Devine Scripture

Mark 12:21

What does Mark 12:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 12:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 12:21 means

Continuing their elaborate hypothetical, the Sadducees describe the second brother marrying the same widow, only for him also to die without leaving any offspring. The account is then quickly extended to include the third brother, who similarly takes the woman as his wife and also dies without children. This repetition intensifies the dilemma they are presenting, building a cumulative argument where the woman has been married multiple times under the requirements of the Law, all leading to the same childless outcome.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and the second took her, and died, leaving no seed behind him; and the third likewise:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and the second took her, and died, leaving no seed behind him; and the third likewise:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the second took her, and at his death there were no offspring; and the third the same:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the second took her, and died, neither left he seed, and the third in like manner,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the second took her and died: and neither did he leave any issue. And the third in like manner.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and the second took her and died, and neither did he leave seed; and the third likewise.

Context

This verse continues the Sadducees' elaborate hypothetical, detailing the second and third brothers’ participation in the levirate marriage. It reinforces the central premise of the woman being married multiple times, without issue, directly leading to the culmination of their full scenario. This progression further solidifies the logical trap they intend to spring against Jesus, regarding the resurrection and marital status.

v.20There were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed;

v.21This passage

v.22and the seven left no seed. Last of all the woman also died.

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