaîsar) mean in the Bible?

Kaisar names Caesar, the Roman emperor or the imperial title attached to that office. The term identifies a historical ruler and political authority; it does not by itself carry a complete theology of government, empire, or Christian allegiance.

How does the BSB render G2541?

The BSB source-word alignment has 29 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include to Caesar (10), Caesar (9), Caesar’s (7), of Caesar (3).

Where does Καῖσαρ (Kaîsar) appear in Scripture?

The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Matthew 22:17. Its strongest book concentrations include Acts (10), Luke (7), Mark (4), Matthew (4).

What This Word Actually Means

Kaisar names Caesar, the Roman emperor or the imperial title attached to that office. The term identifies a historical ruler and political authority; it does not by itself carry a complete theology of government, empire, or Christian allegiance. Luke places Jesus' birth within an imperial decree. Jesus speaks of what belongs to Caesar while reserving what belongs to God.

In John 19, Caesar's title becomes a lever of fear and public pressure as Jesus, the true King, is rejected and handed over. Acts can also present appeal to Caesar as a lawful legal course within God's providence. Teachers should therefore let each scene define the title's role, distinguish civil authority from worship, and keep the Passion accounts free from partisan or anti-Jewish misuse.

Sources