Mark 12:15

Authorized King James Version

Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
δῶμεν
Shall we give
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#2
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#3
μή
shall we not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#4
δῶμεν
Shall we give
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#5
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#7
ἴδω
I may see
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#8
αὐτοῖς
their
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
#9
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ὑπόκρισιν
hypocrisy
acting under a feigned part, i.e., (figuratively) deceit ("hypocrisy")
#11
εἶπεν
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#12
αὐτοῖς
their
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
#13
Τί
Why
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#14
με
me
me
#15
πειράζετε
tempt ye
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
#16
φέρετέ
bring
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
#17
μοι
me
to me
#18
δηνάριον
a penny
a denarius (or ten asses)
#19
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#20
ἴδω
I may see
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

Analysis

Within the broader context of Mark, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Mark.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Mark Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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