New Testament · Gospel

Mark 12:38

The Widow's Offering

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, Mark 12:38 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Mark 12:38, in plain English

Jesus warned the crowd: 'Watch out for the religious teachers. They love wearing fancy robes and being greeted with respect in public.'

Why it's here

Jesus wasn't anti-scholarship — He was anti-hypocrisy. The problem wasn't their knowledge; it was that they used their position for personal glory instead of serving people.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks publicly, cautioning the crowd about the scribes.

Where it sits in the story

After honoring one honest scribe, Jesus now exposes the rest. Religion can become a costume — looking spiritual on the outside while the inside tells a different story.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus warns against the scribes' love of public honor — 'long robes' (Greek: stolai) and marketplace 'greetings' (aspasmos) — which signal social prestige and religious authority.

Language and setting

The scribes' desire for recognition contrasts sharply with Jesus' ethic of servanthood and will be further illustrated by the widow's offering that follows.

Voice

Jesus warns the crowd about the scribes' behavior.

Significance

Jesus transitions from theological debate to ethical critique, exposing the gap between the scribes' public persona and their private character.

In context

Mark 12:36–40

36Speaking by the Holy Spirit, David himself declared: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’

37David himself calls Him ‘Lord.’ So how can He be David’s son?”

38In His teaching Jesus also said, “Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, to receive greetings in the marketplaces,

39and to have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.

40They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”

Read all of Mark 12 — Trick questions from every direction, a scribe who almost gets it, and a poor widow who gives everything — two small coins that outweigh them all.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad