Keraia
Mark 12

Mark 12:15

Paying Taxes to Caesar · Mark 12:13–17
Read Mark 12

Translations

Modern
But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.”
Traditional
Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
Literal
But knowing their hypocrisy, He said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius, so that I might see it.”
Latin
Qui sciens versutiam illorum, ait illis: Quid me tentatis? afferte mihi denarium ut videam.

Interlinear

Greek
English
But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.”

Notes

Mark 12:15

  • Jesus gave a surprising response that showed his wisdom.

  • a denarius: The tax likely had to be paid using Roman coins.

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

Parallels

Matthew 22:15–22 Luke 20:19–26

Glossary

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

Topics

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