Mark 12:39

39 They love to have the most important seats in the synagogues. They also love to have the places of honor at dinners.

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 Jesus with delight.

38 As he taught, he said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in long robes. They like to be greeted in the market places.

39 They love to have the most important seats in the synagogues. They also love to have the places of honor at dinners.

40 They take over the houses of widows. They say long prayers to show off. God will punish those men very much."

41 Jesus sat down across from the place where people put their temple offerings. He watched the crowd putting their money into the offering boxes. Many rich people threw large amounts into them.