The wicked tenants
Mark 12:1–12FocusRejecting the owner's claim
Connection to the wholeThe parable answers the preceding authority dispute by describing rejection of messengers and the beloved son.
interpretation Mark 12:26
KJVAnd as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
Read it in context
Jesus Answers the Sadducees About the Resurrection
Start reading at Mark 12:18 (Mark 12:18 to Mark 12:27).
This passage details Jesus' interaction with the Sadducees regarding their question about the resurrection.
- 12:18 Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,
- 12:19 Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
- 12:20 Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.
- 12:21 And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise.
- 12:22 And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.
- 12:23 In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.
- 12:24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?
- 12:25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.
- 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
- 12:27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 12:1–12:44): Jesus answers religious leaders, including Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, and a scribe; He teaches the crowd and draws His disciples' attention to a widow's offering. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the main event or theme? Jesus uses a passage from the book of Moses to demonstrate the resurrection of the dead to the Sadducees, who denied it.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that He is the God of the living, not the dead, implying that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are alive and will rise.
- What is the literary style? This is a narrative account of Jesus engaging in a theological dispute with religious leaders, using scriptural argument to teach about the resurrection.
When
- When was it written? c. A.D. 55 to 65.
- When does the event take place? c. A.D. 27 to 30.
Where
- Where did it happen? The event took place in the temple in Jerusalem, where Jesus was teaching.
- Where was the author located? Rome.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus Answers the Sadducees About the Resurrection (Mark 12:18 to Mark 12:27). Start reading at Mark 12:18. This passage details Jesus' interaction with the Sadducees regarding their question about the resurrection.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse is part of Jesus' direct refutation of the Sadducees' denial of the resurrection, using a passage from the Law of Moses (Exodus 3:6), which they accepted as authoritative, to prove His point. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Jesus, by authoritatively interpreting Scripture and revealing God's nature as the God of the living, demonstrates His divine wisdom and authority over life and death, confirming the hope of resurrection. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers can find assurance in God's power over death and the promise of resurrection, knowing that God remains faithful to His covenant with His people, even those who have died. interpretation
Cited: Mark 12:26, Exodus 3:6, Mark 12:18-27, Mark 12:35, Mark 12:41
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
The Sadducees' resurrection question
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- have Mark 12:10
- in the book Exod 3:2-6,16 Acts 7:30-32
- I am Gen 17:7-8 Gen 26:24 Gen 28:13 Gen 31:42 Gen 32:9 Gen 33:20 Isa 41:8-10
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 12
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
FocusQuestions that miss God's power
Connection to the wholeJesus answers attempts to trap Him and corrects a denial of resurrection by directing attention to Scripture and God's power.
interpretation The chief command and David's Lord
Mark 12:28–37FocusGod's oneness and the Christ
Connection to the wholeJesus affirms God's oneness and the commands to love, then raises the question of how David calls the Christ his Lord.
interpretation Scribes and the widow
Mark 12:38–44FocusAppearance and costly devotion
Connection to the wholeThe warning about devouring widows' houses is followed by the poor widow's offering, placing public prestige beside costly giving.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation The expanding ministry
Mark 3:7–8:26FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.