About Mark

Mark presents Jesus as the suffering Servant of God, emphasizing His actions and authority.

Author: John MarkWritten: c. AD 50-65Reading time: ~6 minVerses: 44
ServantActionAuthoritySufferingDiscipleshipMessianic Secret

King James Version

Mark 12

44 verses with commentary

The Parable of the Tenants

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it</strong>—Jesus deliberately echoes Isaiah 5:1-7, where the vineyard (κεράμπελος, <em>kerampelos</em>) symbolizes Israel. The elaborate preparation (hedge, winepress, tower) demonstrates God's covenant investment. <strong>Let it out to husbandmen</strong> (γεωργός, <em>georgos</em>)—tenant farmers who owed the owner a share of harv...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XII. (1-12) **And he began to speak unto them by parables.**—See Notes on Matthew 21:33-36. The parable which, like that of the Sower, and like that only, is related in all the first three Gospels, was one which had obviously impressed itself strongly, as that had done, on the minds of those who heard it, and was reproduced by independent reporters with an almost textual exactness. **A place for t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**44. And whosoever of you will be the chiefest--**or "first." **shall be--**that is, "let him be," or "shall be he who is prepared to be." **servant of all--**one in the lowest condition of service.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 12 Chapter Outline The parable of the vineyard and husbandmen.(1-12) Question about tribute.(13-17) Concerning the resurrection.(18-27) The great command of the law.(28-34) Christ the Son and yet the Lord of David.(35-40) The poor widow commended.(41-44) **Verses 1-12** Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to thin...
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And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>At the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant</strong>—The <em>kairos</em> (καιρός, appointed time) represents God's rightful expectation of covenant fruit. <strong>A servant</strong> (δοῦλος, <em>doulos</em>) represents the prophets sent to Israel demanding covenant faithfulness. <strong>That he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit</strong>—not taking what wasn't theirs, but...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **A servant.**—The variations in the reports are, as has been said, few and slight, but it may as well be noted that St. Mark speaks of “one servant” having been sent, and then another, and another, and then many others, while St. Matthew divides them simply into two great groups. St. Mark, characteristically, seizes on the most vivid presentation of the facts.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**45. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many--**"instead of many," that is, "In the kingdom about to be set up, this principle shall have no place. All My servants shall there be equal; and the only greatness known to it shall be the greatness of humility and devotedness to the service of others. He that goes down the deepest...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 12 Chapter Outline The parable of the vineyard and husbandmen.(1-12) Question about tribute.(13-17) Concerning the resurrection.(18-27) The great command of the law.(28-34) Christ the Son and yet the Lord of David.(35-40) The poor widow commended.(41-44) **Verses 1-12** Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to thin...
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And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty</strong>—The escalating violence begins. Rather than rendering fruit, the tenants assault (δέρω, <em>dero</em>, to flay or thrash) the servant and send him away <em>kenos</em> (κενός, empty-handed). This is open rebellion, not mere negligence.<br><br>Israel's treatment of God's prophets is condensed into brutal brevity. The servants ca...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 12 Chapter Outline The parable of the vineyard and husbandmen.(1-12) Question about tribute.(13-17) Concerning the resurrection.(18-27) The great command of the law.(28-34) Christ the Son and yet the Lord of David.(35-40) The poor widow commended.(41-44) **Verses 1-12** Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to thin...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones</strong>—The owner's patience continues despite escalating violence. <em>Lithoboleō</em> (λιθοβολέω, to stone) was the covenant penalty for blasphemy and rebellion (Leviticus 24:16), ironically now inflicted on God's own messengers. <strong>Wounded him in the head</strong> (κεφαλαιόω, <em>kephalaioō</em>)—a grievous, pote...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **At him they cast stones.**—The participle so rendered is wanting in the best MSS., and probably originated in a marginal note explaining how the labourers wounded the second servant.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 12 Chapter Outline The parable of the vineyard and husbandmen.(1-12) Question about tribute.(13-17) Concerning the resurrection.(18-27) The great command of the law.(28-34) Christ the Son and yet the Lord of David.(35-40) The poor widow commended.(41-44) **Verses 1-12** Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to thin...
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And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Again he sent another; and him they killed</strong>—Escalation reaches murder (ἀποκτείνω, <em>apokteinō</em>). <strong>And many others; beating some, and killing some</strong>—a summary statement compressing centuries of prophetic martyrdom into one devastating sentence. The plurality reveals God's relentless pursuit of His people through successive generations of prophets, and Israel's pe...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 12 Chapter Outline The parable of the vineyard and husbandmen.(1-12) Question about tribute.(13-17) Concerning the resurrection.(18-27) The great command of the law.(28-34) Christ the Son and yet the Lord of David.(35-40) The poor widow commended.(41-44) **Verses 1-12** Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to thin...
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Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved</strong>—The climactic <em>agapētos</em> (ἀγαπητός, beloved) echoes God's declaration at Jesus' baptism (Mark 1:11) and transfiguration (9:7). <strong>He sent him also last unto them</strong> (ἔσχατον, <em>eschaton</em>, finally, last of all)—this is God's ultimate revelation, beyond which no further messenger comes. <strong>They will reverence...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **His well-beloved.**—Added by St. Mark to St. Matthew’s briefer form, “he sent unto them his son.”

