Devine Scripture

Mark 12:15

What does Mark 12:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 12:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 12:15 means

The questioners escalate their challenge with a direct \"Shall we give, or shall we not give?\" forcing Jesus into an apparent dilemma. Jesus, however, discerning their hypocrisy—their pretense of seeking truth while actually plotting His downfall—exposes their deceit. He challenges their test of Him by asking them to produce a denarius, a Roman coin. This action subtly shifts the burden of proof and exposes their familiarity with the Roman financial system, preparing for His profound answer.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Are we to give or not to give? But he, conscious of their false hearts, said to them, Why do you put me to the test? give me a penny, so that I may see it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, `Why me do ye tempt? bring me a denary, that I may see;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Who knowing their wiliness, saith to them: Why tempt you me? Bring me a penny that I may see it.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Should we give, or should we not give? But he knowing their hypocrisy said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Bring me a denarius that I may see [it].

Context

This verse directly plunges into the heart of the tax dilemma, immediately following the hypocritical flattery and the posing of the question. Jesus's discerning response and request for a denarius directly set up His famous teaching on rendering to Caesar and to God. This moment shows Jesus's divine insight into their motives and prepares for a response that cleverly avoids their trap.

v.14And 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?

v.15This passage

v.16And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Cæsar’s.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 2:24

    But Jesus did not trust himself unto them, for that he knew all men,

  • Luke 20:23

    But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them,

  • 1 Corinthians 10:9

    Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents.

  • Ezekiel 17:2

    Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;

  • Matthew 22:18

    But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why make ye trial of me, ye hypocrites?

  • Acts 5:9

    But Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to try the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them that have buried thy husband are at the door, and they shall carry thee out.

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