38And in his teaching he was saying, "Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk about in long robes and to receive greetings in the marketplaces [12:39] and to have the first seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets — [12:40] those who devour the households of widows and make long prayers for show. These will receive the greater condemnation."
MRK 12:38-40
Beware of the Scribes
In the world it was spoken into
In 1st-century Jewish society, scribes held significant authority as interpreters of the Torah and custodians of religious tradition. Their role often placed them in positions of honor, symbolized by their long robes , which marked their status and piety. Public greetings in the marketplace and the coveted 'first seats' in synagogues were outward signs of their social prestige. However, Jesus critiques their exploitation of vulnerable groups, particularly widows, whose households they 'devour' —a term evoking predatory behavior. Widows, lacking male protectors, were especially susceptible to economic manipulation. The scribes' lengthy prayers, ostensibly acts of piety, are exposed as a pretext for their self-serving actions. This critique aligns with broader Jewish concerns about hypocrisy and the misuse of religious authority, as seen in prophetic traditions. For Jesus' audience, this warning would resonate with their lived experience of scribes' influence and the societal pressures of honor and shame.
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How other translations render this
MRK 12:38
- KJV
- 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,
- BSB
- In His teaching Jesus also said, “Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, to receive greetings in the marketplaces,
- Koinōnos
- And in his teaching he was saying, "Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk about in long robes and to receive greetings in the marketplaces
MRK 12:39
- KJV
- And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
- BSB
- and to have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.
- Koinōnos
- and to have the first seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets —
MRK 12:40
- KJV
- Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
- BSB
- They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”
- Koinōnos
- those who devour the households of widows and make long prayers for show. These will receive the greater condemnation.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
MRK 12:38
- the:The word translated 'scribe' referred to a highly educated official, often a legal expert or secretary, who held significant social and religious authority in 1st-century Jewish society.
- in:The term used here for 'robe' indicates a long, flowing garment, often worn by those of high status or office, signifying their importance and dignity.
MRK 12:39
- first seats:The phrase translated 'first seats' refers to the places of highest honor and prominence in public gatherings, such as synagogues or banquets, reflecting social status and recognition.
MRK 12:40
- devouring:The word translated 'devouring' carries a strong sense of consuming completely or exploiting ruthlessly, implying a predatory action rather than simply eating.