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 12 Chapter Outline The parable of the vineyard and husbandmen.(1-12) Question about tribute.(13-17) Concerning the resurrection.(18-27) The great command of the law.(28-34) Christ the Son and yet the Lord of David.(35-40) The poor widow commended.(41-44) **Verses 1-12** Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to thin...
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But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>This is the heir; come, let us kill him</strong>—The tenants recognize the κληρονόμος (<em>klēronomos</em>, heir) whose arrival threatens their illicit control. Their logic is perverse: murder the heir to steal the κληρονομία (<em>klēronomia</em>, inheritance). <strong>The inheritance shall be our's</strong>—they presume the father's absence means impunity, and the son's death will secure ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 12 Chapter Outline The parable of the vineyard and husbandmen.(1-12) Question about tribute.(13-17) Concerning the resurrection.(18-27) The great command of the law.(28-34) Christ the Son and yet the Lord of David.(35-40) The poor widow commended.(41-44) **Verses 1-12** Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to thin...
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And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard</strong>—The murder is consummated. They ἐκβάλλω (<em>ekballō</em>, cast out, expel violently) the corpse beyond the vineyard's boundaries. This precisely foreshadows Jesus' crucifixion ἔξω (outside) the city gate (Hebrews 13:12)—killed and expelled as unclean.<br><br>The casting out is theologically loaded: like the scapegoat...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 12 Chapter Outline The parable of the vineyard and husbandmen.(1-12) Question about tribute.(13-17) Concerning the resurrection.(18-27) The great command of the law.(28-34) Christ the Son and yet the Lord of David.(35-40) The poor widow commended.(41-44) **Verses 1-12** Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to thin...
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What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do?</strong>—Jesus forces His accusers to pronounce their own judgment. <strong>He will come and destroy the husbandmen</strong>—ἀπόλλυμι (<em>apollymi</em>, to destroy utterly, kill). God's patience has limits; persistent rejection culminates in judgment. <strong>And will give the vineyard unto others</strong>—the kingdom will be transferred f...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **He will come and destroy the** **husbandmen.**—St. Matthew reports the words as having been spoken by ‘the by-standers. Here they form part of the parable itself. We may think of them as having been probably taken up and repeated by our Lord after they had been uttered by others.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 12 Chapter Outline The parable of the vineyard and husbandmen.(1-12) Question about tribute.(13-17) Concerning the resurrection.(18-27) The great command of the law.(28-34) Christ the Son and yet the Lord of David.(35-40) The poor widow commended.(41-44) **Verses 1-12** Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to thin...
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And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:

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KJV Study Commentary

In the parable of the vineyard tenants, Jesus said: 'Have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner' (Οὐδὲ τὴν γραφὴν ταύτην ἀνέγνωτε, Λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας;). This quotes Psalm 118:22-23, applying it to Himself. The 'builders' are Israel's leaders who rejected Jesus. The 'cornerstone' (keph...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 12 Chapter Outline The parable of the vineyard and husbandmen.(1-12) Question about tribute.(13-17) Concerning the resurrection.(18-27) The great command of the law.(28-34) Christ the Son and yet the Lord of David.(35-40) The poor widow commended.(41-44) **Verses 1-12** Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to thin...
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This was the Lord's doing , and it is marvellous in our eyes?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes</strong>—Jesus quotes Psalm 118:23, applying the rejected stone prophecy to Himself. The θαυμαστός (<em>thaumastos</em>, marvelous, wonderful) nature lies in God's sovereign reversal: human rejection becomes divine exaltation. What seemed like defeat (crucifixion) God ordained as victory (resurrection and enthronement).<br><br>The...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **This was the Lord’s doing.**—Better, *This was from the Lord.* The pronoun in the Greek is in the feminine, agreeing with the “head of the corner.”

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 12 Chapter Outline The parable of the vineyard and husbandmen.(1-12) Question about tribute.(13-17) Concerning the resurrection.(18-27) The great command of the law.(28-34) Christ the Son and yet the Lord of David.(35-40) The poor widow commended.(41-44) **Verses 1-12** Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to thin...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They sought to lay hold on him</strong>—ἐπιλαμβάνομαι (<em>epilambanomai</em>, to seize, arrest). The leaders moved from murderous intent to immediate action. <strong>But feared the people</strong>—φοβέω (<em>phobeō</em>, to fear, be afraid)—political calculation, not moral restraint. <strong>For they knew that he had spoken the parable against them</strong>—γινώσκω (<em>ginōskō</em>, to k...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **They sought to lay hold on him.**—The pronoun carries us back to the “chief priests and scribes and elders” of Mark 11:27.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 12 Chapter Outline The parable of the vineyard and husbandmen.(1-12) Question about tribute.(13-17) Concerning the resurrection.(18-27) The great command of the law.(28-34) Christ the Son and yet the Lord of David.(35-40) The poor widow commended.(41-44) **Verses 1-12** Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to thin...
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Paying Taxes to Caesar

