Mark 12:14

Authorized King James Version

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?

Word-by-Word Analysis

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

ἐλθόντες

G2064

when they were come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

λέγουσιν

G3004

they say

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

G846

unto him

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

Διδάσκαλε

G1320

Master

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

οἴδαμεν

G1492

we know

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

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀληθὴς

G227

true

true (as not concealing)

#10

εἶ

G1488

thou art

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

οὔ

G3756

carest

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#13

μέλει

G3199

to be of interest to, i.e., to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters)

#14

σοι

G4671

to thee

#15

περὶ

G4012

for

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

#16

οὐδενός·

G3762

no man

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#17

οὔ

G3756

carest

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#18

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#19

βλέπεις

G991

thou regardest

to look at (literally or figuratively)

#20

εἰς

G1519

the person

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#21

πρόσωπον

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

#22

ἀνθρώπων

G444

of men

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#23

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#24

ἐπ'

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#25

ἀληθείας

G225

truth

#26

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#27

ὁδὸν

G3598

the way

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

#28

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#29

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#30

διδάσκεις·

G1321

teachest

to teach (in the same broad application)

#31

ἔξεστιν

G1832

Is it lawful

so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it

#32

κῆνσον

G2778

tribute

properly, an enrollment ("census"), i.e., (by implication) a tax

#33

Καίσαρι

G2541

to Caesar

caesar, a title of the roman emperor

#34

δοῦναι

G1325

to give

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#35

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#36

οὔ

G3756

carest

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Mark. The concept of truth reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of truth differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on truth address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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