Mark 12:13-17
Christian Standard Bible
God and Caesar
13 Then(A) they sent some of the Pharisees(B) and the Herodians(C) to Jesus to trap him in his words.(D) 14 When they came, they said to him, “Teacher, we know you are truthful and don’t care what anyone thinks, nor do you show partiality(E) but teach the way of God truthfully. Is it lawful to pay taxes(F) to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”
15 But knowing their hypocrisy,(G) he said to them, “Why are you testing(H) me? Bring me a denarius[a](I) to look at.” 16 They brought a coin. “Whose image(J) and inscription(K) is this?” he asked them.
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
17 Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”(L) And they were utterly amazed(M) at him.
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- 12:15 A denarius = one day’s wage
Mark 12:13-17
Common English Bible
A question about taxes
13 They sent some of the Pharisees and supporters of Herod to trap him in his words. 14 They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you’re genuine and you don’t worry about what people think. You don’t show favoritism but teach God’s way as it really is. Does the Law allow people to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay taxes or not?”
15 Since Jesus recognized their deceit, he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a coin. Show it to me.” 16 And they brought one. He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
17 Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” His reply left them overcome with wonder.
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