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Mark 12:15 But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, "Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect."
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Mark 12:15 But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, "Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/mark/12-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/41_Mrk_12_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Mark 12:15 - Paying Taxes to Caesar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, Why are you testing Me? 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Show me a Roman coin, and I’ll tell you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/mark/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/mark/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And knowing their hypocrisy, He said to them, "Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius, that I might see <i>it</i>."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/mark/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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 <i>it</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/mark/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see <i>it.</i>”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/mark/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Are we to pay, or not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/mark/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“Shall we pay or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/mark/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/mark/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Shall we pay or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/mark/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Should we pay [the tax] or should we not pay?” But knowing their hypocrisy, He asked them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a coin (denarius) to look at.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/mark/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/mark/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Should we pay, or should we not pay?” But knowing their hypocrisy, He said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/mark/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why make ye trial of me? bring me a denarius, that I may see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/mark/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jesus knew what they were up to, and he said, "Why are you trying to test me? Show me a coin!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/mark/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/mark/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jesus recognized their hypocrisy, so he asked them, "Why do you test me? Bring me a coin so that I can look at it."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/mark/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But Jesus saw through their trick and answered, "Why are you trying to trap me? Bring a silver coin, and let me see it." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/mark/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Seeing through their hypocrisy, Jesus replied to them, "Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/mark/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, ?Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/mark/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But he saw through their hypocrisy and said to them, "Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/mark/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Should we pay, or should we not pay?" But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius, that I may see it."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/mark/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Shall we pay, or shall we refuse to pay?" But He, knowing their hypocrisy, replied, "Why try to ensnare me? Bring me a shilling for me to look at."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/mark/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Shall we give, or shall we not give?” But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius, that I may see it.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/mark/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you tempt Me? Bring Me a denarius, that I may see”;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And knowing their hypocrisy, He said to them, "Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius, that I might see <i>it</i>."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/mark/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, 'Why me do ye tempt? bring me a denary, that I may see;'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/mark/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Should we give, or not give? And he knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a drachma that I might see it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/mark/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Who knowing their wiliness, saith to them: Why tempt you me? bring me a penny that I may see it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/mark/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And knowing their skill in deception, he said to them: “Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius, so that I may see it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/mark/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/mark/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/mark/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Shall we give or shall we not give? But he knew their scheme, and said to them, Why do you tempt me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But he knew their treachery and he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a penny that I may see it.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/mark/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Must we give, or must we not give? But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them: Why do you tempt me? Bring me a denarius, that I may see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/mark/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And knowing their hypocrisy, He said to them, <FR>Why tempt ye me? Bring to me the denarion, that I may see it.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/mark/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />shall we pay, or shall we not pay it? but he, perceiving their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a denarius, that I may see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/mark/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but he, perceiving their hypocrisy, said to them, why do you lay snares for me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Shall we pay, or shall we refuse to pay?" But He, knowing their hypocrisy, replied, "Why try to ensnare me? Bring me a shilling for me to look at."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/mark/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Shall we give, or shall we not give?" But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, <FR>"Why are ye tempting Me? Bring Me a denary, that I may see it."<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/mark/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />But He knew their hypocrisy, and said to them, <FR>Why do ye tempt me? bring me a penny, that I may see <Fr><i>it.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/mark/12-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=4004" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/mark/12.htm">Paying Taxes to Caesar</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>“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?” <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: eidōs (V-RPA-NMS) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">Jesus saw through</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5272.htm" title="5272: hypokrisin (N-AFS) -- From hupokrinomai; acting under a feigned part, i.e. deceit.">hypocrisy</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">and said,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">“Why</a> <a href="/greek/3985.htm" title="3985: peirazete (V-PIA-2P) -- To try, tempt, test. From peira; to test, i.e. Endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline.">are you testing</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me?