Mark 12:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong'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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 12:16 captures a critical moment in Jesus' ministry, where His adversaries, the Pharisees and Herodians, attempt to ensnare Him with a politically charged question about paying taxes to Caesar. By requesting a Roman coin and then astutely asking about its "image and superscription," Jesus masterfully exposes the true nature of their trap, setting the stage for His profound teaching on the distinct yet overlapping realms of civic and divine allegiance. This brief exchange highlights Jesus' unparalleled wisdom and discernment in navigating complex ethical and theological dilemmas.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of intense confrontations Jesus experienced in Jerusalem during the final week of His earthly ministry, as recorded in [Mark 11-12](/mark/11 "Mark 11-12 - Jesus' Authority Challenged"). Following the [Parable of the Wicked Tenants](/mark/12-1-12 "Mark 12:1-12 - Parable of the Wicked Tenants"), which directly challenged the religious leaders' authority and foreshadowed their rejection of the Messiah, various factions sought to discredit or arrest Jesus. The encounter in [Mark 12:13-17](/mark/12-13-17 "Mark 12:13-17 - Paying Taxes to Caesar") is a direct attempt by the Pharisees and Herodians—unlikely allies—to trap Him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus' request for the coin in [Mark 12:15](/mark/12-15 "Mark 12:15 - Bring Me a Denarius") and His subsequent question in [Mark 12:16](/mark/12-16 "Mark 12:16 - Whose Image and Superscription?") are crucial preliminary steps to His famous, unanswerable response in [Mark 12:17](/mark/12-17 "Mark 12:17 - Render to Caesar and to God"). This sequence demonstrates Jesus' divine wisdom in turning a snare into a profound theological lesson.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was under Roman occupation, and taxation was a constant source of resentment and rebellion among the Jewish people. The Roman denarius, the coin in question, bore the image of Emperor Tiberius and an inscription proclaiming his divinity (e.g., "Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus"). For devout Jews, the very presence of such an idolatrous image and blasphemous claim on a coin used in daily transactions was deeply offensive, violating the second commandment against graven images ([Exodus 20:4](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - No Idols")). The question of paying taxes to Caesar was thus a volatile issue. If Jesus affirmed payment, He would appear to endorse Roman rule and idolatry, alienating the Jewish populace. If He denied it, He could be accused of sedition against Rome, providing grounds for His arrest. The alliance between the anti-Roman, nationalistic Pharisees and the pro-Roman Herodians underscores the desperation and cunning of their plot to entrap Jesus.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal exchange contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it showcases Jesus' **Divine Wisdom and Authority**, demonstrating His ability to perceive the malicious intent behind seemingly innocuous questions and to respond with unparalleled insight that transcends human logic. Secondly, it introduces the critical theme of **Dual Allegiance**, highlighting the distinct yet complementary responsibilities believers have to both earthly authorities and to God. The coin's "image and superscription" serve as a powerful symbol of worldly authority, preparing the ground for Jesus' teaching on rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. Lastly, the verse subtly touches upon the theme of **Idolatry and True Worship**, contrasting the emperor's claim to divinity on the coin with the ultimate sovereignty of God, to whom all true allegiance belongs. This sets up a profound theological distinction between human-made authority and divine authority, a theme echoed throughout the New Testament, such as in [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **image (Greek, _eikṓn'_):** From G1504, meaning "a likeness, i.e. (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance." In this context, it refers specifically to the emperor's portrait stamped on the coin. The choice of this word is highly significant, as it immediately brings to mind the concept of humanity being created in the [image of God](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image"), setting up a powerful contrast between the image of a human ruler and the divine image.
* **superscription (Greek, _epigraphḗ'_):** From G1923, meaning "an inscription." This refers to the writing on the coin, which typically included the emperor's name, titles, and often divine claims (e.g., "son of god"). The superscription, alongside the image, solidified the coin's political and religious implications, asserting the emperor's authority and perceived divinity. Jesus' question about both elements emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the worldly claim represented by the coin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they brought [it]."**: This clause describes the immediate compliance of Jesus' adversaries. Having asked for a denarius, they promptly produce one, confirming their possession and use of the very Roman currency they ostensibly resented. This act unwittingly provides Jesus with the physical object necessary to illustrate His profound teaching.
* **"And he saith unto them, ‹Whose [is] this image and superscription?›"**: Jesus' counter-question is the strategic pivot of the entire encounter. Instead of directly answering their trap, He shifts the focus from the act of paying taxes to the nature of the coin itself. By asking about the "image" (the emperor's likeness) and "superscription" (the imperial titles and claims), Jesus compels His questioners to acknowledge the source of the coin's authority and value, which is undeniably Roman. This rhetorical move forces them to articulate the very truth that will underpin His subsequent, transformative teaching.
* **"And they said unto him, Caesar's."**: The adversaries' reluctant but undeniable reply confirms the Roman ownership and authority represented by the coin. This simple answer, "Caesar's," seals the premise for Jesus' famous declaration in the following verse, acknowledging the worldly sphere of authority while simultaneously preparing to delineate the supreme authority of God.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 12:16 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its meaning and impact. The primary device is **Rhetorical Question**, as Jesus' inquiry, "Whose is this image and superscription?", is not asked for information but to guide His audience to a specific conclusion and to expose the nature of the coin's authority. This question serves as a setup for His subsequent, profound teaching. There is also significant **Symbolism** at play; the Roman coin itself symbolizes the earthly, political, and economic systems of the world, contrasting sharply with the divine realm. The "image" on the coin carries a deeper symbolic weight, subtly referencing the concept of humanity created in God's image, thus foreshadowing the ultimate allegiance due to God. Furthermore, the entire interaction is steeped in **Irony**, as Jesus' adversaries, intending to trap Him, are instead ensnared by their own question, forced to acknowledge the very authority that legitimizes Jesus' counter-argument.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 12:16 is not merely a clever retort but a profound theological statement that undergirds Jesus' teaching on the nature of authority and allegiance. By directing attention to the "image and superscription" on the coin, Jesus implicitly draws a distinction between the earthly realm, marked by human authority and its symbols, and the divine realm, where God's ultimate sovereignty resides. This passage challenges believers to navigate the complexities of living in two kingdoms simultaneously: the kingdom of this world and the Kingdom of God. It highlights that while we have legitimate responsibilities to earthly governments, our ultimate identity and allegiance are to God, whose image we bear as His creation. The question of the coin's ownership thus becomes a springboard for understanding the stewardship of all aspects of life—material possessions, civic duties, and spiritual devotion—all of which ultimately belong to God.

