Mark 12:14
And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no 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 not?
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλθόντες
when they were come
G2064
ἐλθόντες
when they were come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 36
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
λέγουσιν
they say
G3004
λέγουσιν
they say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 36
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 36
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
οἴδαμεν
we know
G1492
οἴδαμεν
we know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
7 of 36
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 36
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μέλει
G3199
μέλει
Strong's:
G3199
Word #:
13 of 36
to be of interest to, i.e., to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters)
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
15 of 36
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
οὐδενός·
no man
G3762
οὐδενός·
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
16 of 36
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
18 of 36
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
εἰς
the person
G1519
εἰς
the person
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
20 of 36
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
πρόσωπον
G4383
πρόσωπον
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
21 of 36
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
23 of 36
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐπ'
in
G1909
ἐπ'
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
24 of 36
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδὸν
the way
G3598
ὁδὸν
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
27 of 36
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
29 of 36
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἔξεστιν
Is it lawful
G1832
ἔξεστιν
Is it lawful
Strong's:
G1832
Word #:
31 of 36
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
κῆνσον
tribute
G2778
κῆνσον
tribute
Strong's:
G2778
Word #:
32 of 36
properly, an enrollment ("census"), i.e., (by implication) a tax
Cross References
John 7:18He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.2 Corinthians 2:17For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.2 Corinthians 5:16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.2 Corinthians 5:11Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.2 Corinthians 2:2For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?1 Thessalonians 2:4But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.Galatians 1:10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.Galatians 2:6But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
Historical Context
The Roman poll tax, instituted in Judea in AD 6, required annual payment of one denarius per person. This tax symbolized Jewish subjection to Rome and was deeply resented. Judas the Galilean led a violent revolt against this census tax (Acts 5:37), founding the Zealot movement that advocated armed resistance. The denarius coin bore Caesar's image and the inscription 'Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus, Augustus'—claiming divinity offensive to Jewish monotheism. Zealots refused payment, considering it idolatry and treason against God's kingship. The question's political stakes were enormous: advocating payment would brand Jesus a Roman collaborator; opposing it would invite charges of sedition (which they later pursued: Luke 23:2).
Questions for Reflection
- How does their flattering preamble illustrate that even enemies recognized Jesus' integrity and courage in speaking truth?
- What does the tax question reveal about the perceived conflict between civic duty and religious loyalty that Jesus will brilliantly resolve?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth—their flattery ironically spoke truth. The Greek alēthēs ei (ἀληθής εἶ, "you are true") and ou melei soi peri oudenos (οὐ μέλει σοι περὶ οὐδενός, "you care for no one") meant Jesus wasn't swayed by public opinion or powerful interests. Though intended to manipulate, this described Jesus' authentic character: fearless truth-telling regardless of consequences.
Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? (ἔξεστιν δοῦναι κῆνσον Καίσαρι ἢ οὔ;). The word kēnson (κῆνσον) refers to the tributum capitis, the hated Roman poll tax. The question's phrasing—"is it lawful" (exestin, ἔξεστιν)—forced Jesus to pronounce on God's law regarding Roman authority. This was theological, not merely political: does God's Torah permit supporting pagan occupation?