King James Version

What Does Mark 12:40 Mean?

Mark 12:40 in the King James Version says “Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.”

Mark 12:40 · KJV

Context

38

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,

39

And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:

40

Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

41

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

42

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

Read Mark 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus exposes the most grievous scribal sin: Which devour widows' houses (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 condemned those who oppressed them (Isaiah 1:23; 10:2; Jeremiah 7:6). Yet scribes used religious influence to extract money from the vulnerable—perhaps through excessive fees for legal services, manipulation of estates, or requiring support for long prayers.

For a pretence make long prayers (προφάσει μακρὰ προσευχόμενοι)—πρόφασις (prophasis = 'pretext,' 'pretense') indicates hypocrisy. Their lengthy public prayers created an appearance of piety while masking greed. Jesus contrasts this with the widow's genuine devotion (vv. 41-44). These shall receive greater damnation (οὗτοι λήμψονται περισσότερον κρίμα)—the comparative περισσότερον ('greater,' 'more severe') indicates that judgment corresponds to responsibility. Religious leaders who exploit the vulnerable face stricter accountability (James 3:1). This sobering warning concludes Jesus' temple teaching before He praises the widow's sacrificial giving.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Widows in ancient Israel depended on family support, gleaning rights, and community charity. Without social security systems, vulnerable widows could easily fall into poverty. Mosaic law protected widows' inheritance rights, forbade taking their cloaks as pledges (Deuteronomy 24:17), and designated portions of tithes for their support (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Prophets condemned leaders who 'devoured' widows through legal manipulation (Ezekiel 22:25) and economic oppression (Malachi 3:5). First-century scribes, as legal experts, managed estates and gave counsel—positions ripe for abuse. Some likely charged exorbitant fees or manipulated vulnerable women through religious pressure. Jesus' condemnation echoes Ezekiel 34's judgment on shepherds who fed themselves while neglecting the flock. Early Christianity prioritized widow care (Acts 6:1; 1 Timothy 5:3-16; James 1:27).

Reflection Questions

  1. How might religious leaders today 'devour widows' houses' through financial exploitation disguised as ministry?
  2. What does Jesus' warning about 'greater damnation' teach about increased accountability for those in spiritual leadership?
  3. How can churches protect vulnerable members from spiritual abuse and financial manipulation by those in positions of trust?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
οἱ1 of 14
G3588

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

κατεσθίοντες2 of 14

“devour”

G2719

to eat up, i.e., devour (literally or figuratively)

τὰς3 of 14
G3588

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

οἰκίας4 of 14

“houses”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

τῶν5 of 14
G3588

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

χηρῶν6 of 14

“widows”

G5503

a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively

καὶ7 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

προφάσει8 of 14

“for a pretence”

G4392

an outward showing, i.e., pretext

μακρὰ9 of 14

“long”

G3117

long (in place (distant) or time (neuter plural))

προσευχόμενοι·10 of 14

“make”

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

οὗτοι11 of 14

“these”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

λήψονται12 of 14

“shall receive”

G2983

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

περισσότερον13 of 14
G4053

superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence

κρίμα14 of 14

“damnation”

G2917

a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))

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 12:40 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 12:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 23:33Luke 20:47Matthew 23:13Matthew 6:7Ezekiel 22:252 Timothy 3:6

Test Your Knowledge

Mark 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMark Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Mark 12 with CommentaryAll Mark ChaptersComplete Mark QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes