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Mark 12:40

Mark 12:40 in Multiple Translations

They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”

Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

they that devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers; these shall receive greater condemnation.

Who take away the property of widows, and before the eyes of men make long prayers; these will be judged more hardly.

They cheat widows out of what they own, and cover up the kind of people they really are with long-winded prayers. They will receive severe condemnation in the judgment.”

Which deuoure widowes houses, euen vnder a colour of long prayers. These shall receiue the greater damnation.

who are devouring the widows' houses, and for a pretence are making long prayers; these shall receive more abundant judgment.'

those who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

Who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

Who devour the houses of widows under the pretence of long prayer: these shall receive greater judgment.

They ◄swindle/take for themselves► the houses and property of widows by cheating them. Then they pretend that they are good by praying long prayers publicly. God will certainly punish them severely!”

But they do bad things. They trick old women that haven’t got anybody to look after them. They take everything off those women. They take their houses and all their things, and then those law teachers go to the meeting house and say long prayers, so that people will think they are good. They just pretend to live God’s way. You know, God will punish them more than he will punish the other people that do bad things.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Mark 12:40

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Mark 12:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK οι κατεσθιοντες τας οικιας των χηρων και προφασει μακρα προσευχομενοι ουτοι ληψονται περισσοτερον κριμα
οι ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPM
κατεσθιοντες katesthiō G2719 to devour Verb-PAP-NPM
τας ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APF
οικιας oikia G3614 home Noun-APF
των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPF
χηρων chēra G5503 widow Noun-GPF
και kai G2532 and Conj
προφασει prophasis G4392 pretense Noun-DSF
μακρα makros G3117 long/distant Adj-APN
προσευχομενοι proseuchomai G4336 to pray Verb-PNP-NPM
ουτοι ohutos G3778 this/he/she/it Dem-NPM
ληψονται lambanō G2983 to take Verb-FDI-3P
περισσοτερον perissos G4053 excessive Adj-ASN-C
κριμα krima G2917 judgment Noun-ASN
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Greek Word Reference — Mark 12:40

