New International Version They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. New Living Translation When they handed it to him, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. English Standard Version And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Berean Standard Bible So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. Berean Literal Bible And they brought it. And He says to them, “Whose image is this—and the inscription?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” King James Bible And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. New King James Version So they brought it. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” New American Standard Bible And they brought one. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” NASB 1995 They brought one. And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” NASB 1977 And they brought one. And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Legacy Standard Bible And they brought one. And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Amplified Bible So they brought one. Then He asked them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Berean Annotated Bible So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription? “Caesar’s, they answered. Christian Standard Bible They brought a coin. “Whose image and inscription is this? ” he asked them. “Caesar’s,” they replied. Holman Christian Standard Bible So they brought one. “Whose image and inscription is this?” He asked them.” Caesar’s,” they said. American Standard Version And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Cæsar's. Contemporary English Version They brought him a silver coin, and he asked, "Whose picture and name are on it?" "The Emperor's," they answered. English Revised Version And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. GOD'S WORD® Translation They brought a coin. He said to them, "Whose face and name is this?" They told him, "The emperor's." Good News Translation They brought him one, and he asked, "Whose face and name are these?" "The Emperor's," they answered. International Standard Version So they brought one. Then he asked them, "Whose face and name are on this?" They told him, "Caesar's." NET Bible So they brought one, and he said to them, "Whose image is this, and whose inscription?" They replied, "Caesar's." New Heart English Bible They brought it. He said to them, "Whose is this image and inscription?" They said to him, "Caesar's." Webster's Bible Translation And they brought it: and he saith to them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said to him, Cesar's. Weymouth New Testament They brought one; and He asked them, "Whose is this likeness and this inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. World English Bible They brought it. He said to them, “Whose is this image and inscription?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they brought, and He says to them, “Whose [is] this image, and the inscription?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s”; Berean Literal Bible And they brought it. And He says to them, “Whose image is this—and the inscription?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Young's Literal Translation and they brought, and he saith to them, 'Whose is this image, and the inscription?' and they said to him, 'Caesar's;' Smith's Literal Translation And they brought. And he says to them, Whose is this image and inscription? And they said to him, Caesar's. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they brought it him. And he saith to them: Whose is this image and inscription? They say to him, Caesar's. Catholic Public Domain Version And they brought it to him. And he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” New American Bible They brought one to him and he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They replied to him, “Caesar’s.” New Revised Standard Version And they brought one. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they brought it to him. He said to them, Whose is this image and inscription? They said, Caesar’s. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And they brought it; he said to them: “Whose is this image and writing?” They said, “Caesar's.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThey brought it; and he said to them: Whose image and superscription is this? They said to him: Caesar's. Godbey New Testament And they brought it. And He says to them, Haweis New Testament And they brought it. And he said unto them, Whose figure and inscription is this? they say unto him, Cæsar’s. Mace New Testament let me see a penny, and when they brought it, he asked them, whose image and inscription is this? they said, Cesar's. Weymouth New Testament They brought one; and He asked them, "Whose is this likeness and this inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. Worrell New Testament And they brought it. And He saith to them, Worsley New Testament So they brought one: and He saith to them, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Paying Taxes to Caesar…15But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.” 16So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. 17Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him.… Cross References So they brought it, Luke 20:24 “Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. Matthew 22:19 Show Me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. and He asked them, Matthew 16:15 “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” John 1:38 Jesus turned and saw them following. “What do you want?” He asked. They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are You staying?” Luke 8:30 “What is your name?” Jesus asked. “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. “Whose image is this? Matthew 22:20 “Whose image is this,” He asked, “and whose inscription?” Daniel 3:1 King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. And whose inscription?” Daniel 5:25 Now this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. John 19:19 Pilate also had a notice posted on the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Matthew 27:37 Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. “Caesar’s,” they answered. Matthew 22:21 “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Luke 20:25 So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 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 24:21 My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious. Treasury of Scripture And they brought it. And he said to them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said to him, Caesar's. image. Matthew 22:19-22 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny… Luke 20:24-26 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's… 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Jump to Previous Caesar's Cesar's Coin Image Inscription Likeness Portrait SuperscriptionJump to Next Caesar's Cesar's Coin Image Inscription Likeness Portrait SuperscriptionMark 12 1. Jesus tells the parable of the tenants13. 