King James Version
What Does Mark 12:21 Mean?
“And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise.”
Mark 12:21 · KJV
Context
19
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.
20
Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.
21
And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise.
22
And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.
23
In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise (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 compounds the resurrection dilemma they're constructing.
The phrase neither left he any seed (μὴ καταλιπὼν σπέρμα) repeats for emphasis—no children resulted from any union, meaning the levirate obligation passed sequentially through all seven brothers. This complete failure of the levirate system's purpose (producing offspring for the deceased) heightens the scenario's apparent absurdity: the law failed its objective, yet created marital entanglements the Sadducees believed resurrection couldn't resolve.
The phrase neither left he any seed (μὴ καταλιπὼν σπέρμα) repeats for emphasis—no children resulted from any union, meaning the levirate obligation passed sequentially through all seven brothers. This complete failure of the levirate system's purpose (producing offspring for the deceased) heightens the scenario's apparent absurdity: the law failed its objective, yet created marital entanglements the Sadducees believed resurrection couldn't resolve.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The Sadducees' elaboration of this scenario reflects their rationalistic theology. Greek philosophy, particularly Epicureanism and elements of Stoicism, influenced educated Jewish aristocrats in the Hellenistic period. While affirming Torah's authority, Sadducees interpreted it through rationalistic lens, rejecting supernatural elements they deemed philosophically problematic. Their resurrection denial wasn't mere skepticism but philosophical conviction that bodily resurrection contradicted reason and natural order. This scenario was designed to demonstrate that resurrection created logical impossibilities, therefore couldn't be true. Jesus' response will reveal their fundamental error: presuming resurrection life mirrors present earthly existence rather than representing transformed reality.
Reflection Questions
- How does the methodical repetition of each brother's failure reveal the Sadducees' confidence in their logical trap?
- What does their assumption that resurrection life duplicates earthly marriage reveal about materialistic thinking limiting spiritual understanding?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 16 wordsκαὶ1 of 16
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸς5 of 16
“he”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ6 of 16
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ8 of 16
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸς10 of 16
“he”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
σπέρμα·12 of 16
“any seed”
G4690something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)
καὶ13 of 16
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τρίτος15 of 16
“the third”
G5154third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Mark 12:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.