The wicked tenants
Mark 12:1–12FocusRejecting the owner's claim
Connection to the wholeThe parable answers the preceding authority dispute by describing rejection of messengers and the beloved son.
interpretation Mark 12:17
KJVAnd Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.
Read it in context
Tribute and resurrection
Start reading at Mark 12:13 (Mark 12:13 to Mark 12:27).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus answers attempts to trap Him and corrects a denial of resurrection by directing attention to Scripture and God's power.
- 12:13 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
- 12:14 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?
- 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.
- 12:16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.
- 12:17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.
- 12:18 Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,
- 12:19 Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
- 12:20 Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.
- 12:21 And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise.
- 12:22 And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.
- 12:23 In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.
- 12:24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?
- 12:25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.
- 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
- 12:27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 12:1–12:44): Jesus answers religious leaders, including Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, and a scribe; He teaches the crowd and draws His disciples' attention to a widow's offering. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Tribute and resurrection. Read Mark 12:13 through Mark 12:27 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus answers attempts to trap Him and corrects a denial of resurrection by directing attention to Scripture and God's power. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Tribute and resurrection (Mark 12:13 to Mark 12:27). Start reading at Mark 12:13. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 12:13, Mark 12:27, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
The tribute-money question
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- Render Prov 24:21 Matt 17:25-27 Rom 13:7 1 Pet 2:17
- and to Mark 12:30 Prov 23:26 Eccl 5:4-5 Mal 1:6 Acts 4:19-20 Rom 6:13 Rom 12:1 1 Cor 6:19-20
- And they Job 5:12-13 Matt 22:22,33,46 1 Cor 14:24-25
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 12
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
FocusQuestions that miss God's power
Connection to the wholeJesus answers attempts to trap Him and corrects a denial of resurrection by directing attention to Scripture and God's power.
interpretation The chief command and David's Lord
Mark 12:28–37FocusGod's oneness and the Christ
Connection to the wholeJesus affirms God's oneness and the commands to love, then raises the question of how David calls the Christ his Lord.
interpretation Scribes and the widow
Mark 12:38–44FocusAppearance and costly devotion
Connection to the wholeThe warning about devouring widows' houses is followed by the poor widow's offering, placing public prestige beside costly giving.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation The expanding ministry
Mark 3:7–8:26FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.