οι ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
κατεσθιοντες katesthiō G2719 "to devour" Verb-PAP-NPM
To devour means to eat something completely, like a seed or a person's life. Jesus talks about this in Matthew 13:4 and Revelation 12:4. It can also mean to destroy something, like a home in Matthew 23:13.
Definition: κατ-εσθίω ("perfective" comp. of ἐσθίω, which see, and cf. M, Pr., 111) [in LXX chiefly for אָכַל ;] to eat up, devour: with accusative, of seed, Mat.13:4, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5; τέκνον, Rev.12:4; βιβλαρίδιον, Rev.10:9-10; metaphorically, οἰκίας, Mat.23:13, Mrk.12:40, Luk.20:47; τ. βίον, Luk.15:30; with accusative of person(s), Jhn.2:17 (LXX), 2Co.11:20, Gal.5:15, Rev.11:5 20:9.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: devour See also: 2 Corinthians 11:20; Mark 12:40; Revelation 10:9.
τας ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
οικιας oikia G3614 "home" Noun-APF
The Greek word for home or house, referring to a physical dwelling or a family. It appears in Matthew 2:11 and John 14:2, where Jesus talks about his Father's house. It can also mean the body as a dwelling for the soul, as in 2 Corinthians 5:1.
Definition: οἰκία, -ας, ἡ (οἶκος), [in LXX chiefly (very freq.) for בַּיִת ;] a house, dwelling: Mat.2:11 7:24-27, Mrk.1:29, al.; ἐν οἰκίᾳ (= cl. κατ ̓ οἰκίαν), at home, Luk.8:27; εἰς οἰ., II Jn 10; οἰ, with genitive of person(s), usually has the art. (Mat.8:14, al., but cf. οἶκος and see Bl., § 46, 9); ἡ οἰ. τ. πατρός μου, Jhn.14:2. Metaphorical, __(a) of the body as the dwelling of the soul: 2Co.5:1; __(b) of property (as בַּיִת, Gen.45:18, LXX, τ. υπάρχοντα; 3Ki.13:8, LXX, οἶκος) = οἶκος (which see): Mrk.12:40, Luk.20:47; __(with) of the inmates of the dwelling, the household: Mat.12:25; with genitive of person(s), Jhn.4:53, 1Co.16:15 SYN.: οἶκος, which in Attic law denoted the whole estate, οἰκία, the dwelling only. In cl. poets οἶκος has also the latter sense, but not in prose, except in metaphorically usage, where it signifies both property and household. The foregoing distinction is not, however, consistently maintained in late Greek; cf. MM, ii, xvii, and see Thayer, see word οἰκία (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 85 NT verses. KJV: home, house(-hold) See also: 1 Corinthians 11:22; Luke 22:11; Philippians 4:22.
των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
χηρων chēra G5503 "widow" Noun-GPF
A widow is a woman who has lost her husband, like in Luke 2:37 where a widow named Anna is described as worshiping God day and night. It can also be used to describe a city that has been abandoned.
Definition: χήρα, -ας, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for אַלְמָנָה ;] a widow: Mat.23:13 (Rec., R, mg.), Mrk.12:40-43, Luk.2:37 4:25 7:12 18:3, 5 20:47 21:2-3, Act.6:1 9:39, 41, 1Co.7:8, 1Ti.5:3-5 5:11 5:16, Jas.1:27; γυνὴ χ., Luk.4:26; of one of an ordo viduarum (see CGT, in l), 1Ti.5:9; metaphorically, of a city forsaken, Rev.18:7.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 25 NT verses. KJV: widow See also: 1 Corinthians 7:8; Luke 4:25; James 1:27.
και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
προφασει prophasis G4392 "pretense" Noun-DSF
A pretense is an outward showing or pretext, like in Matthew 23:1 where it describes hypocritical behavior. It is about giving a false impression or excuse.
Definition: πρό-φασις, -εως, ἡ (φήμι), [in LXX: Psa.141:4 (עֲלִילָה), ??עֲלִילָה), ??Dan.6:4-5(5-6) (עִלָּה) Pro.18:1, Hos.10:4 * ;] a pretence, pretext: Mat.23:1 (WM, R, txt., om.), Mrk.12:40, Luk.20:47 Jhn.15:22, Act.27:30, Php.1:18, 1Th.2:5.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: cloke, colour, pretence, show See also: 1 Thessalonians 2:5; Luke 20:47; Philippians 1:18.
μακρα makros G3117 "long/distant" Adj-APN
Something that is long or distant can refer to physical space or time, as seen in Mark 12:40 and Luke 15:13. It can describe something that is far away or of long duration.
Definition: μακρός, -ά, -όν [in LXX for אָרֹךְ, רָחוֹק and cognate forms, etc. ;] of space and time, long: μακρὰ προσεύχεσθαι, Mrk.12:40, Luk.20:47. of distance, far, far distant: χώρα, Luk.15:13 19:12.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: far, long See also: Acts 2:39; Luke 20:47; Matthew 23:13.
προσευχομενοι proseuchomai G4336 "to pray" Verb-PNP-NPM
To pray to God, as Jesus did in Matthew 6:5-7 and Luke 1:10, or to worship Him
Definition: προσ-εύχομαι [in LXX chiefly for פָּלַל hith. ;] to pray (always of prayer to God, or in cl., to gods): absol., Mat.6:5-7, 9 14:23 19:13 26:36, 39 26:41, 44, Mrk.1:35 6:46 11:24-25 13:33 (WH, E, txt., om.) Mrk.14:32, 38-39 Luk.1:10 3:21 5:16 6:12 9:18, 28-29 11:1-2 18:1, 10 22:44 (WH, E, mg., om.), Act.1:24 6:6 9:11 10:9, 30 11:5 12:12 13:3 14:23 16:25 20:36 21:5 22:17 28:8, 1Co.11:4-5 14:14, 1Th.5:17, 1Ti.2:8, Jas.5:13, 18; before λέγων, Mat.26:39, 42, Luk.22:41; with dative instr., 1Co.11:5 14:14-15; μακρά, Mat.23:14 (WH, R, txt., om.), Mrk.12:40, Luk.20:47; ἐν πνεύματι (ἁγίῳ), Eph.6:18, Ju 20; προσευχῇ π. (a Hebraism, see: προσευχή), Jas.5:17; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.18:11, Rom.8:26; before ἐπί, with accusative of person(s), Jas.5:14; with dative of person(s), Mat.6:6, 1Co.11:13; before περί, with genitive, Act.8:15, Col.1:3 4:3, 1Th.5:25, 2Th.1:11 3:1, Heb.13:18; ὑπέρ, Mat.5:44 Luk.6:28, Col.1:9, Jas.5:16; before ἵνα, Mat.24:20, Mrk.13:18 14:35, Luk.22:46, 1Co.14:13; τοῦτο ἵνα, Php.1:9; with inf., Luk.22:46; before τοῦ, with inf. (Bl., § 71, 3), Jas.5:17.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 82 NT verses. KJV: pray (X earnestly, for), make prayer See also: 1 Corinthians 11:4; Luke 6:28; Hebrews 13:18.
ουτοι ohutos G3778 "this/he/she/it" Dem-NPM
This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.
