Mark 12 34

Mark 12:34 kjv

And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

Mark 12:34 nkjv

Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." But after that no one dared question Him.

Mark 12:34 niv

When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Mark 12:34 esv

And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Mark 12:34 nlt

Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Mark 12 verses

Mark 12 34 Meaning

Mark 12:34 signifies Jesus' acknowledgment of a scribe who demonstrated genuine spiritual understanding, distinguishing him from previous interrogators who sought to entrap Jesus. The scribe's ability to grasp the essence of God's law – love for God and neighbor – placed him in a favorable position regarding true righteousness. Jesus' declaration, "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God," recognizes the scribe's proximity to the transformative reality of God's rule. The subsequent statement, "And no man after that durst ask him any question," emphasizes Jesus' undeniable authority and wisdom, effectively silencing all opponents and ending their attempts to challenge Him through debate.

Mark 12 34 Context

This verse concludes a series of challenging encounters Jesus has in the Jerusalem Temple during the last week of His earthly ministry, preceding His passion. Immediately before this interaction, Jesus skillfully silenced the Herodians and Pharisees on the question of tribute to Caesar (Mk 12:13-17), and the Sadducees regarding the resurrection and marriage (Mk 12:18-27). Unlike these groups, who sought to trap Jesus, the scribe who approaches in Mark 12:28 asks a genuine theological question: "Which is the first commandment of all?" This question reveals a different intent – a desire for understanding, not deception. Jesus' profound answer, summarizing the Law into love for God and love for neighbor, impresses the scribe. The scribe's eloquent agreement, confirming the superiority of love over all sacrifices, demonstrates a spiritual perceptiveness that pleases Jesus, setting him apart from the cynical questioners. This final exchange in the Temple highlights Jesus' supreme authority and wisdom, leaving no room for further adversarial inquiry.

Mark 12 34 Word analysis

• And when Jesus saw: Implies divine discernment. Jesus perceived not just the words but the sincerity and depth of the scribe's understanding. He looks beyond the outward act to the inward disposition of the heart.
• that he answered discreetly: From the Greek nounechōs (νουνοχῶς), meaning "intelligently, prudently, wisely, with good sense." It signifies more than just a correct factual answer; it speaks of spiritual discernment and insight that apprehends the essence of the commandments. It suggests a thoughtful, rational, and discerning response, contrasting with the often obtuse or malicious intent of others.
• he said unto him: A direct address from Jesus, affirming the scribe's understanding.
• Thou art not far from: Greek ou makran ei (οὐ μακρὰν εἶ), literally "not distant art thou." This indicates a proximity or a good foundation for entering the Kingdom, not necessarily entry itself. It suggests being on the right path or possessing the essential understanding that leads to the Kingdom. It acknowledges intellectual and spiritual readiness, standing on the threshold.
• the kingdom of God: Greek basileia tou Theou (βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ). This refers to God's sovereign rule and reign, both already present in Jesus' person and ministry, and yet to be fully realized in the future. Entrance into this Kingdom involves repentance, faith, and adherence to its foundational principles, notably love.
• And no man after that durst ask him any question: Greek oudeis ouketi etolma eperotan auton (οὐδεὶς οὐκέτι ἐτόλμα ἐπερωτᾶν αὐτὸν), "no one dared anymore to question him." This marks the definitive end of public challenges from religious leaders seeking to trap Jesus with words. It confirms Jesus' unassailable wisdom and authority in verbal confrontations, silencing His opponents definitively before the events of His passion.
• words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "Jesus saw that he answered discreetly": This phrase highlights Jesus' divine insight. He perceives the genuineness and intelligence of the scribe's reply, contrasting it with the manipulative questions of others. It suggests the scribe's response came from a place of genuine spiritual understanding, not just rote memorization or an attempt to please.
  • "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God": This declaration is an affirmation, not a statement of conversion. It means the scribe understands foundational spiritual truths and principles essential for citizenship in God's Kingdom. He has the right heart and intellectual alignment but needs to take the decisive step of faith and commitment to Jesus' Person and message to fully enter. He is spiritually close, unlike the hard-hearted Pharisees or Sadducees.
  • "And no man after that durst ask him any question": This concluding statement serves as a dramatic crescendo to the entire series of disputes in Mark 12. It solidifies Jesus' authoritative teaching and unchallengeable wisdom, marking the cessation of attempts by His adversaries to entrap or silence Him through verbal means. It establishes Jesus as the ultimate authority, incapable of being confounded by human wisdom or malice.

Mark 12 34 Bonus section

The interaction with the scribe is unique in Mark, demonstrating that not all Jewish leaders were inherently opposed to Jesus; some were open to deeper truth. This narrative distinguishes genuine theological inquiry from malicious attempts to discredit Jesus. It also highlights Jesus' discernment, recognizing a seeking heart even amidst His antagonists. The scribe’s answer (and Jesus’ praise of it) validates the spiritual principle that love—active, relational love for God and humanity—is paramount and surpasses all ritual sacrifices and complex laws, leading one to the very threshold of the Kingdom. This implies that true entrance into the Kingdom requires not just knowing the "greatest commandments" but embodying them, ultimately in response to the Christ.

Mark 12 34 Commentary

Mark 12:34 is a pivotal verse in Mark's narrative, marking the end of the public debates between Jesus and the religious authorities in Jerusalem. Unlike the preceding cynical and polemical interrogations, the scribe's question was born of genuine inquiry. Jesus' affirmation of the scribe's "discreet" or "wise" answer signifies that true spiritual understanding hinges not on meticulous adherence to every Mosaic law, but on grasping the profound principles of love for God and neighbor. This insight, mirroring Jesus' own summary of the Law, placed the scribe "not far" from God's active rule, indicating he had the necessary heart posture and intellectual framework for the Kingdom. However, being "not far" also implies a step still needing to be taken – full embrace of Jesus' identity and mission. The powerful concluding statement, "no man after that durst ask him any question," acts as a capstone. Jesus has demonstrated unparalleled wisdom and divine authority, effectively silencing all His opponents. They could no longer trap Him with words, setting the stage for their only remaining recourse: physical arrest and crucifixion, unable to prevail against His words, they resort to violence.