Mark 12 32

Mark 12:32 kjv

And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:

Mark 12:32 nkjv

So the scribe said to Him, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He.

Mark 12:32 niv

"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.

Mark 12:32 esv

And the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him.

Mark 12:32 nlt

The teacher of religious law replied, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other.

Mark 12 verses

Mark 12 32 Meaning

Mark 12:32 records the remarkable affirmation of a scribe towards Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandment. The scribe acknowledges the absolute truth of Jesus' words, particularly the core Jewish tenet of God's absolute oneness and singularity, a concept foundational to the worship and love of God. This response highlights a shared understanding of theological truth between Jesus and this particular religious leader, indicating genuine insight and spiritual agreement from the scribe.

Mark 12 32 Context

Mark 12:32 is part of a series of confrontations between Jesus and various Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, just days before his crucifixion. Unlike the previous encounters where Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees sought to trap him with questions about tribute, resurrection, or authority, the scribe in this interaction approaches Jesus with a seemingly genuine inquiry: "Which commandment is the most important of all?" Jesus' answer summarizes the law into loving God entirely (Deut 6:4) and loving one's neighbor as oneself (Lev 19:18). This verse marks the scribe's surprising affirmation of Jesus' profound and accurate theological summation, distinguishing him from other interrogators and signaling a moment of genuine spiritual insight and agreement from within the religious establishment. It shows that some, though few, acknowledged the truth of Jesus' teaching.

Mark 12 32 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): Connective. Indicates a direct continuation from the previous exchange where Jesus answers the scribe's question.
• the scribe (ὁ γραμματεὺς - ho grammateus): A Jewish scholar and teacher of the Mosaic law. Unlike other hostile encounters, this scribe seems genuinely interested, indicating that not all religious leaders were against Jesus. His acknowledgment carries weight due to his position.
• said (εἶπεν - eipen): Simple past tense, stating direct speech.
• to him (αὐτῷ - autō): Referring to Jesus.
• You (Καλῶς - Kalōs): Directly connected to the word "right" or "well."
• are right (Καλῶς - Kalōs): Transliterated as Kalōs, meaning "well," "rightly," "accurately," or "excellently." It signifies strong affirmation and approval. It suggests the scribe deeply agreed with Jesus' answer, not just politely acknowledging it.
• Teacher (Διδάσκαλε - Didaskale): A respectful term, meaning "instructor" or "master." The scribe addresses Jesus with genuine respect, contrasting with the ironic or deceptive uses of the term by others seeking to entrap Jesus earlier in Mark.
• You (ἐπ' ἀληθείας - ep' alētheias): Implied in the Greek.
• have truly said (ἐπ' ἀληθείας εἶπας - ep' alētheias eipas): A strong adverbial phrase meaning "in truth" or "truly." It reinforces the genuineness and accuracy of Jesus' teaching as perceived by the scribe.
• that he is one (ὅτι εἷς ἐστιν - hoti heis estin): Referring to God's singularity. "Εἷς" (heis) means "one" in the absolute sense, signifying uniqueness and unity, directly echoing the Shema (Deut 6:4). This is the cornerstone of Jewish monotheism.
• and (καὶ - kai): Connective.
• there is no other (οὐκ ἔστιν ἄλλος - ouk estin allos): Explicitly denying any other deity besides God. "Ἄλλος" (allos) implies another of the same kind. This re-emphasizes God's absolute uniqueness and supremacy, excluding any rivals or equals.
• besides him (πλὴν αὐτοῦ - plēn autou): "Except Him" or "apart from Him." This phrase further underlines the exclusive and singular nature of God. There is no one else in the divine realm.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And the scribe said to him, 'You are right, Teacher.": This opening highlights a significant turn. Instead of further debate or antagonism, the scribe expresses genuine affirmation and respect, acknowledging the spiritual authority and correctness of Jesus' words. The scribe, representing Jewish legal scholarship, validates Jesus' understanding of the Law.
• "You have truly said that he is one": The scribe not only agrees but explicitly affirms the fundamental theological truth of God's oneness. This concept, derived from Deut 6:4 (the Shema), is central to Jewish faith and acknowledges the singular, unified nature of God as the sole object of worship and love. This part reflects a deep, shared theological conviction.
• "and there is no other besides him.": This further strengthens the assertion of absolute monotheism. It negates the existence of any other deity or being co-equal with the one God, solidifying the idea of His unparalleled and exclusive divine identity. It affirms that the very character of God as singular is correctly understood by Jesus.

Mark 12 32 Bonus section

• The scribe's affirmative response in Mark 12:32 (and Mark 12:33, 34) is unique among the encounters with religious leaders in the Gospels. It suggests a receptive heart and mind, capable of recognizing spiritual truth despite traditional biases.
• The emphasis on God being "one" is foundational to the Godhead concept. While the New Testament reveals God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, this verse highlights the singularity of divine being. The Trinity does not imply three gods, but one God in three persons, which is consistent with the absolute monotheism affirmed here.
• This verse indirectly prepares the audience for the ultimate test of their faith in God's oneness as Jesus moves toward the crucifixion. Would they continue to believe in the One God even when He sends His unique Son to suffer?
• The scribe's words reinforce that the greatest commandment—loving God completely—is intrinsically linked to who God is: uniquely One. A divided or polytheistic understanding of divinity would dilute or distort the commanded worship.

Mark 12 32 Commentary

Mark 12:32 encapsulates a rare and profoundly significant moment of theological harmony between Jesus and a Jewish religious authority. Following intense opposition, this scribe's unsolicited affirmation—"You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him"—is a potent acknowledgment. It underscores that Jesus' summary of the law was not a radical new doctrine, but a piercing, concise restatement of fundamental Jewish truth (the Shema from Deut 6:4). The scribe's words commend Jesus' grasp of this primary truth: the absolute singularity of God. This profound understanding of God's unity naturally leads to the comprehensive love of God, followed by love of neighbor. This interaction shows that true wisdom about God can lead to agreement with Jesus, even from those traditionally considered adversaries. It sets this scribe apart as one "not far from the kingdom of God" (Mk 12:34), demonstrating the possibility of spiritual discernment even within established religious frameworks, contrasting sharply with the spiritual blindness of others.