New Testament
Mark 12:40
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater damnation.
Compare translations
Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
What Mark 12:40 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus criticizes certain religious leaders who exploit vulnerable people, particularly widows, for their own gain. They take advantage of widows' homes and resources while pretending to be pious through lengthy prayers. This hypocrisy is condemned, and Jesus warns that such actions will lead to severe consequences in the afterlife. The verse highlights the importance of genuine faith and compassion over mere outward displays of religiosity. It serves as a reminder that true spirituality should be reflected in how we treat others, especially those who are marginalized or in need. The leaders' actions are not only selfish but also a betrayal of their spiritual responsibilities, leading to a greater judgment for their deceitful behavior. This teaching emphasizes the need for integrity and care in religious practice, urging believers to focus on authentic love and support for the vulnerable rather than superficial religious acts.
How to apply Mark 12:40 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own actions and motivations. Are we genuinely caring for those in need, or are we merely performing religious acts for show? We should strive to support the vulnerable in our communities and ensure our faith is reflected in our actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Explore more of the Bible
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 Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother
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 12:40
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 12:40
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 12:40 mean?
Mark 12:40 highlights Jesus' criticism of religious leaders who exploit widows and the vulnerable while pretending to be devout through long prayers. It emphasizes the danger of hypocrisy in faith and warns that such deceitful actions will lead to severe consequences.
What is the meaning of 'devour widows' houses' in Mark 12:40?
The phrase 'devour widows' houses' refers to the exploitation of widows by religious leaders who take advantage of their resources and vulnerability for personal gain, showing a lack of compassion and integrity.
What does 'greater damnation' mean in Mark 12:40?
'Greater damnation' refers to the severe judgment that awaits those who exploit others under the guise of religious devotion. It indicates that their actions will lead to harsher consequences in the afterlife.
How can we apply Mark 12:40 to our lives today?
Mark 12:40 encourages us to reflect on our own actions and ensure we are genuinely helping those in need rather than performing religious acts for show. It calls for integrity and compassion in our interactions with the vulnerable.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.