Definition: οὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο, genitive, τούτου, ταύτης, τούτου, [in LXX chiefly for זֹאת ,זֶה ;] demonstr. pron. (related to ἐκεῖνος as hic to ille), this; __1. as subst., this one, he; __(a) absol.: Mat.3:17, Mrk.9:7, Luk.7:44, 45, Jhn.1:15, Act.2:15, al.; expressing contempt (cl.), Mat.13:55, 56, Mrk.6:2, 3, Jhn.6:42, al.; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, Rom.14:9; μετὰ τοῦτο (ταῦτα; V. Westc. on Jhn.5:1), Jhn.2:12 11:7, al.; __(b) epanaleptic (referring to what precedes): Mat.5:19, Mrk.3:35, Luk.9:48, Jhn.6:46, Rom.7:10, al.; __(with) proleptic (referring to what follows): before ἵνα (Bl., §69, 6), Luk.1:43, Jhn.3:19 (and freq.) 15:8, Rom.14:9, al.; before ὅτι, Luk.10:11, Jhn.9:3o, Act.24:14, Rom.2:3, al.; ὅπως, Rom.9:17; ἐάν, Jhn.13:35; __(d) special idioms: τοῦτο μὲν . . . τ. δέ (cl), partly . . . partly. Heb.10:33; καὶ τοῦτο (τοῦτον, ταῦτα), and that (him) too, Rom.13:11, 1Co.2:2, Heb.11:12; τοῦτ᾽ ἐστιν, Mat.27:46. __2. As adj., with subst.; __(a) with art. __(α) before the art.: Mat.12:32, Mrk.9:29, Luk.7:44, Jhn.4:15, Rom.11:24, Rev.19:9, al.; __(β) after the noun: Mat.3:9, Mrk.12:16, Luk.11:31, Jhn.4:13, Act.6:13, Rom.15:28, 1Co.1:20, Rev.2:24, al.; __(b) with subst. anarth. (with predicative force; Bl., §49, 4): Luk.1:36 2:2 24:21, Jhn.2:11 4:54 21:14, 2Co.13:1. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1281 NT verses. KJV: he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 1:11.
ληψονται lambanō G2983 "to take" Verb-FDI-3P
To take or receive something, like in Matthew 26:26, where Jesus takes bread and breaks it. It can also mean to accept or obtain something, and is often translated as receive or accept in the KJV.
Definition: λαμβάνω, [in LXX chiefly for לקח, also for אחז ,לכד ,נשׂא, etc. ;] __1. to take, lay hold of: absol., Mat.26:26, Mrk.14:22; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.5:40 26:52, al. mult.; with accusative of person(s), Mat.21:35, Mrk.12:3, al.; pleonastic λαβών (M, Pr., 230; Bl., §74, 2), Mat.13:31 14:19, al.; so also indic., Mrk.7:27, Jhn.19:1, 40 Rev.8:5, al.; metaphorically, with accusative of thing(s), ἀφορμήν, Rom.7:8, 11; ὑδόδειγμα, Jas.5:10; id. with accusative of person(s), φόβος, Luk.7:16; πνεῦμα, Luk.9:39; πειρασμός, 1Co.10:13; aoristic pf. (M, Pr., 145, 238; BL, §59, 4), Rev.5:7 8:5, al. __2. to receive: absol., opposite to αἰτεῖν, Mat.7:8, al.; διδόναι, Mat.10:8, Act.20:35; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.27:6, Mrk.10:3o, al. mult.; with accusative of person(s), Jhn.6:21 13:20 19:27, 2Jo.10; ῥαπίσμασιν (a vulgarism; Bl., §38, 3), Mrk.14:65; metaphorically, τ. λόγον, Mat.13:20, Mrk.4:16; τ. μαρτυρίαν, Jhn.3:11; τ. ῥήματα, Jhn.12:48; πρόσωπον (Heb. נָשָׂא פָּנִים, Dalman, Words, 30), Luk.20:21, Gal.2:6; ζωὴν αἰώνιον (Dalman, op. cit., 124f.), Mrk.10:30 (cf. ἀνα-, ἀντι-, συν-αντι- (-μαι), ἀπο-, ἐπι-, κατα-, μετα-, παρα-, συν-παρα-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, συν-περι-, ὑπο-λαμβάνω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 248 NT verses. KJV: accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up) See also: 1 Corinthians 2:12; John 10:18; 1 Peter 4:10.
περισσοτερον perissos G4053 "excessive" Adj-ASN-C
This word means excessive or superior in quality or quantity. In John 10:10, it describes the abundant life that Jesus offers. It can also mean violent or extreme, as in Mark 6:51.
Definition: περισσός, -ή, -όν [in LXX for יֶתֶר and cogn. forms ;] __1. more than sufficient, over and above, abundant: Jhn.10:10, 2Co.9:1; with genitive (a popular substitute for πλειών, Bl., § 11, 3.4), Mat.5:37; id. with ellips. genitive, Mat.5:47 (EV, more than others; but see infr.); εκ περισσοῦ, Mrk.6:51, Rec., T. (on ὑπὲρ ὲκ π., see: ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ). Compar. neut., -ότερον: Luk.12:4, 48; with genitive, Mrk.12:33; adverbially (cf. περισσῶς), more abund­antly, 2Co.10:8, Heb.6:17 7:15; with genitive, π. πάντων, 1Co.15:10; pleonast., μᾶλλον π., Mrk.7:36. __2. out of the common, pre-eminent, superior: Mat.5:47 (Thayer, see word, but see supr.); τὸ π., as subst., Rom.3:1; compar., -ότερος, with genitive, Mat.11:9, Luk.7:26; with subst., Mrk.12:40, Luk.20:47, 1Co.12:23-24, 2Co.2:7.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 25 NT verses. KJV: exceeding abundantly above, more abundantly, advantage, exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, vehement(-ly) See also: 1 Corinthians 12:23; Luke 7:26; Hebrews 6:17.
κριμα krima G2917 "judgment" Noun-ASN
Judgment means a decision made for or against someone, like in a court. In the Bible, it often refers to God's judgment, as seen in Romans 2:2 and 2 Peter 2:3. It can also mean condemnation or damnation.
Definition: κρίμα (B1., § 27, 2), -τος, τό (κρίνω), [in LXX chiefly for מִשְׁפָּט ;] the issue of a judicial process, hence, __1. judgment, the decision passed on the faults of others: Mat.7:2; in forensic sense, with genitive pun., Luk.24:20; esp. of the judgment of God, Rom.2:2 5:16 11:33 (ICC, in l), 2Pe.2:3, Ju 4; κ. λαμβάνεσθαι, Mat.23:13 (Rec., R, mg.), Mrk.12:40, Luk.20:47, Rom.13:2, Jas.3:1; ἔχειν, 1Ti.5:12; βαστάζειν, Gal.5:10; ἐσθίειν ἑαυτῷ, 1Co.11:29; εἰς κ. συνέρχεσθαι, 1Co.11:34; εἶναι ἐν τ αὐτῷ κ., Luk.23:40; with genitive obj., Rom.3:8, 1Ti.3:6, Rev.17:1; of God's judgment through Christ, Jhn.9:39; τὸ κ. ἄρχεται, 1Pe.4:17; τ. κ. τ. μέλλον, Act.24:25; κ. αἰώνιον, Heb.6:2; ἔκρινεν ὁ Θεὸς τ. κ. ὐμῶν, Rev.18:20; of the right of judgment, Rev.20:4. __2. a matter for judgment, a law-suit, a case: 1Co.6:7.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 28 NT verses. KJV: avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation, + go to law, judgment See also: 1 Corinthians 6:7; Luke 23:40; 1 Peter 4:17.

