Mark 12:14
New International Version
They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?

New Living Translation
“Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us—is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?

English Standard Version
And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?”

Berean Standard Bible
“Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?”

Berean Literal Bible
And having come, they say to Him, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and to You there is no care about any one; for You do not look on the appearance of men, but teach the way of God on the basis of the truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not? Should we pay or not pay?"

King James Bible
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?

New King James Version
When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?

New American Standard Bible
They came and said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and do not care what anyone thinks; for You are not partial to anyone, but You teach the way of God in truth. Is it permissible to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?

NASB 1995
They came and said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?

NASB 1977
And they came and said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?

Legacy Standard Bible
And they came and said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a tax to Caesar, or not?

Amplified Bible
They came and said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and have no personal bias toward anyone; for You are not influenced by outward appearances or social status, but in truth You teach the way of God. Is it lawful [according to Jewish law and tradition] to pay the poll-tax to [Tiberius] Caesar, or not?

Christian Standard Bible
When they came, they said to him, “Teacher, we know you are truthful and don’t care what anyone thinks, nor do you show partiality but teach the way of God truthfully. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When they came, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know You are truthful and defer to no one, for You don’t show partiality but teach truthfully the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?

American Standard Version
And when they were come, they say unto him, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and carest not for any one; for thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?

Contemporary English Version
They went to him and said, "Teacher, we know that you are honest. You treat everyone with the same respect, no matter who they are. And you teach the truth about what God wants people to do. Tell us, should we pay taxes to the Emperor or not?"

English Revised Version
And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest not for any one: for thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When they came to him, they said, "Teacher, we know that you tell the truth. You don't favor individuals because of who they are. Rather, you teach the way of God truthfully. Is it right to pay taxes to the emperor or not? Should we pay taxes or not?"

Good News Translation
They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know that you tell the truth, without worrying about what people think. You pay no attention to anyone's status, but teach the truth about God's will for people. Tell us, is it against our Law to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor? Should we pay them or not?"

International Standard Version
They came and told him, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere. You don't favor any individual, because you pay no attention to external appearance. Rather, you teach the way of God truthfully. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or shouldn't we?"

Majority Standard Bible
“Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?”

NET Bible
When they came they said to him, "Teacher, we know that you are truthful and do not court anyone's favor, because you show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn't we?"

New Heart English Bible
When they had come, they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and do not defer to anyone; for you are not partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?

Webster's Bible Translation
And when they had come, they say to 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 Cesar, or not?

Weymouth New Testament
So they came to Him. "Rabbi," they said, "we know that you are a truthful man and you do not fear any one; for you do not recognize human distinctions, but teach God's way truly. Is it allowable to pay poll-tax to Caesar, or not?

World English Bible
When they had come, they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and don’t defer to anyone; for you aren’t partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they having come, say to Him, “Teacher, we have known that You are true, and You are not caring for anyone, for You do not look to the face of men, but in truth teach the way of God; is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not? May we give, or may we not give?”

Berean Literal Bible
And having come, they say to Him, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and to You there is no care about any one; for You do not look on the appearance of men, but teach the way of God on the basis of the truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not? Should we pay or not pay?"

Young's Literal Translation
and they having come, say to him, 'Teacher, we have known that thou art true, and thou art not caring for any one, for thou dost not look to the face of men, but in truth the way of God dost teach; is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not? may we give, or may we not give?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they having come, say to him, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and thou carest not for any one: for thou lookest not to the face of men, but in truth thou teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or no?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who coming, say to him: Master, we know that thou art a true speaker, and carest not for any 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 shall we not give it?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And these, arriving, said to him: “Teacher, we know that you are truthful and that you do not favor anyone; for you do not consider the appearance of men, but you teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give the tribute to Caesar, or should we not give it?”

New American Bible
They came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion. You do not regard a person’s status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?”

New Revised Standard Version
And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
They came and asked him, Master, we know that you are true, and you do not favor any man; for you are impartial, and you teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give head-tax to Caesar or not?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But those came and asked him, “Teacher, we know that you are true, and that you are not motivated by care for any man, for you do not regard the person of the sons of men, but you teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give head tax to Caesar or not? Should we give or should we not give?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And they came and said to him: Teacher, we know that you are true, and that you care for no one; for you do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

Godbey New Testament
And they having come, say to Him, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and there is not a care to thee for any one: for thou dost not look into the face of men, but thou dost teach the way of God in truth: is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? must we give, or must we not give?

Haweis New Testament
And they come and say to him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest not for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to pay tribute to Cæsar, or not?

Mace New Testament
when they were come, they said to him, master, we know that you are sincere, that you are not influenced by any one, for you have no regard to the person of men: but teach us the way of God according to truth, now should we pay tribute to Cesar, or no? shall we pay, or shall we not pay?

Weymouth New Testament
So they came to Him. "Rabbi," they said, "we know that you are a truthful man and you do not fear any one; for you do not recognize human distinctions, but teach God's way truly. Is it allowable to pay poll-tax to Caesar, or not?

Worrell New Testament
And, coming, they say to Him, "Teacher, we know that Thou art true, and carest not for any one; for Thou lookest not into the face of men, but in truth teachest the way of God. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

Worsley New Testament
and these, when they came, said to Him, Master, we know that thou art a man of truth, 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 pay tribute to Cesar, or not? should we give, or should we not give?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paying Taxes to Caesar
13Later, they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to catch Jesus in His words. 14“Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?” 15But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.”…

Cross References
Matthew 22:16
They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance.

Luke 20:21
“Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

Romans 13:7
Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.

1 Peter 2:13-17
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. / For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. ...

Proverbs 24:23
These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.

