Bible Strands
Mark 12:14
“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?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Pharisees and Herodians approach Jesus to ask whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not. They pose this question after being sent specifically to catch Him in His words.
The words — The address διδασκάλε (didaskale) literally means "Teacher," establishing Jesus' recognized role before the interrogators lay out their premise. The verb οἴδαμεν (oidamen) translates as "we know," marking their opening claim of certainty regarding His impartiality.
The thread — The identical tax question appears in Luke 20:22, while the theme of seeking human favor versus divine truth echoes John 7:18.
Why it lands — The text forces a direct decision on whether civil obligation conflicts with divine allegiance. A reader must evaluate how earthly authority intersects with exclusive obedience to God.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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 Cesar, or not?
Cross-references
- Luke 20:22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
- John 7:18 He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory, but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is a man of truth; in Him there is no falsehood.
- 2 Corinthians 2:2 For if I grieve you, who is left to cheer me but those whom I have grieved?
- 2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.
- 2 Corinthians 5:16 So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
- 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.
- Galatians 2:6 But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—those leaders added nothing to me.
- Galatians 2:11 When Cephas came to Antioch, however, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:4 Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.