Study Notes — Mark 12:40

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Matthew 23:13 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.
2 Luke 20:47 They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”
3 Matthew 23:33 You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell?
4 Matthew 6:7 And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard.
5 Ezekiel 22:25 The conspiracy of the princes in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing its prey. They devour the people, seize the treasures and precious things, and multiply the widows within her.
6 Luke 12:47–48 That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.
7 2 Timothy 3:6 They are the kind who worm their way into households and captivate vulnerable women who are weighed down with sins and led astray by various passions,
8 Micah 3:1–4 Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.” Then they will cry out to the LORD, but He will not answer them. At that time He will hide His face from them because of the evil they have done.
9 Micah 2:2 They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance.
10 Matthew 11:22–24 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

Mark 12:40 Summary

In Mark 12:40, Jesus is condemning the scribes for being hypocrites who pretend to be holy but actually harm and exploit others, especially vulnerable widows. He warns that they will face a greater judgment from God for their actions. This verse teaches us that our spiritual practices, such as prayer, should be genuine and not just a show for others (as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:5-6). We should also be mindful of how we treat others, especially those who are vulnerable, and strive to serve and care for them as Jesus did (as seen in Mark 10:45). By following Jesus' example, we can reflect God's heart for justice and compassion in our own lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jesus mean by 'defraud widows of their houses' in Mark 12:40?

