Keraia
Mark 12

Mark 12:17

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

Translations

Modern
Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And Jesus said to them, “Give back the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God.” And they were marveling at Him.
Latin
Respondens autem Jesus dixit illis: Reddite igitur quæ sunt Cæsaris, Cæsari: et quæ sunt Dei, Deo. Et mirabantur super eo.

Interlinear

Greek
English
Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him.

Notes

Mark 12:17

Give to Caesar what is Caesar's: The words of Jesus should not be understood as support for anti-Roman revolutionaries who opposed paying taxes to Caesar. Elsewhere, Jesus clearly rejected the violent goals of such groups (see Matthew 5:9, 39, 41; 26:52).

At the same time, Jesus was not simply supporting Roman rule. Loyalty and service to God come first because God’s authority is greater than Caesar’s. Like the evil tenants in the previous parable, the religious leaders had failed to give God what rightly belonged to him.

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 The Son of God

Events

Parallels

Matthew 22:15–22 Luke 20:19–26

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world 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 Commandments: Precepts of Jesus--Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse Jesus, the Christ: Tested by the Pharisees and the Herodians King: Respect Due To Paying Taxes Satire of Jesus Against Hypocrites Tribute: Roman: Christ Showed to the Pharisees and Herodians the Propriety