Deuteronomy 16:19
Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

Romans 13:1-2
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

1 Timothy 2:1-2
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.

Exodus 23:2-3
You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd. / And do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit.

Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.

Galatians 1:10
Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

James 2:1
My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”

2 Chronicles 19:7
And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”


Treasury of Scripture

And when they were come, they say to him, Master, we know that you are true, and care for no man: for you regard not the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

Master.

Mark 14:45
And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

Psalm 12:2-4
They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak…

Psalm 55:21
The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.

we know.

John 7:18
He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

2 Corinthians 2:2,17
For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? …

2 Corinthians 4:1
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

carest.

Deuteronomy 33:9,10
Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant…

2 Chronicles 18:13
And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak.

Isaiah 50:7-9
For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed…

for thou.

Exodus 23:2-6
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: …

Deuteronomy 16:19
Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

2 Chronicles 19:7
Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

is it.

Ezra 4:12,13
Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations…

Nehemiah 9:37
And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.

Matthew 17:25-27
He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? …

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Mark 12
1. Jesus tells the parable of the tenants
13. He avoids the snare of the Pharisees and Herodians about paying tribute to Caesar;
18. convicts the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection;
28. resolves the scribe, who questioned of the first commandment;
35. refutes the opinion that the scribes held of the Christ;
38. bidding the people to beware of their ambition and hypocrisy;
41. and commends the poor widow for her two mites, above all.














They came to Him
This phrase indicates the approach of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus. Historically, these groups were often at odds with each other, yet they united in their opposition to Jesus. Their coming to Him signifies a deliberate and calculated move, highlighting the tension and the political and religious stakes involved. The Greek word "erchomai" (ἔρχομαι) suggests an intentional action, emphasizing the premeditated nature of their question.

Teacher
The term "Teacher" (Greek: "Didaskalos" - διδάσκαλος) is a title of respect, acknowledging Jesus' authority and wisdom in spiritual matters. Despite their ulterior motives, the Pharisees and Herodians recognize Jesus' role as a rabbi and instructor. This acknowledgment sets the stage for the irony of their insincere flattery, as they do not truly seek His teaching but rather aim to trap Him.

we know that You are honest
The phrase "You are honest" (Greek: "alēthēs" - ἀληθής) speaks to Jesus' integrity and truthfulness. In the conservative Christian perspective, this acknowledgment, even from His adversaries, underscores the sinless nature of Christ. His honesty is not just in speech but in His entire being, reflecting His divine nature.

and seek favor from no one
This phrase highlights Jesus' impartiality and independence from human influence. The Greek word "blepō" (βλέπω) implies a perception or regard, suggesting that Jesus does not alter His message to please others. This characteristic is crucial for His role as the Messiah, who is not swayed by societal pressures or political powers.

Indeed, You are impartial
The word "impartial" (Greek: "ou lambanō prosōpon" - οὐ λαμβάνω πρόσωπον) literally means "not receiving face," indicating that Jesus does not show favoritism. This impartiality is a divine attribute, reflecting God's just nature. In the context of the narrative, it serves to highlight the contrast between Jesus' divine mission and the earthly concerns of His questioners.

and teach the way of God
"Teach the way of God" (Greek: "didaskō tēn hodon tou Theou" - διδάσκω τὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ) refers to Jesus' role in revealing God's truth and path to righteousness. The "way" (Greek: "hodos" - ὁδός) is a metaphor for the spiritual journey and life in accordance with God's will. This teaching is central to Jesus' ministry and mission.

in accordance with the truth
The phrase "in accordance with the truth" (Greek: "ep' alētheia" - ἐπ' ἀληθείᾳ) emphasizes the alignment of Jesus' teachings with divine truth. This truth is not subjective but absolute, rooted in the character of God. For conservative Christians, this underscores the reliability and authority of Jesus' message.

Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?
This question is a trap, designed to force Jesus into a political dilemma. The term "lawful" (Greek: "exesti" - ἔξεστι) refers to what is permissible under Jewish law. The mention of "Caesar" situates the question within the Roman occupation of Judea, a contentious issue for the Jewish people. The question challenges Jesus to navigate the tension between religious obligations and political realities, ultimately pointing to His wisdom in addressing complex moral and social issues.

(14) Thou regardest not the person of men.--The phrase is essentially Hebrew in its form, but had been made familiar by the Greek Version of the Old Testament.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Teacher,”
Διδάσκαλε (Didaskale)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1320: A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.

they said,
λέγουσιν (legousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“we know
οἴδαμεν (oidamen)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

You are
εἶ (ei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

honest
ἀληθὴς (alēthēs)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 227: Unconcealed, true, true in fact, worthy of credit, truthful. TRUE.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

are swayed
μέλει (melei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3199: It is a care, it is an object of anxiety, it concerns. A primary verb; to be of interest to, i.e. To concern.

by no one.
οὐδενός (oudenos)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

Indeed,
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

You are impartial
βλέπεις (blepeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

[and]
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

teach
διδάσκεις (didaskeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1321: To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

way
ὁδὸν (hodon)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3598: A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

in accordance with
ἐπ’ (ep’)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

[the] truth.
ἀληθείας (alētheias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 225: From alethes; truth.

[ Now then, ] is it lawful
ἔξεστιν (exestin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1832: It is permitted, lawful, possible.

to pay
δοῦναι (dounai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

taxes
κῆνσον (kēnson)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2778: A poll-tax. Of Latin origin; properly, an enrollment, i.e. a tax.

to Caesar
Καίσαρι (Kaisari)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2541: Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor.

or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

not?
οὔ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

Should we pay [them]
δῶμεν (dōmen)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

not?”
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.


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