And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words</strong> (ἀποστέλλουσιν πρὸς αὐτὸν τινας τῶν Φαρισαίων καὶ τῶν Ἡρῳδιανῶν ἵνα αὐτὸν ἀγρεύσωσιν λόγῳ). The verb <em>agreuōsin</em> (ἀγρεύσωσιν) means to hunt, trap, or ensnare—revealing malicious intent. This wasn't genuine theological inquiry but a calculated trap. The Pharisees (religious conservati...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **They send unto him.**—In Matthew the Pharisees are said to have “taken counsel,” or “held a council,” and then to have sent their disciples. Here the act appears more definitely as the result of a coalition of the two parties named. On the narrative as a whole, see Notes on Matthew 20:15-22. **To catch.**—Better, *to entrap.*

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-17** The enemies of Christ would be thought desirous to know their duty, when really they hoped that which soever side he took of the question, they might find occasion to accuse him. Nothing is more likely to insnare the followers of Christ, than bringing them to meddle with disputes about worldly politics. Jesus avoided the snare, by referring to the submission they had already m...
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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?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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</strong>—their flattery ironically spoke truth. The Greek <em>alēthēs ei</em> (ἀληθής εἶ, "you are true") and <em>ou melei soi peri oudenos</em> (οὐ μέλει σοι περὶ οὐδενός, "you care for no one") meant Jesus wasn't swayed by public opinion or powerful in...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Thou regardest not the person of men.**—The phrase is essentially Hebrew in its form, but had been made familiar by the Greek Version of the Old Testament.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-17** The enemies of Christ would be thought desirous to know their duty, when really they hoped that which soever side he took of the question, they might find occasion to accuse him. Nothing is more likely to insnare the followers of Christ, than bringing them to meddle with disputes about worldly politics. Jesus avoided the snare, by referring to the submission they had already m...
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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. penny: valuing of our money seven pence halfpenny

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy</strong> (δῶμεν ἢ μὴ δῶμεν; ὁ δὲ εἰδὼς αὐτῶν τὴν ὑπόκρισιν)—Jesus perceived their duplicity. The noun <em>hypokrisin</em> (ὑπόκρισιν) originally meant stage-acting, wearing a mask. Their question feigned respect while concealing malice. Jesus' omniscience penetrated their facade (John 2:24-25).<br><br><strong>Why tempt ye...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **But he, knowing their hypocrisy.**—St. Mark uses the specific word that describes the sin of the questioners, instead of the more general “wickedness” of St. Matthew. On the other hand, he omits the word “hypocrites” as applied to them by our Lord.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-17** The enemies of Christ would be thought desirous to know their duty, when really they hoped that which soever side he took of the question, they might find occasion to accuse him. Nothing is more likely to insnare the followers of Christ, than bringing them to meddle with disputes about worldly politics. Jesus avoided the snare, by referring to the submission they had already m...
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And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?</strong> (εἰκόνα, eikona; ἐπιγραφήν, epigraphēn). The word <em>eikōn</em> (εἰκών) meant image or likeness—the same word used in Genesis 1:26-27 (Septuagint) for humanity created in God's image. The <em>epigraphē</em> (ἐπιγραφή) was the inscription: "Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus, Augustus." J...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **Superscription.**—Better, *inscription,* as in Matthew 22:20.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-17** The enemies of Christ would be thought desirous to know their duty, when really they hoped that which soever side he took of the question, they might find occasion to accuse him. Nothing is more likely to insnare the followers of Christ, than bringing them to meddle with disputes about worldly politics. Jesus avoided the snare, by referring to the submission they had already m...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus answered the Pharisees' question about paying tribute to Caesar: 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's' (Τὰ Καίσαρος ἀπόδοτε Καίσαρι καὶ τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ τῷ θεῷ). This establishes dual responsibility—civil obligations (taxes to governing authorities) and spiritual obligations (worship, obedience to God). Christians aren't anarchists rejecting civil g...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-17** The enemies of Christ would be thought desirous to know their duty, when really they hoped that which soever side he took of the question, they might find occasion to accuse him. Nothing is more likely to insnare the followers of Christ, than bringing them to meddle with disputes about worldly politics. Jesus avoided the snare, by referring to the submission they had already m...
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The Sadducees and the Resurrection

Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection</strong> (Σαδδουκαῖοι, οἵτινες λέγουσιν ἀνάστασιν μὴ εἶναι). Mark identifies the Sadducees by their denial of <em>anastasin</em> (ἀνάστασιν, resurrection)—their defining theological error. Unlike Pharisees who affirmed bodily resurrection, angels, and spirits (Acts 23:8), Sadducees accepted only the Pentateuch (Torah) as ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18-27) **Then come unto him the Sadducees.—**See Notes on Matthew 22:15-22.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 18-27** A right knowledge of the Scripture, as the fountain whence all revealed religion now flows, and the foundation on which it is built, is the best preservative against error. Christ put aside the objection of the Sadducees, who were the scoffing infidels of that day, by setting the doctrine of the future state in a true light. The relation between husband and wife, though appoin...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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</strong>—this quotes the levirate marriage law from Deuteronomy 25:5-6. The Hebrew term <em>yibbum</em> (יִבּוּם) described this practice where a man's brother married his widow to produce offspring credited to ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 18-27** A right knowledge of the Scripture, as the fountain whence all revealed religion now flows, and the foundation on which it is built, is the best preservative against error. Christ put aside the objection of the Sadducees, who were the scoffing infidels of that day, by setting the doctrine of the future state in a true light. The relation between husband and wife, though appoin...
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Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed</strong> (ἑπτὰ ἀδελφοὶ ἦσαν· καὶ ὁ πρῶτος ἔλαβεν γυναῖκα, καὶ ἀποθνῄσκων οὐκ ἀφῆκεν σπέρμα). The Sadducees begin their hypothetical with seven brothers—the number of completion in Hebrew thought, chosen to maximize the scenario's complexity. The first brother married but died childless (<em>ouk aphēken sperma<...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 18-27** A right knowledge of the Scripture, as the fountain whence all revealed religion now flows, and the foundation on which it is built, is the best preservative against error. Christ put aside the objection of the Sadducees, who were the scoffing infidels of that day, by setting the doctrine of the future state in a true light. The relation between husband and wife, though appoin...
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And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise</strong> (καὶ ὁ δεύτερος ἔλαβεν αὐτήν, καὶ ἀπέθανεν μὴ καταλιπὼν σπέρμα· καὶ ὁ τρίτος ὡσαύτως). The Sadducees continue their hypothetical, methodically recounting each brother's dutiful marriage and childless death. The repetition emphasizes the scenario's growing complexity: each successive marriage compou...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 11 Mr 11:1-11. Christ's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, on the First Day of the Week. ( = Mt 21:1-9; Lu 19:29-40; Joh 12:12, 19). See on Lu 19:29-40. Mr 11:11-26. The Barren Fig Tree Cursed with Lessons from It--Second Cleansing of the Temple, on the Second and Third Days of the Week. ( = Mt 21:12-22; Lu 19:45-48). **11. And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and whe...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 18-27** A right knowledge of the Scripture, as the fountain whence all revealed religion now flows, and the foundation on which it is built, is the best preservative against error. Christ put aside the objection of the Sadducees, who were the scoffing infidels of that day, by setting the doctrine of the future state in a true light. The relation between husband and wife, though appoin...
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And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also</strong> (καὶ οἱ ἑπτὰ οὐκ ἀφῆκαν σπέρμα· ἔσχατον πάντων καὶ ἡ γυνὴ ἀπέθανεν). The Sadducees summarize: all seven brothers married the woman, none produced children, and finally she died. The phrase <em>eschaton pantōn</em> (ἔσχατον πάντων, "last of all") emphasizes the woman's death as the scenario's climax, setting u...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12. And on the morrow--**The Triumphal Entry being on the first day of the week, this following day was Monday. **when they were come from Bethany--**"in the morning" (Mt 21:18). **he was hungry--**How was that? Had he stolen forth from that dear roof at Bethany to the "mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God?" (Lu 6:12); or, "in the morning," as on a former occasion, "ris...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 18-27** A right knowledge of the Scripture, as the fountain whence all revealed religion now flows, and the foundation on which it is built, is the best preservative against error. Christ put aside the objection of the Sadducees, who were the scoffing infidels of that day, by setting the doctrine of the future state in a true light. The relation between husband and wife, though appoin...
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In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife</strong> (ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει, ὅταν ἀναστῶσιν, τίνος αὐτῶν ἔσται γυνή; οἱ γὰρ ἑπτὰ ἔσχον αὐτὴν γυναῖκα). This is the trap's springing. The Sadducees present what they believe is an unanswerable dilemma: <em>tinos autōn estai gynē</em> (τίνος αὐτῶν ἔσται γυνή, "whose wife will she...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**13. And seeing a fig tree--**(In Mt 21:19, it is "one fig tree," but the sense is the same as here, "a certain fig tree," as in Mt 8:19, &amp;c.). Bethphage, which adjoined Bethany, derives its name from its being a fig region--"House of figs." **afar off having leaves--**and therefore promising fruit, which in the case of figs come before the leaves. **he came, if haply he might find any th...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 18-27** A right knowledge of the Scripture, as the fountain whence all revealed religion now flows, and the foundation on which it is built, is the best preservative against error. Christ put aside the objection of the Sadducees, who were the scoffing infidels of that day, by setting the doctrine of the future state in a true light. The relation between husband and wife, though appoin...
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And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?</strong> (Οὐ διὰ τοῦτο πλανᾶσθε μὴ εἰδότες τὰς γραφὰς μηδὲ τὴν δύναμιν τοῦ θεοῦ;). Jesus' response is devastating: <em>planasthe</em> (πλανᾶσθε, "you are wandering/erring") indicates they're fundamentally lost, not merely mistaken in details. Their error has two source...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **Because ye know not the scriptures.**—More literally, as in St. Matthew, *not knowing the scriptures.*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever--**That word did not make the tree barren, but sealed it up in its own barrenness. See on Mt 13:13-15. **And his disciples heard it--**and marked the saying. This is introduced as a connecting link, to explain what was afterwards to be said on the subject, as the narrative has to proceed to the other transacti...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 18-27** A right knowledge of the Scripture, as the fountain whence all revealed religion now flows, and the foundation on which it is built, is the best preservative against error. Christ put aside the objection of the Sadducees, who were the scoffing infidels of that day, by setting the doctrine of the future state in a true light. The relation between husband and wife, though appoin...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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</strong> (ὅταν γὰρ ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῶσιν, οὔτε γαμοῦσιν οὔτε γαμίζονται, ἀλλ' εἰσὶν ὡς ἄγγελοι ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς). Jesus reveals resurrection life transcends earthly marriage. The phrase <em>oute gamousin oute gamizontai</em> (οὔτε γαμοῦσιν οὔτε γαμίζονται) uses bot...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 18-27** A right knowledge of the Scripture, as the fountain whence all revealed religion now flows, and the foundation on which it is built, is the best preservative against error. Christ put aside the objection of the Sadducees, who were the scoffing infidels of that day, by setting the doctrine of the future state in a true light. The relation between husband and wife, though appoin...
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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?

