And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus highlights that the scribes’ outward shows – their long robes and public greetings – weren't just preferences, but indicators of a deeper issue: they loved the recognition these things brought, revealing a heart more concerned with human praise than with God's approval. This emphasis on outward appearance over inner reality is what Jesus warns us to be on guard against.
And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is teaching in the Temple courts, having just silenced the religious leaders who questioned his authority and then posed a riddle about the Messiah. He reveals the scribes, the religious scholars and interpreters of the Law, as hypocrites who outwardly appear pious but inwardly seek honor and exploit others. This warning follows Jesus' affirmation of the greatest commandment and his exposure of the Sadducees' misunderstanding of Scripture, all leading up to his subsequent passion.
Jesus warned His followers to 'Beware of the scribes.' What did He see beneath their long robes and public greetings that prompted such a strong caution?
Jesus wasn't just pointing out fashion choices. The 'long robes' and 'greetings in the marketplaces' were outward signs of a deeper issue: a love for human recognition and status over genuine devotion.
Seeking Applause
The scribes enjoyed displaying their religious status through their clothing and receiving public honor. This outward show masked an inward emptiness, a focus on how they appeared to others rather than on their true relationship with God.
The Danger of Deception
When religious leaders prioritize external appearances and public praise, it can lead to a disconnect between their inner lives and their outward actions. This hypocrisy is dangerous because it can mislead people and obscure the true heart of faith.
Jesus called out the scribes for their outward show, but the context reveals an even more serious indictment. What hidden practices lay behind their respected facade?
The scribes' love for appearances was not a harmless vanity; it was a cover for a deep corruption.
Devouring Widows' Houses
Beyond their love for robes and greetings, the scribes were condemned for 'devouring widows' houses' and making 'long prayers' as a pretense. This reveals a predatory nature hidden beneath a veneer of piety.
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The Gravity of Hypocrisy
Jesus' warning is stark: their outward religious practices were a sham, a way to gain trust and exploit the vulnerable. This deliberate deception, especially from those in positions of spiritual authority, incurs 'greater condemnation.'
Understand the original words
grammateus · Greek Noun
Religious professionals in ancient Judaism responsible for studying, interpreting, and teaching the Mosaic Law. In the Gospels, they are often contrasted with Jesus for their legalism, hypocrisy, and rejection of His authority.
Jesus' warning reveals a deep tension between the desire for honor and genuine service within the religious leadership of his day, a conflict that intensified as Roman occupation loomed and ultimately led to the Temple's destruction.
c. 450 BC
Ezra Re-establishes the Law
Ezra, a scribe and priest, leads a group of exiles back to Jerusalem and institutes a rigorous study and application of the Law of Moses. This period solidifies the role of scribes as interpreters and teachers of the Law.
c. 200 BC - 100 BC
Rise of the Pharisees and Scribes
The influence of the scribes, particularly those aligned with the emerging Pharisaic movement, grows significantly. They become key figures in religious and social life, often holding positions of authority and respect.
c. 4 BC - AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus begins his ministry, openly teaching and challenging the established religious authorities, including the scribes and Pharisees. His teachings often highlight their hypocrisy and pride.
AD 30
Jesus' Confrontation in the Temple
During his final week in Jerusalem, Jesus publicly denounces the scribes' hypocrisy, their love for public honor, and their exploitation of the vulnerable, directly in the Temple courts.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman legions destroy Jerusalem and the Second Temple, marking a catastrophic turning point for Judaism and scattering its religious leadership. This event drastically alters the landscape for the scribal tradition.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' warning, listing the same outward displays—long robes, public greetings, and places of honor—as evidence of the scribes' love for human adulation.
Luke 20:46Luke's account echoes Mark's warning, highlighting the scribes' desire for outward appearances and recognition, emphasizing the contrast between their external show and internal reality.
Proverbs 14:15This proverb speaks to the danger of naivety and the wisdom of discernment, reflecting Jesus' caution to 'beware' of those who present a respectable facade but harbor hidden motives.
1 Samuel 16:7This verse reminds us that God looks at the heart, not outward appearances, which directly contrasts with the scribes' focus on outward shows like long robes and marketplace greetings that Jesus condemns.
barnesMark 12:38: "And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,"
In his doctrine - In his "teaching," for so it should be rendered. Beware of the scribes - Be on your guard. Be cautious about hearing them or following them. Scribes - The learned men of the Jewish nation. Which love to go in long clothing - In long, flowing robes, as significant of their consequence, leisure, and learning. Salutations ... - S…
expositorsMark 12:35-40: "And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?"
CHAPTER 12:35-40 (Mark 12:35-40)DAVID'S LORD "And Jesus answered and said, as He taught in the temple, How say the scribes that the Christ is the Son of David? David himself said in the Holy Spirit,-- The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, Till I make Thine enemies the footstool of Thy feet. David himself calleth Him Lord; and whence is He his son? An…
Jesus highlights that the scribes’ outward shows – their long robes and public greetings – weren't just preferences, but indicators of a deeper issue: they loved the recognition these things brought, revealing a heart more concerned with human praise than with God's approval. This emphasis on outward appearance over inner reality is what Jesus warns us to be on guard against.
Jesus is teaching in the Temple courts, having just silenced the religious leaders who questioned his authority and then posed a riddle about the Messiah. He reveals the scribes, the religious scholars and interpreters of the Law, as hypocrites who outwardly appear pious but inwardly seek honor and exploit others. This warning follows Jesus' affirmation of the greatest commandment and his exposure of the Sadducees' misunderstanding of Scripture, all leading up to his subsequent passion.
Jesus is teaching in the Temple courts, having just silenced the religious leaders who questioned his authority and then posed a riddle about the Messiah. He reveals the scribes, the religious scholars and interpreters of the Law, as hypocrites who outwardly appear pious but inwardly seek honor and exploit others. This warning follows Jesus' affirmation of the greatest commandment and his exposure of the Sadducees' misunderstanding of Scripture, all leading up to his subsequent passion.
"And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces" — Jesus highlights that the scribes’ outward shows – their long robes and public greetings – weren't just preferences, but indicators of a deeper issue: they loved the recognition these things brough…
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Last reviewed October 2026