Mark 12:39

39 And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table 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 Since David himself called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with great delight.

38 Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces.

39 And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets.

40 Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished.”

41 Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts.