Devine Scripture

Mark 12:32

What does Mark 12:32 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 12:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 12:32 means

The scribe, impressed by Jesus’s insightful and concise answer, affirms that Jesus has spoken truthfully. He agrees that God is one, and there is no other God, aligning with the core Jewish belief in monotheism. His affirmation shows genuine understanding and spiritual receptiveness, distinguishing him from the earlier antagonists. His response indicates that he grasped the essence of Jesus's teaching, acknowledging its profound theological truth and its harmony with the foundational doctrines of their faith.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the scribe said unto him, Of a truth, Teacher, thou hast well said that he is one; and there is none other but he:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the scribe said unto him, Of a truth, Teacher, thou hast well said that he is one; and there is none other but he:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the scribe said to him, Truly, Master, you have well said that he is one, and there is no other but he:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the scribe said to him, `Well, Teacher, in truth thou hast spoken that there is one God, and there is none other but He;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the scribe said to him: Well, Master, thou hast said in truth that there is one God and there is no other besides him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the scribe said to him, Right, teacher; thou hast spoken according to [the] truth. For he is one, and there is none other besides him;

Context

This verse presents the scribe’s positive and confirming response to Jesus’s explanation of the greatest commandments. It occurs immediately after Jesus clarifies the supremacy of loving God and neighbor. This thoughtful agreement validates Jesus's wisdom and provides a moment of genuine theological understanding, setting the stage for Jesus’s encouraging words to the scribe and the conclusion of this series of questions.

v.31The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

v.32This passage

v.33and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is much more than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Deuteronomy 6:4

    Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah:

  • Isaiah 45:14

    Thus saith Jehovah, The labor of Egypt, and the merchandise of Ethiopia, and the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall go after thee, in chains they shall come over; and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God.

  • Isaiah 44:8

    Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have I not declared unto thee of old, and showed it? and ye are my witnesses. Is there a God besides me? yea, there is no Rock; I know not any.

  • Isaiah 45:18

    For thus saith Jehovah that created the heavens, the God that formed the earth and made it, that established it and created it not a waste, that formed it to be inhabited: I am Jehovah; and there is none else.

  • Isaiah 45:21

    Declare ye, and bring it forth; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath showed this from ancient time? who hath declared it of old? have not I, Jehovah? and there is no God else besides me, a just God and a Saviour; there is none besides me.

  • Isaiah 45:5

    I am Jehovah, and there is none else; besides me there is no God. I will gird thee, though thou hast not known me;

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