Mark 12:39

39 They love to have the most important seats in the synagogues and at feasts.

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 the Christ 'Lord,' so how can the Christ be his son?" The large crowd listened to Jesus with pleasure.

38 Jesus continued teaching and said, "Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around wearing fancy clothes, and they love for people to greet them with respect in the marketplaces.

39 They love to have the most important seats in the synagogues and at feasts.

40 But they cheat widows and steal their houses and then try to make themselves look good by saying long prayers. They will receive a greater punishment."

41 Jesus sat near the Temple money box and watched the people put in their money. Many rich people gave large sums of money.