King James Version

What Does Mark 12:28 Mean?

Mark 12:28 in the King James Version says “And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, as... — study this verse from Mark chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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?

Mark 12:28 · KJV


Context

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:

30

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which is the first commandment of all? This scribe (γραμματεύς, grammateus), having observed Jesus' skillful responses to hostile questions, genuinely seeks truth. Unlike previous interrogators, he recognizes Jesus had answered them well and approaches with sincere inquiry. The question about the first (πρώτη, prōtē) commandment addresses a live rabbinic debate: which of the 613 Torah commands takes priority? Some rabbis ranked commandments as 'heavy' and 'light'; others sought a unifying principle.

Mark uniquely notes the scribe's positive assessment of Jesus' wisdom before asking his question—this scribe comes as a learner, not a trap-setter. Jesus' answer (vv. 29-31) will quote the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) and the love commandment (Leviticus 19:18), distilling God's law to its essence: total devotion to God and sacrificial love for neighbor. This exchange stands in sharp contrast to earlier confrontations (taxes to Caesar, resurrection debates with Sadducees), culminating in mutual respect between Jesus and this discerning scribe.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Scribes (experts in Mosaic law) devoted their lives to studying, interpreting, and teaching Torah. By the first century, rabbinic tradition had identified 613 commandments in the Torah (248 positive, 365 negative). Debates about which commandments were most important or foundational were common in Jewish schools. Rabbi Hillel (c. 110 BC – 10 AD) famously summarized the law: 'What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor; that is the whole Torah, the rest is commentary.' Jesus' response to this scribe reflects similar concern for the heart of the law. This conversation occurs during Passion Week in Jerusalem's temple courts, where scribes and teachers regularly debated.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus respond differently to this scribe than to previous questioners, and what does this teach about discerning genuine seekers from hostile critics?
  2. How does the question about the 'first' commandment reveal the danger of elevating minor theological disputes over fundamental devotion to God?
  3. In what ways might contemporary Christianity need to recover clarity about the 'first commandment' amid proliferating religious rules and traditions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Καὶ1 of 20

And

G2532

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

προσελθὼν2 of 20

came

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

εἷς3 of 20

one

G1520

one

τῶν4 of 20
G3588

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

γραμματέων5 of 20

of the scribes

G1122

a professional writer

ἀκούσας6 of 20

and having heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

αὐτόν7 of 20

him

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

συζητούντων8 of 20

reasoning together

G4802

to investigate jointly, i.e., discuss, controvert, cavil

εἰδὼς9 of 20

and perceiving

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι10 of 20

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καλῶς11 of 20

well

G2573

well (usually morally)

αὐτόν12 of 20

him

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

ἀπεκρίθη13 of 20

he had answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

ἐπηρώτησεν14 of 20

asked

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

αὐτόν15 of 20

him

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

Ποία16 of 20

Which

G4169

individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one

ἐστὶν17 of 20

is

G2076

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

πρώτη18 of 20

the first

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

πασῶν19 of 20

of all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐντολὴ20 of 20

commandment

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription


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 12:28 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 12:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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