Jesus is condemning the scribes for taking advantage of vulnerable widows, likely by exploiting their trust or ignorance to gain control of their property, as seen in Isaiah 10:2 where the prophet denounces those who 'deprive the widow' of her rights.

Why does Jesus say these men will receive 'greater condemnation'?

Jesus is emphasizing that those who claim to be spiritual leaders but secretly harm and exploit others will face a more severe judgment from God, as taught in James 3:1 where it says that teachers will be judged more strictly.

Is Jesus against long prayers or formal prayer in general?

No, Jesus is not condemning lengthy prayers in themselves, but rather the hypocrisy of making a show of prayer while secretly sinning against others, as He teaches in Matthew 6:5-6 where He warns against praying to be seen by men.

How can we apply Jesus' warning in Mark 12:40 to our own lives?

We can apply Jesus' warning by being mindful of our own motivations and actions, ensuring that we do not use our spiritual position or influence to exploit or harm others, and instead follow the example of Jesus who came to serve and give His life for others, as seen in Mark 10:45.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be using my position or influence to take advantage of others, whether intentionally or unintentionally?
  2. How can I ensure that my prayers and spiritual practices are genuine and not just a show for others?
  3. What are some practical ways that I can serve and care for the vulnerable, such as widows, in my community?
  4. What does Jesus' warning in Mark 12:40 reveal about God's heart for justice and compassion, and how can I reflect that in my own life?

Gill's Exposition on Mark 12:40

Which devour widows' houses,.... [See comments on Matthew 23:14].

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Mark 12:40

Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Mark 12:40

See Poole on ""

Trapp's Commentary on Mark 12:40

40 Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. Ver. 40.

Ellicott's Commentary on Mark 12:40

(40) Which devour widow’s houses.—Here the word has a special force as coming after the mention of the feasts. They seek the highest places at such banquets, our Lord seems to say, and when there, this is what they feast on. The special charge is not reported by St. Matthew in this connection, but occurs in Matthew 23:14, where see Note. The better MSS., indeed, omit it even there. The relative pronoun gives a wrong idea of the construction. We have really a new sentence. “They that devour . . . these shall receive . . .”

Cambridge Bible on Mark 12:40

40. devour widows’ houses] as guardians and administrators of their property greater damnation] “pei taken longe dom,” Wyclif. The word denotes “judgment,” “punishment.” The verb from which it comes denotes “to judge,” pass sentence, condemn. In 1 Corinthians 11:29, the words rendered damnation, discerning, judged, and condemnation, are all, in the original, parts or derivations of one and the same word; and so Wyclif admirably rendered them into the language of his day by words connected with one and the same English verb; “He that etith and drinkith vnworthili, etith and drinkith doom to him, not wisely demyng the bodi of the Lord … and if we demyden wiseli us silf we schulden not be demyd, but while we be demyd of the lord we ben chastised, that we be not dampnyd with this world.” Compare also Chaucer, Monk’s Tale, 15091, “Dampnyd was he to deye in that prison.” Bible Word-Book, pp. 142, 143.

Barnes' Notes on Mark 12:40

Which devour widows’ houses - Which devour the families of widows, or the means of supporting their families. This they did under pretence of counseling them in the knowledge of the law and in the management of their estates.

Sermons on Mark 12:40

SermonDescription
Vance Havner As for Me by Vance Havner In this sermon, the preacher references historical figures like Patrick Henry and Joshua from the Old Testament to emphasize the importance of making a firm decision to serve God.
David Wilkerson It's Harvest Time by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of harvest time and how it relates to the current generation. He emphasizes that God knew the unique challenges this generation wo
Jacob Prasch Grain Offering - Leviticus 2 by Jacob Prasch In this sermon, the speaker discusses his visit to the Airport Vineyard Church in Toronto and expresses his shock at the extreme and unscriptural practices he witnessed there. He e
Zac Poonen (Basics) 59. Hypocrisy by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker discusses the parable of the ten virgins who went to meet the bridegroom. Externally, all ten virgins appeared the same, wearing white dresses and going
T. Austin-Sparks Reality Through the Cross by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reality in the kingdom of God. He explains that simply preaching the word or having knowledge of the Bible is not enough. J
Zac Poonen Parables of Jesus - 04 the Danger of Legalism by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the two sons from Matthew's Gospel. He emphasizes the importance of judging ourselves rather than others, as God will ultimate
William Crews Identifying Some Signs of the Last Days by William Crews This sermon delves into the dangers of false prophets and teachers, emphasizing their deceptive tactics, the rise of false doctrines, and the impact on individuals and society. It

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