Mark 12:15

15 Shall we give or shall we not give? Then he, understanding their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Bring me the coin that I may see it.

Mark 12:15 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 12:15

Shall we give, or not give?
&c.] 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 Matthew 22:18), (See Gill on Matthew 22:19).

Mark 12:15 In-Context

13 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians to catch him in his words.

14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art a man of truth who regards no man; for thou dost not look upon the appearance of men, but dost with truth teach the way of God; is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?

15 Shall we give or shall we not give? Then he, understanding their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Bring me the coin that I may see it.

16 And they brought it. And he said unto them, Of whom is this image and inscription? And they said unto him, Of Caesar.

17 And Jesus, answering, said unto them, Render that which is of Caesar unto Caesar, and that which is of God unto God. And they marvelled at this.