Devine Scripture

Mark 12:34

What does Mark 12:34 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 12:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 12:34 means

Recognizing the scribe’s astute and discerning answer, Jesus commends him, saying, \"Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.\" This indicates that the scribe possessed a genuine understanding of spiritual truth and a heart receptive to God’s ways, positioning him on the threshold of saving faith. His response moved beyond mere intellectual assent to a recognition of true priorities in God's law. Following this interaction, no one dared to challenge Jesus with further questions, acknowledging His unassailable wisdom and authority in the temple.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when Jesus saw that he gave a wise answer, he said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God. And every man after that was in fear of questioning him any more.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus, having seen him that he answered with understanding, said to him, `Thou art not far from the reign of God;' and no one any more durst question him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus seeing that he had answered wisely, said to him: Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus, seeing that he had answered intelligently, said to him, Thou art not far from the kingdom ofGod. And no one dared question him any more.

Context

This verse concludes the series of questions posed to Jesus, with Jesus’s commendation of the discerning scribe. It occurs immediately after the scribe demonstrates his profound understanding of the Law's priorities. This positive interaction contrasts sharply with previous hostile encounters and signals a shift in the narrative as Jesus then begins to challenge the scribes rather than merely answering their questions, establishing His unquestioned authority.

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.

v.34This passage

v.35And Jesus answered and said, as he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that the Christ is the son of David?

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 22:46

    And no one was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.

  • Matthew 12:20

    A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory.

  • Colossians 4:6

    Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one.

  • Romans 3:19

    Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God:

  • Galatians 2:19

    For I through the law died unto the law, that I might live unto God.

  • Romans 7:9

    And I was alive apart from the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died;

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