Mark 12:15

But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.”

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses the Pharisees and Herodians at the precise moment they ask whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. He interrupts their trap by commanding them to produce a denarius for physical inspection.

The words — The text highlights εἰδὼς (eidōs), literally "knowing," to describe Jesus' perception of their motive. It also echoes δῶμεν (dōmen), meaning "shall we pay," which directly references their preceding tax question.

The thread — Jesus' perception of hidden intent runs parallel to Revelation 2:23, where God searches minds and hearts, and Matthew 22:18, where Jesus confronts the same questioners about their testing. The instructional format also mirrors Ezekiel 17:2's command to pose a riddle to the house of Israel.

Why it lands — The verse requires readers to distinguish between outward religious inquiry and inward spiritual deception. It demands that one examine the actual object of worship before addressing any external authority.

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

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.

Cross-references

Revelation 2:23 Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
Ezekiel 17:2 “Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel
Matthew 22:18 But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me?
Mark 10:2 Some Pharisees came to test Him. “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” they inquired.
Luke 20:23 But Jesus saw through their duplicity and said to them,
John 2:24 But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all.
John 21:17 Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
Acts 5:9 “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter replied. “Look, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
1 Corinthians 10:9 We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes.
Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.