A.T. Robertson Commentary Mark 12:15

"Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why make ye trial of me? bring me a denarius, that I may see it." — Mark 12:15 (ASV)

Knowing their hypocrisy (ειδως αυτων την υποχρισιν). Matthew 22:18 has "perceived their wickedness" (γνους την πονηριαν αυτων) while Lu 20:23 says, "perceived their craftiness" (κατανοησας αυτων την πανουργιαν). Each of these words throws a flash-light on the spirit and attitude of these young men. They were sly, shrewd, slick, but they did not deceive Jesus with their pious palaver. See on Matthew for further details.