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KJV Study Commentary

Answering Sadducees' question about resurrection, Jesus said: '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?' (περὶ δὲ τῶν νεκρῶν ὅτι ἐγείρονται, οὐκ ἀνέγνωτε ἐν τῇ βίβλῳ Μωϋσέως ἐπὶ τοῦ βάτου πῶς εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ θεός λέγων, Ἐγὼ ὁ θεὸς Ἀβραὰμ καὶ ὁ θεὸς Ἰσαὰκ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **How** **in the bush God spake unto him.**—Better, *at the bush, how God spake to him.* The reference to the bush, not given by St. Matthew, is common both to St. Mark and St. Luke, and the order of the words in the Greek of both shows that they point to “the bush,” not as the place in which God spoke, but as the title or heading by which the section Exodus 3 was commonly described.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 18-27** A right knowledge of the Scripture, as the fountain whence all revealed religion now flows, and the foundation on which it is built, is the best preservative against error. Christ put aside the objection of the Sadducees, who were the scoffing infidels of that day, by setting the doctrine of the future state in a true light. The relation between husband and wife, though appoin...
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He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus concluded: 'He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err' (οὐκ ἔστιν θεὸς νεκρῶν ἀλλὰ θεὸς ζώντων· ὑμεῖς οὖν πολὺ πλανᾶσθε). This powerful statement affirms God's relationship with living persons, not non-existent corpses. Those who died in faith remain alive to God, awaiting resurrection. The present tense 'is' (estin, ἔστιν) emphasizes God's eternal...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 18-27** A right knowledge of the Scripture, as the fountain whence all revealed religion now flows, and the foundation on which it is built, is the best preservative against error. Christ put aside the objection of the Sadducees, who were the scoffing infidels of that day, by setting the doctrine of the future state in a true light. The relation between husband and wife, though appoin...
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The Great Commandment

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?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Which is the first commandment of all?</strong> This scribe (γραμματεύς, grammateus), having observed Jesus' skillful responses to hostile questions, genuinely seeks truth. Unlike previous interrogators, he recognizes Jesus <strong>had answered them well</strong> and approaches with sincere inquiry. The question about the <em>first</em> (πρώτη, prōtē) commandment addresses a live rabbinic ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28-34) **And one of the scribes came.**—See Notes on Matthew 22:34-40. St. Mark’s description is somewhat less precise than St. Matthew’s “one of them (*i.e.,* the Pharisees), a lawyer.” The form of the question differs by the substitution of “first of all” for “great” commandment.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 28-34** Those who sincerely desire to be taught their duty, Christ will guide in judgment, and teach his way. He tells the scribe that the great commandment, which indeed includes all, is, that of loving God with all our hearts. Wherever this is the ruling principle in the soul, there is a disposition to every other duty. Loving God with all our heart, will engage us to every thing by...
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And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

