King James Version

What Does Mark 12:27 Mean?

Mark 12:27 in the King James Version says “He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.”

Mark 12:27 · KJV

Context

25

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.

26

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?

27

He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.

28

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?

29

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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Commentary

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, unchanging nature and ongoing relationship with His people. Death doesn't sever relationship with God—believers absent from the body are present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23). Jesus' final assessment: 'ye therefore do greatly err' (poly planasthe, πολὺ πλανᾶσθε, you wander far astray). Denying resurrection contradicts Scripture and God's character. This warning applies to all who reject resurrection—they fundamentally misunderstand God and salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Sadducees' error stemmed from wrong hermeneutics—wooden literalism missing theological implications. Jesus demonstrated how to read Scripture theologically, drawing resurrection doctrine from God's covenant faithfulness. Paul argued similarly: if no resurrection, Christ isn't raised; if Christ isn't raised, faith is futile (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). Early church faced Greek mockery of bodily resurrection (Acts 17:32)—Greeks believed in immortal soul but rejected bodily resurrection as crude. Christianity insisted on both: intermediate state (soul/spirit with Christ) and final resurrection (glorified body). Creeds affirm: 'I believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.' Reformed theology distinguishes soul's immortality (continuing conscious existence after death) from body's resurrection (future physical restoration). Both doctrines rest on God's character as 'God of the living.'

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the phrase 'God of the living' affirm both intermediate state (believers alive after death) and final resurrection (bodily restoration)?
  2. What does Jesus' condemnation of the Sadducees ('ye greatly err') teach about the seriousness of denying resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
οὐκ1 of 12

“not”

G3756

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

ἔστιν2 of 12

“He is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὁ3 of 12
G3588

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

Θεὸς4 of 12

“the God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

νεκρῶν5 of 12

“of the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ἀλλὰ6 of 12

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

Θεὸς7 of 12

“the God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ζώντων·8 of 12

“of the living”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

ὑμεῖς9 of 12

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

οὖν10 of 12

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

πολὺ11 of 12

“greatly”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

πλανᾶσθε12 of 12

“do”

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

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 12:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 12:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 14:9Mark 12:24Romans 4:17Hebrews 11:13-16Hebrews 3:10Proverbs 19:27

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