Mark 12:15 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus sees through their hypocrisy, asks why they test him, and tells them to bring him a penny.
What Does Mark 12:15 Mean?
They press for a verdict: give, or not give? Mark notes that Jesus knew their hypocrisy -- the word originally described an actor playing a part. His reply begins with a question of his own and a small command: bring me a denarius, and let me look at it.
Notice that Jesus does not produce the coin; they do. The silver denarius, stamped with Caesar's portrait, was the very currency of the system they pretended to agonize over -- and they had one at hand. The Lord has a way of letting our own pockets testify about us. He is never taken in by the role we play; he answers not the mask but the heart behind it.
Mark 12:15 in the Original Language
hypokrisis (ὑπόκρισις), 'hypocrisy' -- play-acting; the performance of an actor behind a mask.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 12:15
What does Mark 12:15 mean?
Jesus sees through their hypocrisy, asks why they test him, and tells them to bring him a penny.