Bible Dictionary
Caesar
Caesar was originally the family name of Julius Caesar and became the title of the Roman emperors. In the New Testament it refers to emperors such as Augustus, Tiberius, Claudius, and Nero, whose authority governed Judea and to whom tribute was paid.
Definition
Caesar was originally the surname of Caius Julius Caesar and afterward became a title borne by the Roman emperors. In the New Testament it denotes the Roman emperor, especially as sovereign over Judea. The title is associated with Augustus, Tiberius, Claudius, and Nero.
Biblical Usage
Jews paid tribute to Caesar, and Roman citizens could appeal to him. The title is used for the emperor governing Judea and appears in references to Jesus’ trial, Paul’s appeal, and the imperial authority recognized in the New Testament.
Historical Background
The title arose from the name of Julius Caesar and was continued by the Roman emperors. Its form was later perpetuated in the words “Kaiser” and “Czar.”
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The title assumed by the Roman emperors after Julius Caesar. In the New Testament this title is given to various emperors as sovereigns of Judaea without their accompanying distinctive proper names (John 19:15; Acts 17:7). The Jews paid tribute to Caesar (Matt. 22:17), and all Roman citizens had the right of appeal to him (Acts 25:11). The Caesars referred to in the New Testament are Augustus (Luke 2:1), Tiberius (3:1; 20:22), Claudius (Acts 11:28), and Nero (Acts 25:8; Phil. 4:22).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
always in the New Testament the Roman emperor, the sovereign of Judea. (John 19:12,15; Acts 17:7)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>se'-zar (Kaisar): Originally the surname of the Julian gens (thus, Caius Julius Caesar); afterward a name borne by the Roman emperors. In the New Testament the name is definitely applied to Augustus (Lu 2:1, "Caesar Augustus"), to whom it belonged by adoption, and to Tiberius (Lu 3:1, "Tiberius Caesar"; compare Mt 22:17,21). The "Caesar" to whom Paul appealed (Ac 25:11,12,21) was Nero. The form is perpetuated in "Kaiser" and "Czar."</p>