Mark 12:15
New International Version
Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.”

New Living Translation
Should we pay them, or shouldn’t we?” Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you trying to trap me? Show me a Roman coin, and I’ll tell you.”

English Standard Version
But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.”

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

Berean Literal Bible
And knowing their hypocrisy, He said to them, "Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius, that I might see it."

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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 it.

New American Standard Bible
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.”

NASB 1995
“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.”

NASB 1977
“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.”

Legacy Standard Bible
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.”

Amplified Bible
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.”

Christian Standard Bible
But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
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.”

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Jesus knew what they were up to, and he said, "Why are you trying to test me? Show me a coin!"

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus recognized their hypocrisy, so he asked them, "Why do you test me? Bring me a coin so that I can look at it."

Good News Translation
But Jesus saw through their trick and answered, "Why are you trying to trap me? Bring a silver coin, and let me see it."

International Standard Version
Seeing through their hypocrisy, Jesus replied to them, "Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it."

Majority Standard Bible
But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, ?Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.?

NET Bible
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."

New Heart English Bible
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."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
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."

World English Bible
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.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you tempt Me? Bring Me a denarius, that I may see”;

Berean Literal Bible
And knowing their hypocrisy, He said to them, "Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius, that I might see it."

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

Smith's Literal Translation
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.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who knowing their wiliness, saith to them: Why tempt you me? bring me a penny that I may see it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.”

New American Bible
Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.”

New Revised Standard Version
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.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But he knew their treachery and he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a penny that I may see it.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
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.

Godbey New Testament
And knowing their hypocrisy, He said to them, Why tempt ye me? Bring to me the denarion, that I may see it.

Haweis New Testament
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.

Mace New Testament
but he, perceiving their hypocrisy, said to them, why do you lay snares for me?

Weymouth New Testament
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."

Worrell New Testament
Shall we give, or shall we not give?" But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why are ye tempting Me? Bring Me a denary, that I may see it."

Worsley New Testament
But He knew their hypocrisy, and said to them, Why do ye tempt me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paying Taxes to Caesar
14“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?” 15But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.” 16So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered.…

Cross References
Matthew 22:18
But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me?

Luke 20:23
But Jesus saw through their duplicity and said to them,

Proverbs 26:24-26
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.

Psalm 62:4
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

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Matthew 22:19-21
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.”

Luke 20:24-25
“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.”

Romans 12:2
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.

1 Samuel 16:7
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.”

Isaiah 29:13
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.

Matthew 15:8
‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.

John 2:24-25
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.

1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”

James 1:26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

Psalm 139:2
You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

knowing.

Matthew 22:18
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

Luke 20:23
But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

John 2:24,25
But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, …

Why.

Mark 10:2
And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.

Ezekiel 17:2
Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;

Acts 5:9
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 are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

a penny.

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Coin Conscious Denarius Denary Ensnare Hypocrisy Jesus Pay Penny Refuse Shilling Shouldn't Tempt Test Testing Trap Try Trying
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Coin Conscious Denarius Denary Ensnare Hypocrisy Jesus Pay Penny Refuse Shilling Shouldn't Tempt Test Testing Trap Try Trying
Mark 12
1. Jesus tells the parable of the tenants
13. He avoids the snare of the Pharisees and Herodians about paying tribute to Caesar;
18. convicts the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection;
28. resolves the scribe, who questioned of the first commandment;
35. refutes the opinion that the scribes held of the Christ;
38. bidding the people to beware of their ambition and hypocrisy;
41. and commends the poor widow for her two mites, above all.














But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy
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 (1 Samuel 16:7). 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.

and said, “Why are you testing Me?
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 (Exodus 17:2), 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.

Bring Me a denarius to inspect.”
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.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
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.

2. Pharisees
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.

3. Herodians
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.

4. Denarius
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.

5. Jerusalem
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.
Teaching Points
Discernment of Motives
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.

Authority and Allegiance
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.

Wisdom in Response
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.

Hypocrisy and Integrity
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.

Engagement with Culture
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.(15) But he, knowing their hypocrisy.--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.

Verses 15, 16. - St. Matthew (Matthew 22:18) 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. Bring me a penny, that I may see it. 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."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[Jesus] saw through
εἰδὼς (eidōs)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

their
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

hypocrisy
ὑπόκρισιν (hypokrisin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5272: From hupokrinomai; acting under a feigned part, i.e. deceit.

[and] said,
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Why
Τί (Ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

are you testing
πειράζετε (peirazete)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3985: To try, tempt, test. From peira; to test, i.e. Endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline.

Me?
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

Bring
φέρετέ (pherete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5342: To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb.

Me
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

a denarius
δηνάριον (dēnarion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1220: A denarius, a small Roman silver coin. Of Latin origin; a denarius.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

inspect.”
ἴδω (idō)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.


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NT Gospels: Mark 12:15 Shall we give or shall we not (Mar Mk Mr)
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