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KJV Study Commentary

When asked which commandment is first, Jesus answered: 'The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord' (Πρώτη πάντων τῶν ἐντολῶν, Ἄκουε, Ἰσραήλ, Κύριος ὁ θεὸς ἡμῶν Κύριος εἷς ἐστιν). Jesus quoted the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), Judaism's central confession. The declaration 'the Lord is one' (Kyrios heis, Κύριος εἷς) affirms monotheism—God is unique, singular, in...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord.**—The quotation is given more fully by St. Mark than by St. Matthew. The opening words (from Deuteronomy 6:4) were in common use under the name of the *Shemà* (the Hebrew for “Hear”), and formed the popular expression of the faith of Israel. To say the *Shemà* was a passport into Paradise for any child of Abraham.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 28-34** Those who sincerely desire to be taught their duty, Christ will guide in judgment, and teach his way. He tells the scribe that the great commandment, which indeed includes all, is, that of loving God with all our hearts. Wherever this is the ruling principle in the soul, there is a disposition to every other duty. Loving God with all our heart, will engage us to every thing by...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus quotes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), Judaism's central confession recited twice daily, declaring it the "first" commandment. The command to love God "with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength" expresses total, comprehensive devotion—God deserves and demands our entire being. The Greek agapēseis (ἀγαπήσεις, "you shall love") uses the future t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20. And in the morning--**of Tuesday, the third day of the week: He had slept, as during all this week, at Bethany. **as they passed by--**going into Jerusalem again. **they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots--**no partial blight, leaving life in the root; but it was now dead, root and branch. In Mt 21:19 it is said it withered away as soon as it was cursed. But the full blight had not...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 28-34** Those who sincerely desire to be taught their duty, Christ will guide in judgment, and teach his way. He tells the scribe that the great commandment, which indeed includes all, is, that of loving God with all our hearts. Wherever this is the ruling principle in the soul, there is a disposition to every other duty. Loving God with all our heart, will engage us to every thing by...
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And the second is like, namely this , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus adds the second commandment, quoting Leviticus 19:18, and declares it "like" (homoia, ὁμοία) the first—not equal in rank but similar in character and inseparably connected. Love for God necessarily produces love for others created in God's image (1 John 4:20-21). The command "love thy neighbour as thyself" (agapēseis ton plēsion sou hōs seauton, ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν) assumes ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **And the second is like, namely, this** . . .—Better, *And the second is this.* The better MSS. omit “like.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**21. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him--**satisfied that a miracle so very peculiar--a miracle, not of blessing, as all His other miracles, but of cursing--could not have been wrought but with some higher reference, and fully expecting to hear something weighty on the subject. **Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away--**so connecting the two things as to...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 28-34** Those who sincerely desire to be taught their duty, Christ will guide in judgment, and teach his way. He tells the scribe that the great commandment, which indeed includes all, is, that of loving God with all our hearts. Wherever this is the ruling principle in the soul, there is a disposition to every other duty. Loving God with all our heart, will engage us to every thing by...
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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:

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KJV Study Commentary

The scribe's response—<strong>Well, Master, thou hast said the truth</strong>—affirms Jesus' authority as a teacher (διδάσκαλε, didaskale = 'teacher' or 'master'). His declaration <strong>there is one God; and there is none other but he</strong> echoes the Shema's radical monotheism from Deuteronomy 6:4. In a polytheistic Greco-Roman world where Caesar claimed divinity and provincial cults prolife...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **Well, Master, thou hast said the truth.**—Better, *Well hast Thou said truly that there is one God.* The words seem intentionally repeated from Mark 12:14, but are uttered now, not with the covert sneer of the hypocrite, but in the sincerity of admiration. Note also the real reverence shown in the form of address, “Master,” *i.e.,* “Teacher, Rabbi.” He recognises the speaker as one of his o...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

22. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 28-34** Those who sincerely desire to be taught their duty, Christ will guide in judgment, and teach his way. He tells the scribe that the great commandment, which indeed includes all, is, that of loving God with all our hearts. Wherever this is the ruling principle in the soul, there is a disposition to every other duty. Loving God with all our heart, will engage us to every thing by...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>To love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength</strong>—the scribe comprehensively restates Jesus' answer, emphasizing totality. Four faculties (καρδία, διάνοια, ψυχή, ἰσχύς—heart, understanding, soul, strength) encompass the whole person: affections, intellect, will, and physical capacity. God demands not partial devotion b...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(33) I**s more than all whole burnt offerings** . . .—There is a fervour in the eloquence of the scribe’s answer which indicates the earnestness, almost the enthusiasm, of conviction. Such teaching as that of 1Samuel 15:22, Ps. 1. 8-14, Micah 6:6, had not been in vain for him.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed ... he shall have whatsoever he saith--**Here is the lesson now. From the nature of the case supposed--that they might wish a mountain removed and cast into the sea, a thing far removed from anything which they could be thought actually to desire--it is plain that not physical but moral obstacles to the p...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 28-34** Those who sincerely desire to be taught their duty, Christ will guide in judgment, and teach his way. He tells the scribe that the great commandment, which indeed includes all, is, that of loving God with all our hearts. Wherever this is the ruling principle in the soul, there is a disposition to every other duty. Loving God with all our heart, will engage us to every thing by...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus' assessment—<strong>Thou art not far from the kingdom of God</strong> (Οὐ μακρὰν εἶ ἀπὸ τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ θεοῦ)—is both commendation and warning. The scribe <strong>answered discreetly</strong> (νουνεχῶς, nounechōs = 'intelligently,' 'wisely'), demonstrating spiritual insight. He understands that love surpasses ritual, that relationship with God exceeds religious performance. Yet he is 'not ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(34) **Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.**—The words are significant as showing the unity of our Lord’s teaching. Now, as when He spoke the Sermon on the Mount, the righteousness which fulfils the law is the condition of the entrance into the kingdom of God (Matthew 5:19-20). Even the recognition of that righteousness as consisting in the fulfilment of the two commandments that were exceed...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them--**This verse only generalizes the assurance of Mr 11:23; which seems to show that it was designed for the special encouragement of evangelistic and missionary efforts, while this is a directory for prevailing prayer in general.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 28-34** Those who sincerely desire to be taught their duty, Christ will guide in judgment, and teach his way. He tells the scribe that the great commandment, which indeed includes all, is, that of loving God with all our hearts. Wherever this is the ruling principle in the soul, there is a disposition to every other duty. Loving God with all our heart, will engage us to every thing by...
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Whose Son Is the Christ?

