Mark 12:14 Meaning and Explanation
“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?”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →With elaborate flattery they ask whether it is lawful to pay tribute to Caesar -- a question built to ruin him whichever way he answers.
What Does Mark 12:14 Mean?
The flatterers bait the trap sweetly: Jesus is true, fears no man, shows no partiality, and teaches the way of God in truth. Then comes the hook: is the Roman poll tax lawful? Say yes, and he loses the people who groan under the occupation; say no, and he can be denounced for sedition against Rome.
The irony is that every word of their flattery is true. He is true; he does teach God's way in truth; he regards no man's person. They describe perfectly the One they are trying to destroy. The verse leaves a question of conscience: do we come to Jesus to obey him, or to extract from him the answer we have already chosen?
Mark 12:14 in the Original Language
kensos (κῆνσος), 'tribute' -- the Roman poll tax levied on every subject of the empire.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 12:14
What does Mark 12:14 mean?
With elaborate flattery they ask whether it is lawful to pay tribute to Caesar -- a question built to ruin him whichever way he answers.