Mark 12:14

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when they were come {G2064}, they say {G3004} unto him {G846}, Master {G1320}, we know {G1492} that {G3754} thou art {G1488} true {G227}, and {G2532}{G4671} carest {G3756}{G3199} for {G4012} no man {G3762}: for {G1063} thou regardest {G991} not {G3756} the person {G1519}{G4383} of men {G444}, but {G235} teachest {G1321} the way {G3598} of God {G2316} in {G1909} truth {G225}: Is it lawful {G1832} to give {G1325} tribute {G2778} to Caesar {G2541}, or {G2228} not {G3756}?

Complete Jewish Bible

They came and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you tell the truth and are not concerned with what people think about you, since you pay no attention to a person's status but really teach what God's way is. Does Torah say that taxes are to be paid to the Roman Emperor, or not?"

Berean Standard Bible

“Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?”

American Standard Version

And when they were come, they say unto him, Teacher, 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 Cæsar, or not?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 12:14 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, revealing the cunning and deceptive tactics employed by His adversaries. A delegation of Pharisees and Herodians approaches Jesus with feigned admiration, acknowledging His integrity and impartiality in teaching God's truth. Their elaborate flattery, however, masks a malicious intent: to ensnare Him with a politically charged question about the lawfulness of paying tribute to Caesar, forcing Him into a dilemma that would either alienate the Jewish populace or provoke Roman authorities. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' profound and divinely wise response, highlighting His unwavering commitment to truth amidst human schemes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 12:14 is embedded within a series of intense confrontations between Jesus and various Jewish religious leaders during His final week in Jerusalem, just days before His crucifixion. This particular encounter immediately follows the Parable of the Wicked Tenants ([Mark 12:1-12](/mark/12-1-12 "Mark 12:1-12 - The Parable of the Wicked Tenants")), which directly challenged the authority of these leaders and foreshadowed their rejection of God's Son. The alliance of Pharisees and Herodians, mentioned in [Mark 12:13](/mark/12-13 "Mark 12:13 - The Pharisees and Herodians Plot Against Jesus"), is significant, as these groups were typically opposed to one another. The Pharisees generally resisted Roman rule and taxation, while the Herodians supported the Herodian dynasty and, by extension, Roman authority. Their unusual collaboration underscores the desperate and unified effort to discredit or condemn Jesus, setting up a "no-win" scenario. This episode then leads directly into Jesus' famous response regarding tribute and further theological discussions with the Sadducees and a scribe later in [Mark 12](/mark/12 "Mark 12 - Jesus Confronts Religious Leaders").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is Roman-occupied Judea, a province under direct Roman rule since 6 AD. The "tribute to Caesar" refers specifically to the *tributum capitis*, or poll tax, a direct annual tax imposed by Rome on all adult males in conquered territories. This tax was a constant and deeply resented reminder of Roman subjugation, fueling nationalist and anti-Roman sentiments among many Jews. The question posed to Jesus was not merely economic but profoundly political and religious. If Jesus affirmed the tax, He risked alienating the Jewish populace who longed for liberation from Rome and saw the tax as a violation of their covenant with God. If He denied the tax, He could be accused of sedition against the Roman Empire, a capital offense that would provide His enemies with grounds for His arrest and execution. The scene unfolds in Jerusalem, likely within the temple precincts, during the Passover festival, a time of heightened religious and political tension.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical theology. One prominent theme is **Deception and Hypocrisy**, as the questioners' flattering words are revealed to be a mere façade for their insidious plot to trap Jesus. Their praise for His truthfulness and impartiality ironically highlights their own lack of these qualities. Another key theme is **Jesus' Authority and Divine Wisdom**, demonstrated by His ability to discern their true motives and navigate their trap with unparalleled insight, as seen in His subsequent response in [Mark 12:17](/mark/12-17 "Mark 12:17 - Render to Caesar"). The passage also underscores **Impartiality and Truthfulness**, as the questioners, despite their malicious intent, accurately describe Jesus' character: He truly "regardest not the person of men" and "teaches the way of God in truth." This sets Him apart from human leaders swayed by favoritism or political expediency. Finally, the underlying tension between **Earthly Authority and Divine Allegiance** is introduced, foreshadowing Jesus' definitive teaching on the relationship between civic duty and ultimate devotion to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** This term, meaning "instructor" or "teacher," is used by the questioners to address Jesus. While seemingly respectful, their use of "Master" here is a calculated part of their deceptive flattery, aiming to disarm Jesus and appear genuinely interested in His teaching. It acknowledges His public reputation as a respected religious authority, even as they sought to undermine Him.
* **True (Greek, _alēthḗs'_):** Referring to Jesus, this word signifies that He is "not concealing" or is "genuine." The Pharisees and Herodians acknowledge, perhaps begrudgingly, Jesus' integrity and authenticity. He is not swayed by external pressures or personal gain, a quality they ironically praise while themselves acting with deceit. This admission, though insincere, speaks volumes about Jesus' undeniable character.
* **Regardest not the person of men (Greek, _blépō_ with _prósōpon_ and _ánthrōpos'_):** The Greek phrase literally translates to "you do not look at the face of man." This is a powerful idiom signifying absolute impartiality and freedom from bias. It means Jesus does not show favoritism based on social status, wealth, power, or outward appearance. He judges and speaks truth based on divine principles, not human distinctions or political expediency. This characteristic, which the questioners correctly identify, is a hallmark of God Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man:"** This opening clause details the arrival of the delegation and their initial, seemingly deferential address to Jesus. Their words are a carefully crafted piece of flattery, designed to establish a false sense of trust and respect. They acknowledge Jesus' reputation for integrity ("thou art true") and His independence from human influence or fear of consequences ("carest for no man"). This praise, while accurate in its description of Jesus' character, is entirely insincere, serving only as a preamble to their trap.
* **"for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth:"** This continues the deceptive praise, elaborating on Jesus' impartiality. The phrase "regardest not the person of men" emphasizes that Jesus does not show favoritism or bias based on one's social standing, wealth, or political affiliation. He treats all equally before God. The second part of the clause, "but teachest the way of God in truth," further acknowledges His divine authority and the authenticity of His teaching. They admit that His instruction is not based on human traditions or political agendas, but on the true path revealed by God, spoken with absolute veracity.
* **"Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?"** This is the crux of the trap, the politically and religiously charged question. The term "lawful" (Greek, _éxesti_) refers to what is permissible or right, implying both legal and moral/religious legitimacy. The question about "tribute to Caesar" specifically concerns the Roman poll tax. By asking if it is "lawful" to pay this tax, they force Jesus into a dilemma: a "yes" would brand Him a Roman collaborator and alienate the Jewish masses, while a "no" would constitute sedition against Rome, providing grounds for His arrest and execution. The simplicity of the "or not?" highlights the binary nature of the trap they intended to spring.

#### Literary Devices
The passage masterfully employs several literary devices to highlight the confrontation. **Flattery** is immediately evident in the opening address, where the questioners use effusive praise to disarm Jesus. This is a classic rhetorical technique to gain favor or lower defenses before delivering a blow. The profound **Irony** lies in the fact that the questioners speak profound truths about Jesus' character—His truthfulness, impartiality, and divine teaching—while their own motives are entirely deceitful and malicious. They inadvertently bear witness to His true nature even as they seek to destroy Him. Finally, the question itself, "Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?", functions as a **Rhetorical Trap** or a **Dilemma**. It is designed not to elicit genuine information but to force Jesus into a position where any direct answer would lead to His downfall, regardless of His choice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This encounter profoundly illuminates the nature of truth, authority, and impartiality, both in Jesus and as a divine attribute. The questioners, though deceitful, accurately describe Jesus' character, implicitly acknowledging that His teaching originates from God and is delivered without human bias or fear. This mirrors God's own character, who is consistently portrayed in Scripture as one who shows no partiality, judging all righteously and fairly. Jesus' embodiment of this divine impartiality serves as a powerful example for believers, calling us to live and speak truthfully, without favoritism or hidden agendas, and to discern the true motives behind words and actions. The tension between earthly and divine authority, introduced by the question of tribute, sets the stage for Jesus' revolutionary teaching on dual allegiance, reminding us that while we have responsibilities to human governments, our ultimate allegiance and devotion belong to God alone.