And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus shifts from answering questions to asking one: <strong>How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?</strong> (Πῶς λέγουσιν οἱ γραμματεῖς ὅτι ὁ Χριστὸς υἱὸς Δαυίδ ἐστιν;) This isn't denying Messiah's Davidic lineage—both Matthew and Luke trace Jesus' genealogy through David, and Jesus accepts the title 'Son of David' (Mark 10:47-48). Rather, Jesus challenges <em>incomplete</em> messia...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(35) **While he taught in the temple.**—The locality is named by St. Mark only, but it is all but implied in the other two Gospels.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**25. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses, &amp;c.--**This is repeated from the Sermon on the Mount (see on Mt 6:12); to remind them that if this was necessary to the acceptableness of all prayer, much more when great things were to be asked and confidently expected. Mr 11:27-33. The Authority ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 35-40** When we attend to what the Scriptures declare, as to the person and offices of Christ, we shall be led to confess him as our Lord and God; to obey him as our exalted Redeemer. If the common people hear these things gladly, while the learned and distinguished oppose, the former are happy, and the latter to be pitied. And as sin, disguised with a show of piety, is double iniquit...
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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 .

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>David himself said by the Holy Ghost</strong> (αὐτὸς Δαυὶδ εἶπεν ἐν τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἁγίῳ)—Jesus grounds His argument in Psalm 110:1's divine inspiration. David spoke 'in' (ἐν, en = 'in,' 'by means of') the Holy Spirit, establishing Scripture's authority as God-breathed revelation. Peter later quoted this verse at Pentecost (Acts 2:34-35); the author of Hebrews used it extensively to demonst...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(36) **David himself said by the Holy Ghost.**—St. Mark is more emphatic in ascribing the words of David to the influence of the Holy Spirit than either St. Matthew, who simply quotes, or St. Luke, who uses the more general phrase “in spirit.” (Comp. 2Peter 1:21.)

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 35-40** When we attend to what the Scriptures declare, as to the person and offices of Christ, we shall be led to confess him as our Lord and God; to obey him as our exalted Redeemer. If the common people hear these things gladly, while the learned and distinguished oppose, the former are happy, and the latter to be pitied. And as sin, disguised with a show of piety, is double iniquit...
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David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son?</strong> Jesus' rhetorical question exposes the inadequacy of merely human categories for understanding Messiah. If Messiah is only David's biological descendant, David wouldn't address him as κύριος (kyrios = 'Lord'), a title of superior authority. The word 'whence' (πόθεν, pothen = 'from where,' 'how') probes the or...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(37) **And the common people.**—Better, *the great body of the people.* Stress is laid on the multitude, not on the social condition, of those who thus heard gladly.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 35-40** When we attend to what the Scriptures declare, as to the person and offices of Christ, we shall be led to confess him as our Lord and God; to obey him as our exalted Redeemer. If the common people hear these things gladly, while the learned and distinguished oppose, the former are happy, and the latter to be pitied. And as sin, disguised with a show of piety, is double iniquit...
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Beware of the Scribes

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,

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus warns: <strong>Beware of the scribes</strong> (Βλέπετε ἀπὸ τῶν γραμματέων)—the imperative βλέπετε means 'watch out,' 'be on guard.' This isn't blanket condemnation (Jesus just praised one scribe, v. 34) but warning against scribal hypocrisy. The scribes <strong>love to go in long clothing</strong> (θελόντων ἐν στολαῖς περιπατεῖν)—στολαί (stolai) refers to flowing robes that distinguished scr...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(38-40) **In his doctrine.**—Better, *in His teaching.* See Notes on Matthew 23:1-7. St. Mark’s report is characteristically brief as compared with St. Matthew, and would seem to have been drawn from the same source as St. Luke’s (Luke 20:45-47).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 35-40** When we attend to what the Scriptures declare, as to the person and offices of Christ, we shall be led to confess him as our Lord and God; to obey him as our exalted Redeemer. If the common people hear these things gladly, while the learned and distinguished oppose, the former are happy, and the latter to be pitied. And as sin, disguised with a show of piety, is double iniquit...
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And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus continues His warning, exposing scribes' status-seeking: <strong>the chief seats in the synagogues</strong> (πρωτοκαθεδρίας ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς)—πρωτοκαθεδρία (prōtokathedria) means 'first seats,' the honored positions facing the congregation where leaders sat during worship. These seats signaled authority and garnered respect. <strong>Uppermost rooms at feasts</strong> (πρωτοκλισίας ἐν τοῖς ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 35-40** When we attend to what the Scriptures declare, as to the person and offices of Christ, we shall be led to confess him as our Lord and God; to obey him as our exalted Redeemer. If the common people hear these things gladly, while the learned and distinguished oppose, the former are happy, and the latter to be pitied. And as sin, disguised with a show of piety, is double iniquit...
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Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus exposes the most grievous scribal sin: <strong>Which devour widows' houses</strong> (οἱ κατεσθίοντες τὰς οἰκίας τῶν χηρῶν)—the verb κατεσθίω (katesthiō = 'to consume,' 'to devour') conveys predatory exploitation. Widows, lacking husbands for financial protection, were society's most vulnerable. God's law repeatedly commanded care for widows (Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 10:18; 24:17); prophets ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(40) **Which devour widow’s houses.**—Here the word has a special force as coming after the mention of the feasts. They seek the highest places at such banquets, our Lord seems to say, and when there, this is what they feast on. The special charge is not reported by St. Matthew in this connection, but occurs in Matthew 23:14, where see Note. The better MSS., indeed, omit it even there. The relativ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 35-40** When we attend to what the Scriptures declare, as to the person and offices of Christ, we shall be led to confess him as our Lord and God; to obey him as our exalted Redeemer. If the common people hear these things gladly, while the learned and distinguished oppose, the former are happy, and the latter to be pitied. And as sin, disguised with a show of piety, is double iniquit...
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The Widow's Offering