* [Matthew 22:19](/matthew/22-19 "Matthew 22:19 - Parallel Account of the Coin")
* [Luke 20:24](/luke/20-24 "Luke 20:24 - Parallel Account of the Coin")
* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")
* [Romans 13:7](/romans/13-7 "Romans 13:7 - Render to All Their Dues")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 12:16, though brief, provides a foundational principle for how believers should engage with the world's systems while maintaining their primary allegiance to God. It calls us to cultivate a discerning spirit, much like Jesus, who saw beyond the surface of the question to the malicious intent and deeper theological implications. We are challenged to consider what "image" we bear in our daily lives—is it the image of worldly success, cultural norms, or the transformative image of Christ? Our ultimate allegiance is not to any earthly power, political ideology, or material possession, but to the God who created us in His own image and redeemed us through His Son. This passage encourages us to live with integrity, fulfilling our civic duties without compromising our divine calling, recognizing that all things, including our very selves, ultimately belong to God. It reminds us that true wisdom lies in understanding the distinct claims of earthly and heavenly authority and in prioritizing our devotion to the latter.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself wrestling with dual allegiances—to worldly systems versus God's kingdom?**
* **How can you cultivate the discernment that Jesus displayed in this encounter to identify and navigate spiritual traps in your own life?**
* **Considering that we are made in God's image, how does this truth inform your understanding of your ultimate belonging and purpose?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "render to God what is God's" in your daily life, beyond mere religious observance?**

### FAQ
**What was the "trap" the Pharisees and Herodians set for Jesus in this verse?**

Answer: The trap was designed to force Jesus into a lose-lose situation regarding the payment of taxes to Caesar. If Jesus said "yes" to paying taxes, He would alienate the Jewish populace, who resented Roman occupation and the idolatrous images on Roman coins, thus undermining His popularity. If He said "no," He could be accused of sedition against Rome, providing grounds for His arrest and execution by the Roman authorities. Jesus' request for the coin in [Mark 12:15](/mark/12-15 "Mark 12:15 - Bring Me a Denarius") and His subsequent question in [Mark 12:16](/mark/12-16 "Mark 12:16 - Whose Image and Superscription?") were His brilliant way of exposing their malicious intent and turning the tables on them.

**Why was the "image and superscription" on the coin so important to Jesus' question?**

Answer: The "image" (Greek: *eikṓn*) on the Roman denarius was typically the face of the reigning emperor (Tiberius Caesar), and the "superscription" (Greek: *epigraphḗ*) included his name and titles, often proclaiming his divine status (e.g., "son of divine Augustus"). For devout Jews, this was deeply offensive and idolatrous, violating the second commandment ([Exodus 20:4](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - No Idols")). By asking "Whose is this image and superscription?", Jesus compelled His questioners to acknowledge that the coin, and by extension the authority it represented, belonged to Caesar. This established the premise for His subsequent teaching in [Mark 12:17](/mark/12-17 "Mark 12:17 - Render to Caesar and to God"), where He distinguishes between what belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God, subtly implying that humanity, made in God's image ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")), belongs to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 12:16, while seemingly a simple exchange about a coin, profoundly foreshadows and illuminates the Christ-centered reality of God's kingdom. Jesus, the ultimate King and embodiment of divine wisdom, transcends the political and religious traps of His day, demonstrating a sovereignty that far surpasses any earthly ruler. His question about the "image and superscription" on Caesar's coin subtly points to a greater truth: if the coin bears Caesar's image and thus belongs to him, then humanity, created in the [image of God](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image"), ultimately belongs to God. Jesus Himself is the perfect "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), the one in whom the fullness of God dwells ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ reclaims humanity for God, restoring the marred image of God in us and empowering us to live as citizens of His eternal kingdom ([Philippians 3:20](/philipians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")). Thus, Jesus' teaching here is not merely about civic duty, but about recognizing His supreme authority over all earthly powers and rendering our entire lives—our very being, bearing His image—to the One who truly owns us. He paid the ultimate "tax" for our redemption, freeing us to give ourselves wholly to God ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")).

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 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.