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. So they brought it, The Pharisees and Herodians produced a denarius, the standard Roman silver coin and a common day’s wage for a laborer. Its use in Judea reflected Rome’s political control and the daily realities of life under imperial rule. Luk 20:24 “Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?”… and He asked them, Jesus directed attention to the coin itself, exposing the trap hidden in their question and bringing the issue of authority into clear view. Mat 16:15 “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” “Whose image is this? The denarius bore the likeness of Tiberius Caesar. Though Caesar ruled by earthly power, his image on the coin could not diminish God’s supreme authority over all people. Mat 22:20 “Whose image is this,” He asked, “and whose inscription?” And whose inscription?” The inscription identified Caesar and included claims associated with his imperial status. Such claims stood in sharp contrast to Israel’s worship of the one true God. Dan 5:25 Now this is the inscription that was written:… “Caesar’s,” they answered. Their answer acknowledged that the coin belonged to the Roman system. Jesus would use their own admission to distinguish civic obligations from the devotion that belongs to God alone. Mat 22:21 Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, …… Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching in the temple courts and is being questioned by the Pharisees and Herodians. 2. Pharisees and Herodians These groups, typically at odds with each other, unite in an attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. 3. Caesar The Roman emperor at the time, whose image and inscription are on the coin, representing the political authority of Rome. 4. The Denarius A Roman coin used for paying taxes, bearing the image and inscription of Caesar, symbolizing the secular authority and economic system of the Roman Empire. 5. The Temple Courts The setting of this encounter, a place of teaching and religious discussion in Jerusalem. Teaching Points Understanding Dual AllegiancesAs Christians, we are called to navigate our responsibilities to earthly authorities while maintaining our ultimate allegiance to God. This passage challenges us to discern how to honor both. Image and Identity Just as the coin bears Caesar's image, we bear God's image. This should remind us of our identity and purpose, calling us to live in a way that reflects God's character. Wisdom in Engagement Jesus demonstrates wisdom in His response, avoiding the trap set by His questioners. We are encouraged to seek divine wisdom in our interactions, especially when faced with challenging questions or situations. Stewardship of Resources The mention of the coin prompts reflection on how we use our resources. Are we using what we have in a way that honors God and fulfills our responsibilities to society? Balancing Civic and Spiritual Duties This passage invites us to consider how we balance our civic duties with our spiritual commitments, ensuring that our actions in both realms honor God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Mark 12:16?2. How does Mark 12:16 illustrate Jesus' teaching on earthly versus divine authority? 3. What does "Whose image is this?" reveal about our identity in Christ? 4. How can Mark 12:16 guide Christians in their civic responsibilities today? 5. How does Genesis 1:27 connect to the concept of image in Mark 12:16? 6. In what ways can we prioritize God's kingdom over worldly concerns, per Mark 12:16? 7. What does Mark 12:16 reveal about Jesus' view on political authority and taxation? 8. How does Mark 12:16 challenge the relationship between faith and government? 9. What historical context is necessary to understand Mark 12:16? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 12? (16) Superscription.--Better, inscription, as in Matthew 22:20.Mark 12:16 records a simple question-and-answer that dismantles a trap, exposes divided loyalties, and sets up Jesus’ timeless principle of dual responsibility: render earthly things to earthly rulers, but reserve heart, soul, and life for the God whose image we bear. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek [So]δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. they brought [it], ἤνεγκαν (ēnenkan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 5342: To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. He asked λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. them, αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “Whose Τίνος (Tinos) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. likeness εἰκὼν (eikōn) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 1504: An image, likeness, bust. From eiko; a likeness, i.e. statue, profile, or representation, resemblance. [is] this? αὕτη (hautē) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. And καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. [whose] ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative 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. inscription?” ἐπιγραφή (epigraphē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 1923: An inscription, title, label. From epigrapho; an inscription. “Caesar’s,” Καίσαρος (Kaisaros) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2541: Of Latin origin; Caesar, a title of the Roman emperor. they answered. εἶπαν (eipan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. Additonal Resources Mark 12:16 Blue Letter BibleMark 12:16 Bible Gateway Mark 12:16 Bible.com Mark 12:16 NIV |
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