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. money: a piece of brass money

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus 'sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury' (καθίσας κατέναντι τοῦ γαζοφυλακίου ἐθεώρει πῶς ὁ ὄχλος βάλλει χαλκὸν εἰς τὸ γαζοφυλάκιον). The 'treasury' (gazophylakion, γαζοφυλάκιον) was the temple court with thirteen trumpet-shaped receptacles for offerings. Jesus observed 'how' people gave—not just amounts but attitudes. He saw 'many that were rich...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(41) **And Jesus sat over against the treasury.**—The narrative that follows is found in St. Luke also, but not in St. Matthew. The word used is not the “Corban” of Matthew 27:6, and is, perhaps, more definitely local. The treasure-chamber of the Temple would receive the alms which were dropped into the trumpet-shaped vessels that stood near the entrance for the purpose of receiving them, but they...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 41-44** Let us not forget that Jesus still sees the treasury. He knows how much, and from what motives, men give to his cause. He looks at the heart, and what our views are, in giving alms; and whether we do it as unto the Lord, or only to be seen of men. It is so rare to find any who would not blame this widow, that we cannot expect to find many who will do like to her; and yet our S...
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And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. mites: it is the seventh part of one piece of that brass money

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KJV Study Commentary

A 'poor widow came, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing' (ἐλθοῦσα μία χήρα πτωχὴ ἔβαλεν λεπτὰ δύο, ὅ ἐστιν κοδράντης). The widow's gift was two lepta (λεπτά, smallest copper coins) equaling one quadrans (κοδράντης, Roman farthing)—the smallest possible offering. Yet Jesus commended it above all others (v. 43). The widow's 'poverty' (ptōchē, πτωχὴ) means destitute, not merely poor—she...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(42) **And there came a** **certain poor widow.**—The position of the narrative gives to the description all the vividness of contrast. Among the “many” who cast in much must have been some at least of the Pharisees who devoured widows’ houses. Here was a widow whose house had been devoured, and who yet showed by her act that she kept the two great commandments, which the scribes themselves declar...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 41-44** Let us not forget that Jesus still sees the treasury. He knows how much, and from what motives, men give to his cause. He looks at the heart, and what our views are, in giving alms; and whether we do it as unto the Lord, or only to be seen of men. It is so rare to find any who would not blame this widow, that we cannot expect to find many who will do like to her; and yet our S...
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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:

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus called His disciples and said: 'Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury' (Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι ἡ χήρα αὕτη ἡ πτωχὴ πλεῖον πάντων ἔβαλεν τῶν βαλλόντων εἰς τὸ γαζοφυλάκιον). The widow gave 'more' (pleion, πλεῖον) than all others—not absolutely but proportionately. Jesus measured giving not by amount but by sacrifice. The sole...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(43) **And he called unto him his disciples.**—The act was significant. He sought to teach them to judge of acts by other than a quantitative standard. For him the widow’s mites and the ointment that might have been sold for 300 pence stood on the same level, so far as each was the expression of a generous and self-sacrificing love.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 41-44** Let us not forget that Jesus still sees the treasury. He knows how much, and from what motives, men give to his cause. He looks at the heart, and what our views are, in giving alms; and whether we do it as unto the Lord, or only to be seen of men. It is so rare to find any who would not blame this widow, that we cannot expect to find many who will do like to her; and yet our S...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus explained: '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' (πάντες γὰρ ἐκ τοῦ περισσεύοντος αὐτοῖς ἔβαλον, αὕτη δὲ ἐκ τῆς ὑστερήσεως αὐτῆς πάντα ὅσα εἶχεν ἔβαλεν, ὅλον τὸν βίον αὐτῆς). The contrast: wealthy gave 'from abundance' (ek tou perisseuontos, ἐκ τοῦ περισσεύοντος, from surplus); the widow gave 'from want' (ek tēs h...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(44) **They did cast in of their abundance . . . she of her want.**—The contrast between the two Greek words is somewhat stronger: *They of their superfluity . . .* *she of her deficiency.* We recognise the same standard of judgment, possibly even an allusive reference to our Lord’s language, in St. Paul’s praises of the churches of Macedonia, whose “deep poverty” had “abounded unto the riches of ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 41-44** Let us not forget that Jesus still sees the treasury. He knows how much, and from what motives, men give to his cause. He looks at the heart, and what our views are, in giving alms; and whether we do it as unto the Lord, or only to be seen of men. It is so rare to find any who would not blame this widow, that we cannot expect to find many who will do like to her; and yet our S...
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