“Whose is this image and superscription?”
The full verse · Mark 12:16 · KJV
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Asked by
Jesus: the Son of God and promised Messiah, who had asked to see a penny when questioned about tribute (Mark 12:15)
Asked to
Pharisees: members of the strict religious party, sent by the temple leaders "to catch him in his words" (Mark 12:13); Herodians: supporters of the Herod family's rule, sent along with the Pharisees (Mark 12:13)
The Scene
The Pharisees and Herodians bring the penny Jesus asked to see, and He asks them about it in the temple (Mark 12:13-16).
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionJesus lets the coin answer the question. Instead of arguing theory, He asks about the object in their hands, and their own answer becomes the ground of His reply. Barnes points out, "Their having that coin about them, and using it, was proof that they themselves held it lawful to pay the tribute." Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary says Jesus answered by referring "to the submission they had already made as a nation." The question moves them from debating Caesar's right to admitting what was already true in their own purses.
The Response
What Scripture recordsThey answered, "Caesar's" (Mark 12:16). Jesus then gave His verdict: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Mark 12:17). "And they marvelled at him." Gill says they marvelled at His wisdom in giving "such an answer, which cut off all occasion against him." Luke adds that "they could not take hold of his words before the people" and "held their peace" (Luke 20:26).
Historical Context
The world behind the words"Image" translates eikon, an image or likeness, and "superscription" translates epigraphe, an inscription or title. The penny was a Roman denarius. Gill says it bore the head of an emperor, "very likely the image of the then reigning emperor Tiberius," with a superscription giving his name.
Matthew Henry explains why a ruler's name on money mattered: "The circulation of the money is from him as the fountain, and therefore it must return to him." Caesar's coin, used under Caesar's government, carried a fair claim from Caesar.
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyJesus' answer did more than escape a trap. It set two duties side by side and in order. Barnes writes, "Caesar's image and name on the coin proved that it was his," so it was right to give it back when he called for it. But Jesus did not stop with Caesar. He added, "and to God the things that are God's" (Mark 12:17). Barnes says this may mean either the temple tribute or giving God our hearts, lives, property, and influence as His due.
The questioners wanted Jesus to choose between Rome and Israel. He refused that choice and raised a larger one: are you giving God what belongs to Him?
Look Closer
Why did Jesus ask whose image was on the coin?
Carry the question into prayer and conversation.
Father, I try to pay what I owe to others; what are the things that belong to You that I am still holding back?
A prayer to carry into the day.
- Jesus did not set duty to government against duty to God. Where do you find it hardest to keep both in their proper place?
- Share how you have seen someone honor God in the way they handle money or civic responsibilities.
For you, a small group, a friend, or the dinner table.
Jesus teaches that honoring God and meeting your obligations in this world are not enemies. Paying what you owe, including taxes, is part of faithful living. Paul says the same: "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due" (Romans 13:7).
This doesn't mean Caesar gets everything. Jesus' second phrase is the larger one: "to God the things that are God's." Your money may carry a ruler's name, but your life belongs to God. Ask yourself whether you are as careful to give God His due as you are to pay your bills. Scripture's own application: Romans 13:6-7
Built from the biblical text and checked against trusted commentaries and lexicons. References & Sources
Keep questioning
“Whose is this image and superscription?”
“Whose image and superscription hath it?”
“Shall we give, or shall we not give? Why tempt ye me?”
“Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?”