Mark 12:15

15 Who knowing their wiliness, saith to them: Why tempt you me? Bring me a penny 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 sent to him some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians: that they should catch him in his words.

14 Who coming, say to him: Master, we know that thou art a true speaker and carest not for any man; for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar? Or shall we not give it?

15 Who knowing their wiliness, saith to them: Why tempt you me? Bring me a penny that I may see it.

16 And they brought it him. And he saith to them: Whose is this image and inscription? They say to him, Caesar’s.

17 And Jesus answering, said to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.