New Testament
Mark 12:19
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, present a question to Jesus based on a law from Moses.
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
"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.
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
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.
The Book of Mark
Mark 1: John the Baptist and the Beginning of Jesus's Ministry
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness and preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People from Judaea and Jerusalem come to him, confess their sins, and are baptized in the river Jordan. John wears camel's hair and a leather belt and eats locusts and wild honey. He announces that someone stronger than he is coming after him and says he is not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals. He baptizes with water, but the one coming will baptize with the Holy Ghost.
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