New Testament
Mark 12:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Should we pay, or shouldn't we?" But Jesus, knowing their hypocrisy, said, "Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius so I can look at it."
Compare translations
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.
What Mark 12:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Jesus is confronted by religious leaders who are trying to trap him with a question about paying taxes to the Roman government. They ask if it is lawful to pay taxes, hoping to catch him in a controversial answer. Jesus, aware of their insincerity, asks them to bring him a denarius, a Roman coin. By doing this, he highlights their hypocrisy, as they are using Roman currency while questioning the legitimacy of Roman authority. His response emphasizes the importance of recognizing the rightful place of government and God in our lives. Jesus ultimately teaches that we should give to Caesar what belongs to him and to God what belongs to God, illustrating the balance between civic duty and spiritual obligation. This moment reveals not only the wisdom of Jesus but also the futility of trying to ensnare him in their traps, as he always sees through their intentions and responds with profound truth.
How to apply Mark 12:15 to your life
This passage encourages us to reflect on our responsibilities both to our government and to God. We should fulfill our civic duties, such as paying taxes, while also prioritizing our spiritual commitments. Balancing these responsibilities is essential for living a faithful life.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Questions in the Temple (Mark 12:13–37)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Mark 12:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Mark 12:15
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 12:15 mean?
Mark 12:15 describes a moment when Jesus is questioned about paying taxes to the Roman government. He recognizes the hypocrisy of his questioners and uses their own currency to illustrate the balance between civic responsibilities and spiritual obligations.
What is the significance of the denarius in Mark 12:15?
The denarius is a Roman coin that symbolizes the authority of the Roman government. By asking for it, Jesus highlights the hypocrisy of those questioning him, as they are using Roman currency while challenging the legitimacy of Roman rule.
What lesson does Mark 12:15 teach about taxes?
Mark 12:15 teaches that it is important to fulfill our civic duties, such as paying taxes, while also recognizing our spiritual obligations to God. Jesus emphasizes that we should give to both the government and God what is rightfully theirs.
How does Mark 12:15 relate to hypocrisy?
In Mark 12:15, Jesus points out the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who question him about taxes while using Roman currency themselves. This moment reveals their insincerity and serves as a reminder to be genuine in our actions and beliefs.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.