The wicked tenants
Mark 12:1–12FocusRejecting the owner's claim
Connection to the wholeThe parable answers the preceding authority dispute by describing rejection of messengers and the beloved son.
interpretation Mark 12:40
KJVWhich devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
Read it in context
Scribes and the widow
Start reading at Mark 12:38 (Mark 12:38 to Mark 12:44).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The warning about devouring widows' houses is followed by the poor widow's offering, placing public prestige beside costly giving.
- 12:38 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,
- 12:39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
- 12:40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
- 12:41 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.
- 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
- 12:43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
- 12:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 12:1–12:44): Jesus answers religious leaders, including Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, and a scribe; He teaches the crowd and draws His disciples' attention to a widow's offering. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Scribes and the widow. Read Mark 12:38 through Mark 12:44 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The warning about devouring widows' houses is followed by the poor widow's offering, placing public prestige beside costly giving. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Scribes and the widow (Mark 12:38 to Mark 12:44). Start reading at Mark 12:38. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 12:38, Mark 12:44, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- devour Ezek 22:25 Mic 2:2 Mic 3:1-4 Matt 23:14 Luke 20:47 2 Tim 3:6
- long Matt 6:7 Matt 11:22-24 Matt 23:33 Luke 12:47-48
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 12
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
Tribute and resurrection
Mark 12:13–27FocusQuestions that miss God's power
Connection to the wholeJesus answers attempts to trap Him and corrects a denial of resurrection by directing attention to Scripture and God's power.
interpretation The chief command and David's Lord
Mark 12:28–37FocusGod's oneness and the Christ
Connection to the wholeJesus affirms God's oneness and the commands to love, then raises the question of how David calls the Christ his Lord.
interpretation FocusAppearance and costly devotion
Connection to the wholeThe warning about devouring widows' houses is followed by the poor widow's offering, placing public prestige beside costly giving.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation The expanding ministry
Mark 3:7–8:26FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.