New Testament
Mark 12:20
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Now, there were 7 brothers. The first one married a woman but died without having any children.
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Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.
What Mark 12:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about a situation involving seven brothers, where the first brother marries a woman but dies without having any children. This scenario is part of a larger discussion about marriage and resurrection. The cultural context is important; in ancient Jewish tradition, if a man died without children, his brother was expected to marry the widow to continue the family line. This practice is known as levirate marriage. The mention of seven brothers highlights the extreme nature of the situation being presented, as it sets the stage for a theological debate about life after death and the resurrection. The question posed by the Sadducees, who do not believe in resurrection, is meant to challenge Jesus' teachings. This verse serves as an introduction to a complex discussion about faith, the afterlife, and the purpose of marriage in God's plan.
How to apply Mark 12:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the importance of family and relationships. It reminds us that our actions and decisions can have lasting impacts on those we love. Additionally, it challenges us to consider our beliefs about life after death and how they influence our daily lives and relationships.
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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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Keep studying Mark 12:20
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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 12:20 teach about levirate marriage?
Mark 12:20 illustrates the practice of levirate marriage, where a brother marries his deceased brother's widow to ensure the continuation of the family line. This was a significant cultural practice in ancient Jewish society, aimed at preserving the family heritage and providing for the widow. The verse sets the stage for a deeper discussion about marriage, resurrection, and the afterlife.
Why did the Sadducees ask Jesus about the seven brothers?
The Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, posed the question about the seven brothers to challenge Jesus' teachings. They presented an extreme scenario to illustrate what they perceived as the absurdity of resurrection, hoping to trap Him in a theological debate. This encounter highlights the differing beliefs about life after death and serves as a backdrop for Jesus' profound response.
What is the significance of the number seven in Mark 12:20?
The number seven in Mark 12:20 symbolizes completeness and perfection in biblical literature. By presenting a scenario with seven brothers, the Sadducees emphasize the extreme nature of their argument against resurrection. It serves to illustrate the complexity of the situation and invites deeper reflection on the nature of relationships, marriage, and the afterlife.
How does Mark 12:20 relate to the concept of resurrection?
Mark 12:20 introduces a discussion about resurrection by presenting a hypothetical situation that questions the validity of life after death. The Sadducees use this scenario to challenge Jesus, but it ultimately leads to a deeper understanding of God's plan for life beyond death. Jesus' response later in the passage clarifies the nature of resurrection and the eternal significance of relationships.
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