Mark 12:38
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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus warns against the scribes not just for their outward show, but because their love for honor and recognition reveals a deeper flaw: their teaching and actions were driven by a desire for human approval rather than genuine devotion to God. This pursuit of external validation, seen in their "long robes" and love for public greetings, masked a spiritual emptiness that Jesus urgently wanted people to recognize.
Just moments after a profound exchange where Jesus declared the greatest commandment, He turns His attention to the crowds and His disciples. He then issues a stark warning about the scribes, the religious scholars of the day, highlighting their outward displays of piety like long robes and public greetings, contrasting their outward appearance with their inner corruption. This warning is part of Jesus' public teaching in the Temple, directly following His challenging question to the religious leaders about the Messiah's identity.
Why did Jesus warn people to 'beware' of the scribes, even pointing out their clothing? It wasn't just about fashion.
Jesus calls out the scribes not for their religious duties, but for the heart behind their actions. Their love for 'long robes' and 'greetings in the marketplaces' wasn't about piety; it was about seeking honor and recognition from people.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Mark 12:38 is available in the Sola app.
Jesus confronts the scribes directly. What's the difference between someone who seems authoritative and someone who truly leads?
Jesus' warning about the scribes is a stark contrast to the kind of leadership He models.
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 against the scribes wasn't just a theological point; it was a public denunciation of religious leaders whose outward piety masked inner corruption, delivered at a time of intense political and religious turmoil in Judea.
c. 200 BC - 1st Century AD
Rise of the Scribes
During this period, the scribes, who were experts in Jewish law, gained significant influence. They became interpreters and teachers of the Law, often holding positions of authority in synagogues and public life.
Early 1st Century AD
Jewish Roman Relations Strain
Tensions between Jewish leaders and Roman authorities increased as Roman rule became more oppressive. This led to increased political and religious fervor among different Jewish factions.
c. AD 25-30
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus began his public ministry, challenging established religious norms and authorities, including the scribes and Pharisees. His teachings often contrasted with their interpretations and practices.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Teaching in the Temple
Jesus delivered teachings in the Jerusalem Temple, often in the presence of scribes and other religious leaders. It was during this time, shortly before his crucifixion, that he issued strong warnings against the scribes.
AD 66-73
First Jewish-Roman War
The Jewish people revolted against Roman rule, leading to widespread conflict and the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' warning, detailing the scribes' love for outward show like long robes, public greetings, and prominent seating, highlighting their desire for human honor over genuine piety.
Luke 20:46Luke also records Jesus' warning against the scribes' outward display and love for public recognition, reinforcing the theme of their misplaced priorities in their religious practice.
Philippians 2:3-4In contrast to the scribes' self-seeking ambition, this passage calls believers to humility and to look not to their own interests but to the interests of others, providing a positive model of godly character.
1 Samuel 15:22This Old Testament passage emphasizes that obedience and genuine devotion are far more valuable to God than outward rituals or show, a truth that the scribes' behavior flagrantly disregarded.
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 warns against the scribes not just for their outward show, but because their love for honor and recognition reveals a deeper flaw: their teaching and actions were driven by a desire for human approval rather than genuine devotion to God. This pursuit of external validation, seen in their "long robes" and love for public greetings, masked a spiritual emptiness that Jesus urgently wanted people to recognize.
Just moments after a profound exchange where Jesus declared the greatest commandment, He turns His attention to the crowds and His disciples. He then issues a stark warning about the scribes, the religious scholars of the day, highlighting their outward displays of piety like long robes and public greetings, contrasting their outward appearance with their inner corruption. This warning is part of Jesus' public teaching in the Temple, directly following His challenging question to the religious leaders about the Messiah's identity.
Just moments after a profound exchange where Jesus declared the greatest commandment, He turns His attention to the crowds and His disciples. He then issues a stark warning about the scribes, the religious scholars of the day, highlighting their outward displays of piety like long robes and public greetings, contrasting their outward appearance with their inner corruption. This warning is part of Jesus' public teaching in the Temple, directly following His challenging question to the religious leaders about the Messiah's identity.
"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 warns against the scribes not just for their outward show, but because their love for honor and recognition reveals a deeper flaw: their teaching and actions were driven by a desire for human a…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
