New Testament
Mark 12:19
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"Teacher, Moses wrote that if a man dies and leaves a wife but no children, his brother must marry the widow and have children to carry on his brother's name.
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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.
What Mark 12:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, present a question to Jesus based on a law from Moses. This law, known as levirate marriage, required a man to marry his deceased brother's widow if the brother died without children. The purpose was to ensure that the deceased brother's lineage continued. The Sadducees use this law to challenge Jesus, trying to illustrate what they see as the absurdity of resurrection by presenting a hypothetical scenario involving multiple marriages. This reflects their misunderstanding of both the law and the concept of life after death. Jesus' response to this question later in the chapter clarifies the nature of resurrection and the eternal life that awaits believers, emphasizing that earthly laws do not apply in the same way in the afterlife.
How to apply Mark 12:19 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of family responsibilities and the cultural practices that shape our understanding of relationships. It encourages us to consider how we honor our family legacies and the values we pass on to future generations, even in modern contexts.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Questions in the Temple (Mark 12:13–37)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 12:19 mean?
Mark 12:19 refers to a law from Moses about levirate marriage, where a man must marry his deceased brother's widow if he dies without children. This law was intended to preserve the deceased brother's lineage.
What is the significance of levirate marriage in Mark 12:19?
Levirate marriage, mentioned in Mark 12:19, highlights the cultural obligation to continue a family line after a brother's death. It reflects the importance of family responsibilities in ancient Jewish society.
What do the Sadducees ask Jesus in Mark 12:19?
In Mark 12:19, the Sadducees ask Jesus about the law requiring a man to marry his brother's widow, using it to challenge the concept of resurrection. They present a hypothetical scenario to illustrate their doubts.
How does Mark 12:19 relate to the concept of resurrection?
Mark 12:19 is part of a discussion where the Sadducees question Jesus about resurrection using the law of levirate marriage. Jesus later clarifies that earthly laws do not apply in the same way in the afterlife.
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