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Mark 12:15

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 12:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Mark 12:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12And they sought to lay hold on him; and they feared the multitude; for they perceived that he spake the parable against them: and they left him, and went away.
13And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, that they might catch him in talk.
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 Caesar, or not?
15Shall 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.
16And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar`s.
17And Jesus said unto them, Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar`s, and unto God the things that are God`s. And they marvelled greatly at him.
18And there come unto him Sadducees, who say that there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Shall we give, or not give? etc..] They not only ask whether it was lawful, but whether also it was advisable to do it, that they might not only accuse him of his principles, but charge him with persuading, or dissuading in this case. These words are left out in the Vulgate Latin, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions: but he knowing their hypocrisy; expressed in their flattering titles and characters of him, and which lay hid in their secret designs against him; which being thoroughly known to him, said unto them, why tempt ye me: bring me a penny, that I may see it; what it is, that is required for tribute; (see Gill on “<402218>Matthew 22:18-19”).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 22:15-22. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“12:15 Jesus’ surprising reply revealed his wisdom. • a Roman coin: Apparently the poll tax had to be paid in Roman coinage.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“knowing: Mat 22:18; Luk 20:23; Joh 2:24, Joh 2:25, Joh 21:17; Heb 4:13; Rev 2:23 Why: Mar 10:2; Eze 17:2; Act 5:9; Co1 10:9 a penny: "Valuing of our money, sevenpence halfpenny, as Mat 18:28, marg. Mark 12:16”
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Related study paths

Read Mark 12 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification