New Testament
Mark 12:21
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The second brother married her and also died without children. The same thing happened with the third.
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And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise.
What Mark 12:21 means
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.
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
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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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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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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 12:21 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.
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