King James Version

What Does Mark 12:5 Mean?

Mark 12:5 in the King James Version says “And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. — study this verse from Mark chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.

Mark 12:5 · KJV


Context

3

And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.

4

And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.

5

And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.

6

Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.

7

But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Again he sent another; and him they killed—Escalation reaches murder (ἀποκτείνω, apokteinō). And many others; beating some, and killing some—a summary statement compressing centuries of prophetic martyrdom into one devastating sentence. The plurality reveals God's relentless pursuit of His people through successive generations of prophets, and Israel's persistent violence against them.

The 'many others' indicts the entire prophetic tradition from Abel to Zechariah (Matthew 23:35). This verse is the hinge: it establishes the pattern (rejection-violence-murder) that will climax in verses 6-8 with the beloved son. The tenants' escalating violence proves they won't be reformed—only judgment remains.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's history is stained with prophetic blood: tradition holds that Isaiah was martyred under King Manasseh, Jeremiah was killed by fellow Jews in Egypt, Zechariah son of Jehoiada was murdered in the temple (2 Chronicles 24:20-22). Jesus later pronounced judgment: 'Upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth' (Matthew 23:35), confirming this parabolic indictment as historical reality.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the progression from beating to killing demonstrate that persistent rejection of truth leads to hardened violence against it?
  2. What does God's sending 'many others' reveal about His patient determination to call rebellious people to account?
  3. How do you guard against the religious complacency that killed the prophets while claiming to honor them?

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

πάλιν2 of 15

again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

ἄλλους3 of 15

another

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἀπέστειλεν·4 of 15

he sent

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

κἀκεῖνον5 of 15

and him

G2548

likewise that (or those)

ἀποκτείνοντες6 of 15

killing some

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

καὶ7 of 15

And

G2532

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

πολλοὺς8 of 15

many

G4183

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

ἄλλους9 of 15

another

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

τοὓς10 of 15
G3588

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

μὲν11 of 15
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

δέροντες12 of 15

beating some

G1194

properly, to flay, i.e., (by implication) to scourge, or (by analogy) to thrash

τοὺς13 of 15
G3588

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

δὲ14 of 15

and

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀποκτείνοντες15 of 15

killing some

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy


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 12:5 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 12:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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