But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just answer their question; he turns their own premise back on them. By asking for a coin, he forces them to admit they are already using Roman currency, thus confessing their own subjection and answering their own trick question before he even speaks his famous line.
But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just finished teaching in the temple and dealing with challenging questions from religious leaders. Now, a plot unfolds where the Pharisees and Herodians, usually opposed to each other, team up to trick Jesus into saying something seditious or blasphemous, aiming to trap him with his own words.
Ever feel like someone’s nice to your face but has an agenda? Jesus dealt with this daily. See how He expertly unraveled a trap set by His enemies.
The religious leaders and Herodians weren’t seeking truth; they were seeking to trip Jesus up. Mark highlights this by using the specific word for 'hypocrisy' (hypokriseōs) to describe their hidden motives. They used flattery, calling Him 'Teacher' and praising His impartiality, while secretly plotting to hand Him over to Roman authority.
Jesus’ response, 'Why put me to the test?' reveals His awareness of their deceit. He wasn't fooled by their polite questions or their attempt to force Him into a corner. Their plan was to make Him either anger the Jewish people by agreeing to pay tribute or anger the Romans by refusing. Jesus, however, saw their 'hypocrisy' – their outward show of piety masking an inner malice – and refused to play their game.
A single coin, with its image and inscription, held the key to a theological debate. Discover how Jesus used a common object to reveal a profound truth.
Jesus’ request for a denarius wasn’t just a casual inquiry; it was a strategic move. When the Jews produced a Roman coin, bearing Caesar's image and inscription, they unknowingly confessed their subjugation to Roman rule. This act of using and possessing Roman currency was an implicit acknowledgment of Caesar’s authority in the temporal realm.
Jesus’ famous response, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's,' hinges on this very point. Since Caesar’s image was on the coin, it was right to return it to Caesar – acknowledging his legitimate, albeit limited, authority. However, the greater truth is that we bear God's image. Therefore, about us belongs ultimately to God. The coin’s inscription was a symbol of earthly authority; our very being is stamped with divine authority.
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Understand the original words
hypokrisis · Greek Noun
A state of pretending to be what one is not, specifically regarding moral or religious character. It involves an inconsistency between outward actions and inner convictions, frequently condemned by Jesus as a form of spiritual deception.
dēnarion · Greek Noun
A Roman silver coin, equivalent to a day's wage for a common laborer. It often bore the image and inscription of the ruling Roman Emperor, serving as a symbol of Roman authority and economic control.
This question about paying tribute to Caesar arose in a Judea under direct Roman rule, making the payment of taxes a constant, sensitive issue for the Jewish people who deeply resented foreign occupation.
c. 63 BC
Roman General Pompey Conquers Jerusalem
Roman influence in Judea begins to solidify as Pompey intervenes in a dispute over the Jewish throne, leading to increasing Roman political control.
c. 40 BC
Herod the Great Appointed King
The Roman Senate appoints Herod the Great as the client King of Judea, further entrenching Roman authority and creating a mixed political landscape with Jewish rulers under Roman oversight.
AD 6
Judea Becomes a Roman Province
After Herod the Great's death, Judea is reorganized as a Roman province, directly administered by Roman prefects or governors, increasing direct Roman taxation and rule.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Growing Opposition
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching and performing miracles, attracting large crowds but also drawing the scrutiny and opposition of religious and political leaders.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion
Following his arrest, Jesus is tried by Jewish authorities and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, ultimately being crucified under Roman authority.
This passage in Matthew recounts the same event, providing more detail on the Pharisees' cunning plan to trap Jesus and Jesus' equally clever response, highlighting the theme of confronting hypocrisy with wisdom.
Luke 20:20-26Luke's account of this encounter emphasizes the spies sent to Jesus and their intention to hand him over to the Roman governor, underscoring the political and dangerous stakes involved in Jesus' answer.
Romans 13:1-7This passage from Romans directly addresses the Christian's duty to submit to governing authorities, providing theological grounding for Jesus' command to 'render unto Caesar' and explaining the divine institution of secular power.
1 Samuel 8:4-7Here, the Israelites demand a king like other nations, rejecting God's direct rule. This illustrates a historical precedent of seeking human governance, which provides a backdrop to Jesus' discussion about the legitimacy of Caesar's authority.
Philippians 3:20This verse speaks of our citizenship being in heaven, contrasting earthly allegiances with our ultimate heavenly one. It echoes Jesus' distinction between earthly tribute and heavenly devotion, reminding us of our primary allegiance to God.
expositorsMark 12:13-17: "And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words."
CHAPTER 12:13-17 (Mark 12:13-17)THE TRIBUTE MONEY "And they send unto Him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, that they might catch Him in talk. And when they were come, they say unto Him, Master, we know that Thou art true, and carest not for any one: for Thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesa…
ellicottMark 12:15: "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."
(15) But he, knowing their hypocrisy. —St. Mark uses the specific word that describes the sin of the questioners, instead of the more general “wickedness” of St. Matthew. On the other hand, he omits the word “hypocrites” as applied to them by our Lord.
Jesus doesn't just answer their question; he turns their own premise back on them. By asking for a coin, he forces them to admit they are already using Roman currency, thus confessing their own subjection and answering their own trick question before he even speaks his famous line.
Jesus has just finished teaching in the temple and dealing with challenging questions from religious leaders. Now, a plot unfolds where the Pharisees and Herodians, usually opposed to each other, team up to trick Jesus into saying something seditious or blasphemous, aiming to trap him with his own words.
Jesus has just finished teaching in the temple and dealing with challenging questions from religious leaders. Now, a plot unfolds where the Pharisees and Herodians, usually opposed to each other, team up to trick Jesus into saying something seditious or blasphemous, aiming to trap him with his own words.
"But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.”" — Jesus doesn't just answer their question; he turns their own premise back on them. By asking for a coin, he forces them to admit they are already using Roman currency, thus confessing their own subje…
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Last reviewed October 2026