</a> <a href="/greek/5342.htm" title="5342: pherete (V-PMA-2P) -- To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb.">Bring</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: moi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me</a> <a href="/greek/1220.htm" title="1220: dēnarion (N-ANS) -- A denarius, a small Roman silver coin. Of Latin origin; a denarius.">a denarius</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: idō (V-ASA-1S) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">inspect.” </a> </span> <span class="reftext">16</span>So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-18.htm">Matthew 22:18</a></span><br />But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-23.htm">Luke 20:23</a></span><br />But Jesus saw through their duplicity and said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-24.htm">Proverbs 26:24-26</a></span><br />A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. / When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. / Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/62-4.htm">Psalm 62:4</a></span><br />They fully intend to cast him down from his lofty perch; they delight in lies; with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a></span><br />The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-19.htm">Matthew 22:19-21</a></span><br />Show Me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. / “Whose image is this,” He asked, “and whose inscription?” / “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-24.htm">Luke 20:24-25</a></span><br />“Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. / So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a></span><br />Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a></span><br />But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a></span><br />Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-8.htm">Matthew 15:8</a></span><br />‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/2-24.htm">John 2:24-25</a></span><br />But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. / He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19</a></span><br />For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a></span><br />If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/139-2.htm">Psalm 139:2</a></span><br />You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, Why tempt you me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.</p><p class="hdg">knowing.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/22-18.htm">Matthew 22:18</a></b></br> But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, <i>ye</i> hypocrites?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/20-23.htm">Luke 20:23</a></b></br> But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/2-24.htm">John 2:24,25</a></b></br> But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all <i>men</i>, … </p><p class="hdg">Why.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/10-2.htm">Mark 10:2</a></b></br> And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away <i>his</i> wife? tempting him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/17-2.htm">Ezekiel 17:2</a></b></br> Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/5-9.htm">Acts 5:9</a></b></br> Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband <i>are</i> at the door, and shall carry thee out.</p><p class="hdg">a penny.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/22-19.htm">Coin</a> <a href="/mark/6-20.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/matthew/22-19.htm">Denarius</a> <a href="/matthew/22-19.htm">Denary</a> <a href="/mark/12-13.htm">Ensnare</a> <a href="/matthew/23-28.htm">Hypocrisy</a> <a href="/mark/12-13.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/mark/12-14.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/mark/6-8.htm">Penny</a> <a href="/mark/6-26.htm">Refuse</a> <a href="/matthew/22-19.htm">Shilling</a> <a href="/matthew/18-33.htm">Shouldn't</a> <a href="/matthew/22-18.htm">Tempt</a> <a href="/mark/10-2.htm">Test</a> <a href="/mark/10-2.htm">Testing</a> <a href="/mark/12-13.htm">Trap</a> <a href="/malachi/3-15.htm">Try</a> <a href="/mark/10-2.htm">Trying</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/12-16.htm">Coin</a> <a href="/luke/7-39.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/luke/20-24.htm">Denarius</a> <a href="/luke/20-24.htm">Denary</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-35.htm">Ensnare</a> <a href="/luke/12-1.htm">Hypocrisy</a> <a href="/mark/12-17.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/mark/12-17.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/mark/12-42.htm">Penny</a> <a href="/luke/6-30.htm">Refuse</a> <a href="/luke/20-24.htm">Shilling</a> <a href="/acts/10-28.htm">Shouldn't</a> <a href="/luke/4-12.htm">Tempt</a> <a href="/mark/14-38.htm">Test</a> <a href="/luke/8-13.htm">Testing</a> <a href="/luke/20-20.htm">Trap</a> <a href="/luke/12-58.htm">Try</a> <a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Trying</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-1.htm">Jesus tells the parable of the tenants</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-13.htm">He avoids the snare of the Pharisees and Herodians about paying tribute to Caesar;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-18.htm">convicts the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-28.htm">resolves the scribe, who questioned of the first commandment;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-35.htm">refutes the opinion that the scribes held of the Christ;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-38.htm">bidding the people to beware of their ambition and hypocrisy;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-41.htm">and commends the poor widow for her two mites, above all.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/mark/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy</b><br>Jesus demonstrates His divine insight and wisdom by perceiving the true intentions of the Pharisees and Herodians. This ability to discern hearts is consistent with His nature as God (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>). The Pharisees and Herodians, typically adversaries, unite in their opposition to Jesus, highlighting the threat He posed to their authority. Their hypocrisy is evident as they pretend to seek His wisdom while intending to trap Him.<p><b>and said, “Why are you testing Me?</b><br>Jesus directly addresses their deceitful intentions, exposing their attempt to ensnare Him. This question echoes the testing of God by the Israelites in the wilderness (<a href="/exodus/17-2.htm">Exodus 17:2</a>), where testing God was seen as a lack of faith. Jesus, aware of their malice, challenges their motives, emphasizing His role as the true teacher and authority.<p><b>Bring Me a denarius to inspect.”</b><br>The denarius was a Roman coin, commonly used in Jesus' time, bearing the image of the emperor. This request sets the stage for His teaching on the relationship between civic duty and spiritual allegiance. The coin's image and inscription would have been familiar to His audience, symbolizing Roman authority and the political tension of the period. Jesus uses this moment to illustrate a deeper truth about the kingdom of God versus earthly kingdoms, foreshadowing His teaching on rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Jesus is being tested by the Pharisees and Herodians. He is known for His wisdom and ability to discern the hearts of men.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a></b><br>A religious group in Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They often opposed Jesus and sought to trap Him in His words.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/herodians.htm">Herodians</a></b><br>A political group that supported Herod Antipas and Roman rule. They were typically at odds with the Pharisees but united with them in opposition to Jesus.