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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 12:34 mean?

Explanation

Mark 12:34 refers to an interaction between Jesus and a scribe, which occurs after a series of questions posed to Jesus by various Jewish religious leaders.

Jesus had been answering questions related to the greatest commandment, and this particular scribe acknowledges the wisdom in Jesus's teachings.

Jesus's response, "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God," implies that the scribe has an understanding that goes beyond the literal interpretation of the Law.

It suggests that the scribe is close to understanding the deeper spiritual truth about the nature of God's kingdom, which is characterized by love, justice, and inner transformation rather than mere legalistic obedience.

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Historical Context

This exchange takes place in Jerusalem, during the final week of Jesus's life before his crucifixion, a period often referred to as the Passion Week.

Jesus is teaching in the temple and engaging with various groups, including the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes, who challenge him on different aspects of Jewish law and theology.

These groups are influential within Jewish society, and they often seek to test Jesus, perhaps to undermine his authority or to trap him in his words.

The scribe in question, unlike the others, seems to approach Jesus with a more genuine interest in his teachings.

Theological Insights

In some Christian viewpoints, Jesus's statement signifies the acknowledgment of the scribe's proximity to a personal revelation of faith and understanding of God's grace.

From a theological standpoint, this verse is seen to emphasize that intellectual recognition of religious truth is important, but not sufficient on its own to enter the kingdom of God; it must be accompanied by a heart transformation and a commitment to live according to God's will.

Other theologians might argue that Jesus is affirming that the kingdom of God is already present among them, and those who recognize the core principles of love and service, as represented in the greatest commandments, are close to grasping the fullness of the gospel message.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to strive for a deeper understanding and application of their faith, beyond mere intellectual assent or religious rituals.

It suggests that being "not far from the kingdom of God" involves recognizing and embodying the essential principles of love, compassion, and justice that Jesus taught.

In daily life, this might translate to individuals being called to actively love their neighbors, seek justice, and walk humbly in their faith journey.

Cross-References

Matthew 22:37-40 - Jesus summarizes the Law into two commandments about loving God and neighbor.
Luke 10:25-28 - The parable of the Good Samaritan, which reinforces the idea of loving one's neighbor.
James 2:8-10 - The epistle of James speaks to the 'royal law' of loving one's neighbor and how it fulfills the law.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "not far from" (οὐ μακρὰν) can carry the meaning of being at a close distance or 'almost'.

"The kingdom of God" (βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ) refers to the reign or rule of God, which in the teachings of Jesus often represents a present spiritual reality as well as a future hope.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of Second Temple Judaism, the concern for the fulfillment of the Law was paramount, and the scribes were experts in this area.

The idea of an inner transformation that leads to a state of being "close to the kingdom" can be compared to various religious and philosophical traditions that emphasize inner enlightenment or moral understanding as a path to spiritual attainment, such as in some interpretations of Buddhism or Platonism.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse itself does not directly address scientific topics, but the broader discussion it raises about understanding, insight, and transformation can intersect with psychological studies on cognition and behavior.

For example, research on moral development might provide insights into the process by which individuals come to embody ethical principles that are in line with the "kingdom of God" values Jesus espouses.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians offer interpretations of Mark 12:34.

William Barclay notes that Jesus acknowledges the scribe's understanding that love is central to faith.

John Calvin suggests that the scribe was enlightened by the Spirit to some extent but still lacking in full faith.

Matthew Henry's commentary highlights that Jesus commends the scribe's understanding and implies a call to action for the scribe to fully embrace the kingdom of God.

These perspectives, among others, offer depth to the understanding of the verse and its place in the narrative of Mark.

Mark 12

Mark 12

What does Mark 12:34 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 12:34 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?