New Testament
Mark 12:27
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He is not the God of the dead but of the living. You are badly mistaken."
Compare translations
He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.
What Mark 12:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that God is not associated with death but with life. This statement challenges the beliefs of those who think that death ends our relationship with God. Instead, Jesus asserts that God is the God of the living, indicating that those who have died are still alive in a different sense. This teaching corrects the misunderstanding of the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection and believed that life ends with physical death. By stating that God is the God of the living, Jesus affirms the hope of resurrection and eternal life, showing that God's power extends beyond death. This verse encourages believers to understand that their relationship with God continues beyond this life, reinforcing the idea that faith in God brings life, hope, and assurance of eternal existence with Him.
How to apply Mark 12:27 to your life
This verse encourages us to live with the assurance that our relationship with God transcends death. We should embrace the hope of eternal life and share this truth with others, helping them understand that faith in God leads to a living relationship that continues beyond this life.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Questions in the Temple (Mark 12:13–37)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Mark 12:27
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Mark 12:27
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 12:27 mean?
Mark 12:27 means that God is associated with life, not death. Jesus is correcting the Sadducees' belief that death ends our relationship with God, affirming that those who have died are still alive in a spiritual sense.
What is the significance of God being the God of the living in Mark 12:27?
The significance is that it highlights the hope of resurrection and eternal life. It reassures believers that their relationship with God continues beyond physical death.
What does 'ye therefore do greatly err' mean in Mark 12:27?
'Ye therefore do greatly err' means that the Sadducees are making a serious mistake in their understanding of God and the afterlife. Jesus is pointing out their misunderstanding about life after death.
How does Mark 12:27 relate to the concept of resurrection?
Mark 12:27 relates to resurrection by affirming that God is the God of the living, indicating that life continues after death. This supports the belief in resurrection and eternal life.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.