New Testament
Mark 12:21
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, we see a continuation of a story about a woman who has married multiple brothers, each of whom has died without leaving any children.
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
The second brother married her and also died without children. The same thing happened with the third.
And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a continuation of a story about a woman who has married multiple brothers, each of whom has died without leaving any children. The second brother took her as his wife, but he also died without producing offspring. This pattern continues with the third brother. The context of this passage is a discussion about resurrection and marriage, where the Sadducees are trying to challenge Jesus with a hypothetical scenario. The repeated theme of death without children highlights the seriousness of the situation and the cultural importance of lineage and inheritance in Jewish society. The story illustrates the desperation of the woman’s situation and sets the stage for Jesus to address the misconceptions about life after death and the nature of relationships in the resurrection. It emphasizes the need for understanding God's purpose in life and death, as well as the hope of eternal life.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Mark 12:21 to your life
This passage reminds us of the importance of understanding God's design for relationships and life. It encourages us to seek clarity on spiritual matters and not to get caught up in hypothetical arguments that distract from the core truths of faith. We should focus on the hope of eternal life.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 12:21 mean?
Mark 12:21 describes a scenario where a woman marries multiple brothers, each dying without children. This illustrates the Sadducees' challenge to Jesus regarding resurrection and the implications of marriage after death.
What is the significance of the brothers dying without children in Mark 12:21?
The deaths of the brothers without children highlight the cultural importance of lineage and inheritance in Jewish society. It sets the stage for discussing the resurrection and the continuity of relationships beyond death.
Why did the Sadducees use this story in Mark 12:21?
The Sadducees used this story to challenge Jesus' teachings on resurrection, attempting to show the absurdity of life after death through a complex marital scenario.
How does Mark 12:21 relate to the concept of resurrection?
Mark 12:21 relates to resurrection by presenting a situation that questions the nature of relationships after death, prompting Jesus to clarify misconceptions about eternal life and marriage.
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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