Mark 12:14 (KJV)

What does Mark 12:14 mean?

Mark 12:14 describes how a group approaches Jesus and tries to flatter Him by saying they know He is honest, impartial, and always teaches God’s truth. They then ask Jesus whether it is right to pay taxes to Caesar, trying to trap Him with a difficult question.

In this scene, some religious leaders (later identified as Pharisees and Herodians) come to Jesus while He is teaching. They call Him “Master” (teacher) and praise His integrity, saying He does not show favoritism and always teaches God’s way truthfully. Their question about paying tribute to Caesar is meant to put Jesus in a difficult position—if He says yes, He could anger Jewish nationalists; if He says no, He could be accused of opposing Roman rule.

The Greek behind Mark 12:14

• διδάσκαλε (didaskale, “Master” or “Teacher”): This word shows respect for Jesus’ role as a teacher, but in this context, it is used insincerely as part of their attempt to flatter Him.
• ἀληθής (alēthēs, “true”): This word means genuine or truthful. The leaders acknowledge Jesus’ reputation for honesty, even though their motives are not genuine.
• βλέπεις (blepeis, “regardest”): This word literally means “to see” or “to look at.” Here, it means Jesus does not judge people by outward appearance or status, emphasizing His impartiality.
• κῆνσον (kenson, “tribute”): This refers specifically to the Roman tax, a sensitive and controversial issue among the Jews under Roman occupation.

Why Mark 12:14 matters

• Mark 12:14 highlights the tension between the Jewish people and Roman authorities, showing how taxes were a hot-button issue that could be used to trap Jesus.
• The verse reveals the insincerity of Jesus’ questioners, who use flattery to try to catch Him off guard, even though they do not truly respect Him.
• This question sets up one of Jesus’ most famous responses about giving to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s, which follows in the next verses.