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/denarius.htm">Denarius</a></b><br>A Roman coin used during the time of Jesus, representing the economic and political power of Rome. It bore the image of the emperor, which was a point of contention for Jews who opposed idolatry.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where this event takes place, a central location for Jewish religious life and a place of significant tension between Jewish leaders and Roman authorities.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_of_motives.htm">Discernment of Motives</a></b><br>Jesus demonstrates the importance of discerning the true motives behind questions and challenges. As believers, we should seek wisdom to understand the intentions of others and respond appropriately.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/authority_and_allegiance.htm">Authority and Allegiance</a></b><br>The question of paying taxes to Caesar raises issues of authority and allegiance. Christians are called to respect earthly authorities while maintaining ultimate allegiance to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_response.htm">Wisdom in Response</a></b><br>Jesus' response to the Pharisees and Herodians is a model of wisdom and tact. We should strive to respond to challenges with grace and truth, avoiding unnecessary conflict.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hypocrisy_and_integrity.htm">Hypocrisy and Integrity</a></b><br>Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Herodians. As followers of Christ, we are called to live with integrity, ensuring our actions align with our professed beliefs.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/engagement_with_culture.htm">Engagement with Culture</a></b><br>The use of the denarius highlights the tension between cultural engagement and spiritual conviction. Christians are called to navigate cultural issues with discernment and faithfulness to God's Word.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_mark_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Mark 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_caused_jesus_to_feel_anger.htm">What caused Jesus to feel anger?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_gospel_of_the_kingdom.htm">What is the Gospel of the Kingdom about?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_jesus_in_the_tomb_3_days_nights.htm">Was Jesus in the tomb for three days and three nights? (Matthew 12:40 vs. Mark 15:42-47)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_fully_live_christ's_teachings.htm">How can we live fully in Christ's teachings?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/mark/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">But he, knowing their hypocrisy.</span>--St. Mark uses the specific word that describes the sin of the questioners, instead of the more general "wickedness" of St. Matthew. On the other hand, he omits the word "hypocrites" as applied to them by our Lord.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/mark/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 15, 16.</span> - St. Matthew (<a href="/matthew/22-18.htm">Matthew 22:18</a>) says, "But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?' You pretend that you are approaching me with a good conscience, sincerely desirous to know how you ought to act in this matter; when at the same time you are enemies alike of me and of God, and are thirsting for my blood, and are doing all in your power to torment me, and to entangle me by fraud. "The first virtue," says St. Jerome, "of the respondent is to know the mind of the questioner, and to adapt his answer accordingly." These Pharisees and Heredians flatter Christ that they may destroy him; but he rebukes them, that, if possible, be might save them. <span class="cmt_word">Bring me a penny, that I may see it</span>. The Roman denarius was equal to about eight-pence halfpenny. This was the coin in which the tribute money was to be paid. It had stamped upon it the image of Tiberius Caesar, the then reigning Roman emperor. The cognomen of Caesar was first given to Julius Caesar, from whom it was devolved to his successors. The current coin of the country proved the subjection of the country to him whose image was upon it. Maimonides, quoted by Dr. John Lightfoot (vol. 2 p. 230), says, "Wheresoever the money of any king is current, there the inhabitants acknowledge that king for their lord." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/mark/12-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Jesus] saw through</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰδὼς</span> <span class="translit">(eidōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, remember, appreciate. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">their</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτῶν</span> <span class="translit">(autōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hypocrisy</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑπόκρισιν</span> <span class="translit">(hypokrisin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5272.htm">Strong's 5272: </a> </span><span class="str2">From hupokrinomai; acting under a feigned part, i.e. deceit.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] said,</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶπεν</span> <span class="translit">(eipen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Why</span><br /><span class="grk">Τί</span> <span class="translit">(Ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are you testing</span><br /><span class="grk">πειράζετε</span> <span class="translit">(peirazete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3985.htm">Strong's 3985: </a> </span><span class="str2">To try, tempt, test. From peira; to test, i.e. Endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Me?</span><br /><span class="grk">με</span> <span class="translit">(me)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Bring</span><br /><span class="grk">φέρετέ</span> <span class="translit">(pherete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5342.htm">Strong's 5342: </a> </span><span class="str2">To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Me</span><br /><span class="grk">μοι</span> <span class="translit">(moi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a denarius</span><br /><span class="grk">δηνάριον</span> <span class="translit">(dēnarion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1220.htm">Strong's 1220: </a> </span><span class="str2">A denarius, a small Roman silver coin. Of Latin origin; a denarius.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">ἵνα</span> <span class="translit">(hina)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> </span><span class="str2">In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">inspect.”</span><br /><span class="grk">ἴδω</span> <span class="translit">(idō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> </span><span class="str2">Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/12-15.htm">Mark 12:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/mark/12-15.htm">Mark 12:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/mark/12-15.htm">Mark 12:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/mark/12-15.htm">Mark 12:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/mark/12-15.htm">Mark 12:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/12-15.htm">Mark 12:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/12-15.htm">Mark 12:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/12-15.htm">Mark 12:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/mark/12-15.htm">Mark 12:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/mark/12-15.htm">Mark 12:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/mark/12-15.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 12:15 Shall we give or shall we not (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/12-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 12:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 12:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/12-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 12:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 12:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>