Boy New Testament Known
Tiberius
the son of Tiber
Τιβέριος Tiberios
Tiberius (Greek: Τιβέριος, Tiberios) means “the son of Tiber”, by traditional interpretation. It appears in 12 verses across 4 books of the Bible. In 2025 it was given to 38 children in the United States. Use is falling away. Around 1,301 Americans have been given it since 1880. Appears with Augustus in Luke 3.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Tiberius
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 12 across 4 books
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Gospels
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 38 | Falling |
| All-time total | 1,301 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 109 in 2015 | Its highest year on record |
| Strongest state | CA | Highest share relative to births |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Matthew 22:17 |
| Last appears | John 19:15 |
| Cross-references | 341 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Lysanias co-occurrence Appears with Lysanias in Luke 3.
- Philip co-occurrence Appears with Philip in Luke 3.
- Pilate co-occurrence Appears with Pilate in John 19.
- Augustus co-occurrence Appears with Augustus in Luke 3.
- Mary co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Mary.
- Herod co-occurrence Appears with Herod in Luke 3.
- Joseph co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Joseph.
Origin & meaning
Τιβέριος, -ου, ὁ,
the Emperor Tiberius: Luk.3:1.†
(AS)
Tiberius was the Roman emperor during Jesus' ministry and crucifixion, mentioned in several Gospel accounts.
The biblical story
Tiberius, also referred to as Caesar, was the Roman emperor during the ministry and death of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in several passages in the Gospels and once in the Book of Acts (Luk.3.1; Mat.22.17-21; Mrk.12.14-17; Luk.20.22-25; 23.2; Jhn.19.12,15). Tiberius ruled from 14 to 37 AD, succeeding Augustus. His reign provided the historical and political context for the events of the New Testament. In Luk.3.1, Tiberius is mentioned to date the beginning of John the Baptist's ministry. The Gospels also record Jesus' response to the question of paying taxes to Caesar (Tiberius), affirming the legitimacy of secular authority while prioritizing obedience to God (Mat.22.17-21; Mrk.12.14-17; Luk.20.22-25). During Jesus' trial, the Jewish leaders accused him of opposing payment of taxes to Caesar and claiming to be a king, which Pontius Pilate recognized as a challenge to Tiberius' authority (Luk.23.2; Jhn.19.12,15). Tiberius' reign was marked by growing unrest in Judea, leading to the appointment of Pontius Pilate as governor. The New Testament portrays Tiberius as the embodiment of secular power, contrasting with Jesus' spiritual authority.
Key verses
Tiberius appears in 12 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
-
Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cesar, or not?
Matthew 22:17 -
They say unto him, Cesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cesar the things which are Cesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
Matthew 22:21 -
And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Cesar, or not?
Mark 12:14 -
And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Cesar’s.
Mark 12:16 -
And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Cesar the things that are Cesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.
Mark 12:17
Show all 12 references
Matthew (2)
- Matthew 22:17
- Matthew 22:21
Mark (3)
- Mark 12:14
- Mark 12:16
- Mark 12:17
Luke (5)
- Luke 3:1
- Luke 20:22
- Luke 20:24
- Luke 20:25
- Luke 23:2
John (2)
- John 19:12
- John 19:15