Mark 12:38

Beware of the Scribes

38 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, ¹

Mark 12:38 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 12:38

And he said unto them in his doctrine
As he was preaching, not to the Scribes and Pharisees but to the multitude, and to his disciples particularly; and to them in the audience of the people, as appears from ( Matthew 23:1 ) ( Luke 20:45 ) .

Beware of the Scribes;
for though he had just spoken favourably of one of them, this was but a single man, and a singular instance; the body of that set of men, were very bad in their principles and practices, and therefore to be avoided, and that for the reasons following:

which love to go in long clothing;
the Persic version renders it, "who affect to walk in coats and garments conspicuous, and in long robes"; such as were very particular, and different from others, and out of the common way of apparel; and so were observable and taken notice of by others: very likely it may have reference to the common length of their fringes on the borders of their outward garment, which they enlarged beyond others; (See Gill on Matthew 23:5);

and [love] salutations the market places;
or "streets", as the Syriac and Arabic versions render it, in any public places, where there was a resort of men, and they were taken notice with respect, in a public manner. The Syriac Persic supply the word "love", as we do from ( Matthew 23:6 Matthew 23:7 ) , (See Gill on Matthew 23:6), (See Gill on Matthew 23:7).

Mark 12:38 In-Context

36 Speaking 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.”’

37 David himself calls Him ‘Lord.’ So how can He be David’s son?” And the large crowd listened to Him with delight.

38 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,

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

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

Cross References

• 1. (Luke 20:45–47)