Caesar

Definition

The term “Caesar” was the name or title used by many of the rulers of the Roman Empire. In the Bible, this name refers to three different Roman rulers.

• The first Roman ruler named Caesar was “Caesar Augustus,” who was ruling during the time that Jesus was born.
• About thirty years later, at the time when John the Baptist was preaching, Tiberius Caesar was the ruler of the Roman Empire.
• Tiberius Caesar was still ruling Rome when Jesus told the people to pay Caesar what was due him and to give to God what is due him.
• When Paul appealed to Caesar, this referred to the Roman emperor, Nero, who also had the title “Caesar.”
• When “Caesar” is used by itself as a title, it can also be translated as: “the Emperor” or “the Roman Ruler.”
• In names such as Caesar Augustus or Tiberius Caesar, “Caesar” can be spelled close to the way a national language spells it.

(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)

(See also: king, Paul, Rome)

Bible References

• Acts 25:6
• Luke 2:1
• Luke 20:23-24
• Luke 23:2
• Mark 12:13-15
• Matthew 22:17
• Philippians 4:22

Word Data

• Strong’s: G25410