16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.
16 They brought the coin, and he asked them, "Whose image is this? And whose inscription?""Caesar's," they replied.
16 And they brought one. And he said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said to him, "Caesar's."
16 They handed him one. "This engraving - who does it look like? And whose name is on it?" "Caesar," they said.
16 So they brought it. And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar's."
16 When they handed it to him, he asked, "Whose picture and title are stamped on it?" "Caesar's," they replied.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 12:16
Commentary on Mark 12:13-17
(Read Mark 12:13-17)
The enemies of Christ would be thought desirous to know their duty, when really they hoped that which soever side he took of the question, they might find occasion to accuse him. Nothing is more likely to insnare the followers of Christ, than bringing them to meddle with disputes about worldly politics. Jesus avoided the snare, by referring to the submission they had already made as a nation; and all that heard him, marvelled at the great wisdom of his answer. Many will praise the words of a sermon, who will not be commanded by the doctrines of it.