Devine Scripture

Mark 12:38

What does Mark 12:38 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 12:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 12:38 means

Jesus then issues a stern warning to His disciples, instructing them to \"Beware of the scribes.\" He points out their outward displays of piety—desiring prominent long robes, public greetings in the marketplaces, and honorific titles—all of which were for show and to seek human praise. This warning unveils the core hypocrisy of many religious leaders: their focus was on external appearance and social status rather than genuine humility and devoted service to God. Jesus cautions against their example of seeking personal glory above true spiritual integrity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And in his teaching he said, Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, andto have salutations in the marketplaces,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And in his teaching he said, Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, andto have salutations in the marketplaces,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And in his teaching he said, Be on your watch against the scribes, whose pleasure it is to go about in long robes and be respected in the market-places,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he was saying to them in his teaching, `Beware of the scribes, who will in long robes to walk, and love salutations in the market-places,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them in his doctrine: Beware of the scribes, who love to walk in long robes and to be saluted in the marketplace,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, who like to walk about in long robes, and salutations in the marketplaces,

Context

This verse marks Jesus's direct warning to His disciples, occurring immediately after He has intellectually silenced His opponents and praised the simple faith of the common people. It shifts from theological debate to practical instruction concerning spiritual dangers. This admonition against the scribes' externalism and desire for recognition sets the stage for a deeper exposé of their fraudulent religious practices and prepares for the contrasting example of true devotion.

v.37David himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he his son? And the common people heard him gladly.

v.38This passage

v.39and chief seats in the synagogues, and chief places at feasts:

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 10:17

    But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you;

  • Matthew 6:5

    And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.

  • Luke 20:45

    And in the hearing of all the people he said unto his disciples,

  • Luke 11:43

    Woe unto you Pharisees! for ye love the chief seats in the synagogues, and the salutations in the marketplaces.

  • Matthew 23:1

    Then spake Jesus to the multitudes and to his disciples,

  • Luke 14:7

    And he spake a parable unto those that were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief seats; saying unto them,

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