Mark 12:14
What does Mark 12:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 12:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 12:14 means
The Pharisees and Herodians approach Jesus with deceitful flattery, praising Him as a truthful teacher who speaks God's way without partiality or fear of man. Their true intent, however, was not admiration but to set a trap. They then cleverly pose a question about the legality of paying taxes to Caesar. This was a highly contentious issue among Jews, as it touched upon national identity, religious freedom, and Roman occupation. Answering \"yes\" could alienate the populace; \"no\" could incur Roman wrath.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when they were come, they say unto him, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and carest not for any one; for thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when they were come, they say unto him, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and carest not for any one; for thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when they had come, they said to him, Master, we are certain that you are true, and have no fear of anyone: you have no respect for a man's position, but you are teaching the true way of God: Is it right to give taxes to Caesar or not?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they having come, say to him, `Teacher, we have known that thou art true, and thou art not caring for any one, for thou dost not look to the face of men, but in truth the way of God dost teach; is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not? may we give, or may we not give?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who coming, say to him: Master, we know that thou art a true speaker and carest not for any man; for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar? Or shall we not give it?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they come and say to him, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and carest not for any one; for thou regardest not men's person, but teachest the way ofGod with truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?
Context
This verse details the deceptive opening of the trap set for Jesus, immediately following the introduction of the Pharisees and Herodians. Their flattering address and the presentation of the tax question directly lead to Jesus's penetrating response regarding rendering to Caesar and to God. This elaborate setup reveals the depth of their cunning and highlights the high stakes of Jesus's reply.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 120:2
Deliver my soul, O Jehovah, from lying lips, Andfrom a deceitful tongue.
- John 7:18
He that speaketh from himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh the glory of him that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
- Galatians 2:11
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned.
- 2 Chronicles 19:7
Now therefore let the fear of Jehovah be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with Jehovah our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes.
- 2 Corinthians 5:16
Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh: even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more.
- 2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not as the many, corrupting the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ.
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