Mark 12:15

15 He knew it was a trick question, and said, "Why are you playing these games with me? Bring me a coin and let me look at 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 They sent some Pharisees and followers of Herod to bait him, hoping to catch him saying something incriminating.

14 They came up and said, "Teacher, we know you have integrity, that you are indifferent to public opinion, don't pander to your students, and teach the way of God accurately. Tell us: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

15 He knew it was a trick question, and said, "Why are you playing these games with me? Bring me a coin and let me look at it."

16 They handed him one. "This engraving - who does it look like? And whose name is on it?" "Caesar," they said.

17 Jesus said, "Give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his." Their mouths hung open, speechless.