Mark 12:40

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Mark 12:35-40

Here, I. Christ shows the people how weak and defective the scribes were in their preaching, and how unable to solve the difficulties that occurred in the scriptures of the Old Testament, which they undertook to expound. Of this he gives an instance, which is not so fully related here as it was in Matthew. Christ was teaching in the temple: many things he said, which were not written; but notice is taken of this, because it will stir us up to enquire concerning Christ, and to enquire of him;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Mark 12:40

Which devour widows' houses ,.... See Gill on Matthew 23:14 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:35-40

The scribes. The profession of scribes, which had existed among the Jews ever since the Captivity, was in itself an honorable and useful profession. And there were members of this learned body who came into contact with the Lord Jesus who showed a candid disposition, a love of the truth, and who evinced respect and admiration for the great Rabbi. Yet some of the most bitter and virulent of our Lord's enemies were of this class. Their superiority to the people was a snare as well as an... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:38-40

Traits of the scribe. I. THE SEEMING GOOD OFTEN TH RI VE AND ARE HONORED. Insight into character is rare; men are judged by the outside, and are taken largely at their own valuation. II. Pretension ever hides emptiness, and often guilt. Fixed for ever for our repugnance, hatred, and contempt is the character of the religious pretender in the Gospel. Men need to be warned that there is more danger to the soul in pretending to a piety we have not got, than in merely having none... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:38-40

Parallel passages: Matthew 23:13-39 ; Luke 20:45-47 .— Warner against the scribes and Pharisees. He warns his disciples against We need daily to pray for preservation from all these.—J. J.G. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:40

There is a change in the construction here, which is not marked in the Authorized Version. The sentence in this fortieth verse should stand alone, and be read thus: They which devour ( οἱ κατεσθίοντες ) widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers; these shall receive greater condemnation . The sentence thus read is far more graphic. The statement thus becomes indeed more general, but the reference is still to the scribes who through their avarice swallowed up the property of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Mark 12:40

Which devour widows’ houses - Which devour the families of widows, or the means of supporting their families. This they did under pretence of counseling them in the knowledge of the law and in the management of their estates. They took advantage of their ignorance and their unprotected state, and either extorted large sums for their counsel, or perverted the property to their own use.No wonder that our Saviour denounced them! If there is any sin of special enormity, it is that of taking... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Mark 12:38-40

Mark 12:38-40. Beware of the scribes See that ye do not imitate their hypocrisy, or imbibe their principles, and be on your guard against their insidious counsels and designs. There was an absolute necessity for these repeated cautions of our Lord. For, considering the inveterate prejudices of these scribes against him and his doctrine, it could never be supposed that the common people would receive the gospel till these incorrigible blasphemers of it were brought to just disgrace. Yet he... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Mark 12:38-40

129. More about scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-39; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47)Instead of teaching only the law of Moses, the scribes and Pharisees added countless laws of their own. Instead of making the people’s load lighter, they made it heavier. People could profit from listening to the scribes’ teaching of Moses’ law, but they were not to copy the scribes’ behaviour (Matthew 23:1-4).Jesus gave two specific reasons for his condemnation of the scribes. First, they wanted to make a... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Mark 12:40

devour = eat up. Being occupied in making wills and conveyances of property, they abused their office. greater damnation = heavier judgment. read more

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