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Mark 12

And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.

And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.

And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.

And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.

And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.

Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.

But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.

And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.

What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.

And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:

This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.

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?

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.

And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.

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.

Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,

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.

Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.

And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise.

And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.

In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.

And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

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.

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?

He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.

And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:

And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?

For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.

And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,

And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:

Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

What does Mark 12:28 mean?

Explanation

Mark 12:28 features a scribe (a religious lawyer) approaching Jesus after witnessing a theological debate.

The scribe recognizes Jesus's wisdom and asks, "Which is the first commandment of all?" This question reflects a common practice among Jewish teachers to debate the relative importance of commandments in the Torah.

Jesus's response, which follows in the subsequent verses, summarizes the core principles of Jewish ethical and spiritual life.

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Historical Context

Mark 12:28 is set within the context of Second Temple Judaism during the Roman occupation of Judea.

Scribes played a significant role in society as interpreters of the Law (Torah) and were often involved in discussions about religious matters.

The "first" commandment question likely sought to understand which commandment Jesus considered foundational within the context of over 600 commandments in the Jewish Law.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints interpret this verse in various ways:

Traditional Jewish theology might see this verse as a scribe testing Jesus's understanding of the Torah.
Christian theology often views this as a testament to Jesus's authority and understanding of biblical priorities.
From an interfaith perspective, this interaction indicates a common ground and dialogue between different religious beliefs and practices.

Practical Applications

This verse sets the stage for the following command to love God and neighbor and invites individuals to reflect on the fundamental principles guiding their lives.

It encourages believers to prioritize their values and ensure that their actions align with the core teachings of their faith.

Cross-References

Here are related verses that further contextualize Mark 12:28 within biblical literature (KJV):

Deuteronomy 6:4-5: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."
Leviticus 19:18: "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD."
Matthew 22:35-38: "Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law?"

Language Study

The phrase "first commandment" in Greek is "πρώτη εντολή" (protē entolē). "Πρώτη" (protē) means "first" in order or importance, and "εντολή" (entolē) refers to a command or injunction.

The term not only suggests sequential primacy but also foundational importance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious traditions, prioritizing commandments or moral precepts is also common.

For example, in Buddhism, the Eightfold Path outlines steps towards enlightenment.

In Hinduism, the concept of Dharma embodies duty, righteousness, and moral law.

Ancient myths, like those in Greek tradition, often emphasized virtues such as honor and bravery rather than systematic commandments.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific correlation to the verse's theological content, modern psychological research supports the idea that individuals and societies benefit from having a guiding set of ethical principles.

Having a framework for behavior can contribute to social cohesion and personal well-being.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians have provided commentary on Mark 12:28:

John Calvin noted the scribe's respectful approach and saw Jesus's response as a summary of the Law and Prophets.
Matthew Henry emphasized the scribe coming with a real desire for instruction.

He interpreted the passage as an acknowledgment of Jesus's correct teaching.

William Barclay placed the interaction within the context of rabbinic discussions, with the scribe genuinely seeking Jesus's opinion on theological matters.

Mark 12

Mark 12

What does Mark 12:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 12:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?