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?

MARK 12:14KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“tribute” Greek G2778 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 17:25 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?
  • Matthew 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
  • Matthew 22:19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.

“carest” Greek G3199 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • John 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

“true” Greek G227 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • John 8:16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

“Caesar” Greek G2541 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
  • Luke 20:25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.
  • Acts 25:11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.