Mark 12:16

Authorized King James Version

And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οἱ

G3588

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

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

ἤνεγκαν

G5342

they brought

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

λέγει

G3004

he saith

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

Τίνος

G5101

Whose

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἡ

G3588

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

εἰκὼν

G1504

image

a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance

#10

αὕτη

G3778

is this

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#12

ἡ

G3588

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

#13

ἐπιγραφή

G1923

superscription

an inscription

#14

οἱ

G3588

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

#15

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

#16

εἶπον

G2036

they said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#17

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

#18

Καίσαρος

G2541

Caesar's

caesar, a title of the roman emperor

Analysis

Within the broader context of Mark, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

How does this verse's literary context within Mark chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

The Twelve Apostles

Study Resources

Parables of Jesus