King James Version

What Does Mark 12:22 Mean?

Mark 12:22 in the King James Version says “And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.”

Mark 12:22 · KJV

Context

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.

24

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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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also (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 eschaton pantōn (ἔσχατον πάντων, "last of all") emphasizes the woman's death as the scenario's climax, setting up their coming question about resurrection relationships.

The woman's childlessness throughout seven marriages makes her situation especially tragic by ancient standards—barrenness was considered divine disfavor (though Scripture never blames her). Yet this childlessness is essential to the Sadducees' argument: had any brother produced offspring, that would resolve which marriage was 'real' in God's economy. Her complete childlessness makes all seven marriages apparently equal, creating the dilemma they'll exploit in verse 23.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Childlessness in ancient Israel carried severe social stigma. Women's primary value in patriarchal society derived from producing male heirs to continue family lines and inherit property. Barrenness was often viewed as divine judgment (1 Samuel 1:6; Luke 1:25), though biblical narratives frequently challenged this view (Sarah, Rachel, Hannah, Elizabeth all were vindicated). The Sadducees' scenario of seven childless marriages would have struck ancient hearers as extraordinarily tragic—not only was the woman widowed repeatedly, but she failed in what society deemed her primary purpose. Yet Jesus' coming answer will revolutionize understanding of human identity and value beyond earthly roles and relationships.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the woman's complete childlessness reveal about the Sadducees using human tragedy to construct theological puzzles?
  2. How does Jesus' response to this scenario (vv. 24-25) transform our understanding of human identity beyond earthly relationships and roles?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔλαβον2 of 15

“had”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

αὐτὴν3 of 15

“her”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οἱ4 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑπτὰ5 of 15

“the seven”

G2033

seven

καὶ6 of 15

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ7 of 15

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀφῆκαν8 of 15

“left”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

σπέρμα9 of 15

“seed”

G4690

something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)

ἔσχατη10 of 15

“last”

G2078

farthest, final (of place or time)

πάντων11 of 15

“of all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀπέθανεν12 of 15

“died”

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

καὶ13 of 15

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡ14 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυνὴ15 of 15

“the woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

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 12:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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