Mark 12:39

39 They long for places of honor in the synagogues and at banquets.

Mark 12:39 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 12:39

And the chief seats in the synagogues
Where the rulers of the synagogue, and the elders of the people sat; (See Gill on Matthew 23:6).

And the uppermost rooms at feasts;
or the first and chief places where they sat, or rather lay along at public entertainment; (See Gill on Matthew 23:6).

Mark 12:39 In-Context

37 David himself calls him ‘Lord,' so how can he be David's son?" The large crowd listened to him with delight.

38 As he was teaching, he said, "Watch out for the legal experts. They like to walk around in long robes. They want to be greeted with honor in the markets.

39 They long for places of honor in the synagogues and at banquets.

40 They are the ones who cheat widows out of their homes, and to show off they say long prayers. They will be judged most harshly."

41 Jesus sat across from the collection box for the temple treasury and observed how the crowd gave their money. Many rich people were throwing in lots of money.