* [Acts 10:34](/acts/10-34 "Acts 10:34 - God Shows No Partiality")
* [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God's Impartial Judgment")
* [John 8:32](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 12:14 serves as a potent reminder of the complexities and challenges of living faithfully in a fallen world. It calls us to cultivate discernment, recognizing that not all compliments are sincere, and that even truthful words can be wielded with malicious intent. Like Jesus, we are called to embody integrity and impartiality in our interactions, speaking truth even when it is unpopular or costly, and refusing to be swayed by human opinion or political pressure. This passage challenges us to examine our own motives: do we seek to honor God in all our dealings, or are we, at times, guilty of using flattery or manipulation to achieve our own ends? Furthermore, it sets the stage for navigating the delicate balance between our civic duties and our ultimate allegiance to God. In a world often polarized by political and social issues, Jesus' example encourages us to seek God's wisdom, to uphold truth, and to treat all people with fairness and respect, regardless of their status or beliefs, reflecting the very character of God who "regards not the person of men."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern the true motives behind people's words, especially when they seem complimentary?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to show partiality, and how can I cultivate greater impartiality like Christ?**
* **When faced with difficult choices, how do I prioritize "the way of God in truth" over worldly pressures or personal gain?**

### FAQ

**Who were the Pharisees and Herodians, and why did they ally against Jesus?**

Answer: The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions. They generally opposed Roman rule and sought to maintain Jewish distinctiveness. The Herodians were a political party that supported the Herodian dynasty, which ruled parts of Judea under Roman oversight, and were thus generally pro-Roman. Their alliance against Jesus, as seen in [Mark 12:13](/mark/12-13 "Mark 12:13 - The Pharisees and Herodians Plot Against Jesus"), was highly unusual and highlights the extreme threat they perceived Jesus to be. They put aside their significant ideological differences for a common goal: to trap Jesus and discredit or condemn Him, as He challenged both their religious authority and their political comfort zones.

**What was the "tribute to Caesar" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "tribute to Caesar" (Greek, _kēnsos_) refers specifically to the Roman poll tax, a direct annual tax levied by the Roman Empire on all adult males in its conquered territories, including Judea. This tax was deeply resented by many Jews, not only because it was an economic burden but also because it symbolized their subjugation to a foreign, pagan power. The question of its lawfulness was therefore a highly volatile issue, designed to force Jesus into a politically untenable position.

**Why was Jesus' response to this question (though not in Mark 12:14 itself) so profound?**

Answer: While [Mark 12:14](/mark/12-14 "Mark 12:14 - The Question About Tribute to Caesar") sets up the trap, Jesus' famous response in [Mark 12:17](/mark/12-17 "Mark 12:17 - Jesus' Answer About Tribute")—"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's"—was profound because it transcended the political dilemma and established a foundational principle for believers. It affirmed the legitimacy of earthly governing authorities (as long as they do not demand what belongs solely to God) while simultaneously asserting the supreme and ultimate allegiance due to God. Jesus skillfully avoided the trap by acknowledging both civic duty and divine sovereignty, teaching that our responsibilities in the earthly realm do not negate, but rather are subordinate to, our ultimate devotion to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 12:14, though presenting a deceptive human trap, profoundly reveals the Christ. The very flattery of His adversaries, "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," inadvertently testifies to His divine nature and perfect character. Jesus is indeed the embodiment of truth, as He Himself declares in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), "I am the way, the truth, and the life." His impartiality, His refusal to be swayed by human opinion or political pressure, underscores His unique authority as the Son of God, who judges righteously without partiality, a quality attributed to God the Father in [1 Peter 1:17](/1_peter/1-17 "1 Peter 1:17 - God Judges Impartially"). Jesus' mission was not to engage in political revolution or to establish an earthly kingdom, but to teach and embody "the way of God in truth," which ultimately points to Himself as the ultimate "Way" to the Father. His steadfastness in the face of this cunning test foreshadows His ultimate faithfulness in enduring the cross, demonstrating that His kingdom "is not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")), but is a spiritual reign established through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 2:2

For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?

2 Corinthians 5:11

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

2 Corinthians 5:16

¶ Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.

John 7:18

He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

Galatians 2:11

¶ But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

Galatians 2:14

But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before [them] all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Galatians 1:10

¶ For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.