Mark 12 28

Mark 12:28 kjv

And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?

Mark 12:28 nkjv

Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, "Which is the first commandment of all?"

Mark 12:28 niv

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"

Mark 12:28 esv

And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the most important of all?"

Mark 12:28 nlt

One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"

Mark 12 verses

Mark 12 28 Meaning

Mark 12:28 recounts an interaction between Jesus and a scribe following Jesus' encounter with the Sadducees. A scribe, an expert in Jewish Law, observed Jesus' wisdom in debate and, genuinely impressed by His answers, inquired which commandment was the most significant of all. This moment marks a shift from hostile questioning to sincere theological inquiry.

Mark 12 28 Context

Mark 12:28 occurs within Jesus' final week of public ministry in Jerusalem, specifically on the Tuesday before His crucifixion. This passage is part of a series of intense challenges from various Jewish religious groups who sought to trap Jesus in His words. Preceding this verse, Jesus masterfully answered the Pharisees and Herodians regarding paying taxes to Caesar (Mark 12:13-17) and then silenced the Sadducees with His teaching on the resurrection (Mark 12:18-27). The scribe, unlike the previous interrogators, is presented as an observer of this profound disputation, impressed by Jesus' wisdom. The question regarding the "most important commandment" was a common point of discussion among rabbis and scribes of that era, as they grappled with summarizing the 613 Mosaic commandments (mitzvot) into a singular, guiding principle.

Mark 12 28 Word analysis

• One of the scribes (εἷς τῶν γραμματέων, heis tōn grammatéōn): "Scribe" refers to an expert in the Mosaic Law, responsible for copying, interpreting, and teaching Scripture. While often aligned with the Pharisees and portrayed as antagonists of Jesus in the Gospels, this individual stands out by showing a degree of receptiveness. Not all scribes were hostile.
• came up and heard (προσελθὼν ἤκουσεν, proselthōn ēkousen): This indicates a purposeful approach and keen attention. The scribe was not involved in the initial dispute but observed it from a position of relative neutrality.
• them disputing (αὐτῶν συζητούντων, autōn syzētountōn): "Disputing" implies an intense debate or argument, specifically referring to Jesus' heated exchange with the Sadducees regarding the resurrection. It highlights the intellectual rigor of the discussion.
• perceiving (ἰδὼν, idōn): More than just "hearing," "perceiving" (literally "seeing") implies a deep understanding and discernment. The scribe intellectually processed Jesus' answer and recognized its profundity.
• that he had answered them well (ὅτι καλῶς αὐτοὺς ἀπεκρίθη, hoti kalōs autous apekrithē): "Well" (καλῶς, kalōs) signifies that Jesus' answer was not merely correct, but excellent, wise, and fitting. This is a crucial commendation from an authority in Jewish law, distinguishing this scribe from other opponents who were simply silenced. It acknowledges Jesus' masterful grasp and presentation of truth.
• asked him (ἐπηρώτησεν αὐτόν, epērōtēsen auton): This "asking" is presented as a genuine inquiry rather than an attempt to trick or challenge. It shows intellectual curiosity and a desire for clarification.
• Which commandment (Ποία ἐστὶν ἐντολὴ, Poia estin entolē): "Commandment" (ἐντολή, entolē) refers to a divine precept of the Mosaic Law. The question implies a desire to understand the hierarchy or core essence of God's revealed will.
• is the most important of all? (πρώτη πάντων;, prōtē pantōn?): "Most important" (πρώτη, prōtē, lit. "first") denotes preeminence, priority, and fundamental significance among the multitude of commandments in the Torah. This was a classic rabbinic question aiming to distill the spirit of the Law.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "One of the scribes came up and heard them disputing": Introduces a significant new character and highlights the contentious setting of Jesus' public ministry. The scribe acts as an impartial observer, setting the stage for a unique interaction.
• "and perceiving that he had answered them well": This phrase is pivotal. It indicates the scribe's discernment and open-mindedness, contrasting with the wilful blindness or animosity of many other religious leaders. His recognition of Jesus' wisdom creates a moment of sincere inquiry rather than antagonism.
• "asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?”": This direct question signifies a shift from trapping Jesus to a sincere theological discussion. It represents a genuine pursuit of the foundational truth of God's Law, a question that Jewish scholars regularly debated in search of the core of piety.

Mark 12 28 Bonus section

• The positive depiction of this scribe in Mark's Gospel stands in stark contrast to the often critical portrayal of scribes elsewhere. This instance suggests that not all scribes were hostile, and some genuinely sought understanding from Jesus. Mark uniquely records the scribe's affirmation of Jesus' answer and Jesus' commendation that the scribe "is not far from the kingdom of God" (Mark 12:34), emphasizing spiritual discernment over rigid adherence.
• The rabbinic tradition had a fascination with categorizing and prioritizing the 613 Mitzvot. Questions like the one posed by the scribe were common attempts to find a summary principle. Examples include Hillel's formulation of the Golden Rule as a summary, reflecting the long-standing quest to distil the Law's essence.
• Jesus' ability to "silence" His opponents with His wisdom (Mark 12:17, 34) demonstrates His divine authority and knowledge of Scripture. The scribe's question flows directly from witnessing this unassailable wisdom.

Mark 12 28 Commentary

Mark 12:28 provides a unique moment in Jesus' Jerusalem ministry, setting itself apart from the usual adversarial encounters. This scribe is portrayed not as an antagonist seeking to trap Jesus, but as a perceptive listener genuinely impressed by Jesus' superior wisdom in theological debate. His question concerning the greatest commandment was a long-standing theological inquiry within Judaism, aiming to synthesize the multitude of divine laws into a singular, overarching principle. By asking Jesus this, the scribe not only validates Jesus' teaching authority but also expresses a deep yearning to understand the essence of God's will. This honest inquiry opens the door for Jesus to articulate the twin commands of loving God and neighbor, revealing the profound theological and ethical core of the entire Mosaic Law. It illustrates that spiritual openness, even from those in traditional religious establishments, can lead to encounters with transformative truth.