Mark 12:16

And they brought [it]. And he saith unto them, Whose [is] this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.

And {G1161} they brought {G5342} it. And {G2532} he saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Whose {G5101} is this {G3778} image {G1504} and {G2532} superscription {G1923}? And {G1161} they said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Caesar's {G2541}.

They brought one; and he asked them, "Whose name and picture are these?" "The Emperor's," they replied.

So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered.

And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Cæsar’s.

Mark 12:16 KJV is a pivotal moment in Jesus' interaction with His adversaries, setting the stage for one of His most profound teachings on civic and spiritual duty. The verse describes the Pharisees and Herodians presenting a Roman coin to Jesus, as He asks about its image and inscription.

Context of Mark 12:16

This verse is part of a series of confrontations Jesus faced in Jerusalem leading up to His crucifixion. Religious and political factions, specifically the Pharisees and Herodians, sought to trap Him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. This was a highly contentious issue among the Jewish people, who resented Roman occupation and the idolatrous images on their coinage. If Jesus said "yes," He would alienate the Jewish populace; if "no," He could be accused of sedition against Rome. Jesus' request to "bring" the coin and His subsequent question about whose "image and superscription" it bore were crucial to His strategic response.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Trap and Jesus' Wisdom: The question about the coin was a clever snare designed to discredit Jesus. His counter-question, however, masterfully shifts the focus from a simple "yes" or "no" answer to an observation about the coin's ownership, revealing His profound wisdom and discernment.
  • Earthly vs. Divine Authority: The coin, a Roman denarius, bore the image of Emperor Tiberius and inscriptions proclaiming his divine status. By asking "Whose is this image and superscription?", Jesus highlights the worldly nature of the coin and the authority it represents, preparing for His teaching on the distinct realms of earthly and divine allegiance in the following verse (Mark 12:17).
  • Idolatry and Allegiance: For devout Jews, the emperor's image and claim to divinity on the coin were deeply offensive. Jesus' question subtly points to the nature of the authority represented by the coin—an authority that claims what belongs to God.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word "image" is from the Greek eikōn (εἰκών), meaning a likeness, representation, or portrait. This term is significant as it directly relates to the emperor's face on the coin. It also subtly foreshadows the concept of humanity being created in God's own image (Genesis 1:27), setting up a powerful contrast.
  • "Superscription" comes from the Greek epigraphē (ἐπιγραφή), referring to an inscription or writing upon something. On Roman coins, this included the emperor's name, titles, and often divine claims, reinforcing the coin's political and religious implications.

Practical Application

Mark 12:16, though brief, provides a vital setup for understanding our dual citizenship—as residents of an earthly kingdom and subjects of God's eternal kingdom. It reminds us to:

  • Discern Wisely: Just as Jesus discerned the motives behind the question, we are called to be discerning in our interactions and not fall into traps set by worldly systems or ideologies.
  • Understand Allegiance: The verse compels us to consider what "image" we bear and to whom our ultimate allegiance belongs. While we have responsibilities to earthly authorities, our primary devotion is to God.
  • Live with Integrity: Jesus' handling of this situation exemplifies how to navigate complex issues with wisdom, integrity, and a focus on eternal truths, even when under pressure.

This passage is paralleled in other Gospels, including Matthew 22:19 and Luke 20:24, highlighting its importance in the biblical narrative.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

  • Revelation 3:12

    Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.

  • Luke 20:24

    Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.

  • Luke 20:26

    And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

  • Matthew 22:19

    Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.

  • Matthew 22:22

    When they had heard [these words], they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

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