Mark 12:14

Translations

Modern

“Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?”

Traditional

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?

Literal

And having come, they say to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and to You there is no care about anyone; for You do not look to the appearance of men, but You teach the way of God on the basis of truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not? Should we pay or not pay?”

Latin

Qui venientes dicunt ei: Magister, scimus quia verax es, et non curas quemquam: nec enim vides in faciem hominum, sed in veritate viam Dei doces. Licet dari tributum Cæsari, an non dabimus?

Interlinear

Greek

English

“Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?”

Notes

Mark 12:14

taxes: The Greek word refers to a poll tax, a tax each person paid to the government (compare Luke 2:1–2 and Acts 5:37).

Mark 12:13–17

After they failed to question the authority of Jesus, his enemies tried to turn the people against him. From the beginning, it is clear that the Pharisees and the supporters of Herod (see 3:6) were not sincere. They were trying to trap Jesus so he would say something that could lead to his arrest.

The question Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? was carefully planned. It put Jesus in a difficult situation where any answer seems wrong. If he said yes, the people might turn against him, because they hated Roman rule and taxes. If he said no, he could

Theme notes and profiles

The Pharisees

Events

Related verses

2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
Galatians 2:6
But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—those leaders added nothing to me.
2 Corinthians 5:16
So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
Luke 20:22
Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
1 Thessalonians 2:4
Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.
Galatians 1:10
Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
John 7:18
He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory, but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is a man of truth; in Him there is no falsehood.
Galatians 2:11–14
When Cephas came to Antioch, however, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.
2 Corinthians 5:11
Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.
2 Corinthians 2:2
For if I grieve you, who is left to cheer me but those whom I have grieved?
Nehemiah 9:37
Its abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us because of our sins. And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress.
2 Chronicles 19:7
And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

Parallels

Matthew 22:15–22 Luke 20:19–26

People

Tiberius: Roman emperor during Jesus' ministry and death

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Mark, Gospel of Tax, Taxation

Topics

Citizens: Duties of Hypocrisy: The Pharisees Jesus, the Christ: Teacher Jesus, the Christ: Tested by the Pharisees and the Herodians Paying Taxes Satire of Jesus Against Hypocrites Tribute: Roman: Christ Showed to the Pharisees and Herodians the Propriety

Mark 12:14

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