Mark 12:39
New International Version
and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.

New Living Translation
And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets.

English Standard Version
and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts,

Berean Standard Bible
and to have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.

Berean Literal Bible
and first seats in the synagogues, and first places at the feasts;

King James Bible
And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:

New King James Version
the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts,

New American Standard Bible
and seats of honor in the synagogues, and places of honor at banquets,

NASB 1995
and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets,

NASB 1977
and chief seats in the synagogues, and places of honor at banquets,

Legacy Standard Bible
and best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets,

Amplified Bible
and [they love] the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of distinction and honor at banquets,

Christian Standard Bible
the best seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
the front seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets.

American Standard Version
and chief seats in the synagogues, and chief places at feasts:

Contemporary English Version
They like the front seats in the synagogues and the best seats at banquets.

English Revised Version
and chief seats in the synagogues, and chief places at feasts:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
and to have the front seats in synagogues and the places of honor at dinners.

Good News Translation
who choose the reserved seats in the synagogues and the best places at feasts.

International Standard Version
and to have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.

Majority Standard Bible
and to have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.

NET Bible
and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.

New Heart English Bible
and the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts:

Webster's Bible Translation
And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:

Weymouth New Testament
and to occupy the best seats in the synagogues and at dinner parties,

World English Bible
and to get the best seats in the synagogues and the best places at feasts,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and first seats in the synagogues, and first couches at the banquets,

Berean Literal Bible
and first seats in the synagogues, and first places at the feasts;

Young's Literal Translation
and first seats in the synagogues, and first couches in suppers,

Smith's Literal Translation
And first seats in synagogues, and first place at tables in first meals:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And to sit in the first chairs, in the synagogues, and to have the highest places at suppers:

Catholic Public Domain Version
and to sit in the first chairs in the synagogues, and to have the first seats at feasts,

New American Bible
seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets.

New Revised Standard Version
and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the front seats in the synagogues, and the head places at banquets;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the best seats in the synagogue and top rooms at feasts,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and the first seats in the synagogues, and the first places at suppers;

Godbey New Testament
and the first seats in the synagogues, and the first couches at the suppers.

Haweis New Testament
and the principal seats in the synagogues, and the first couch at suppers:

Mace New Testament
and to have the first seats in their synagogues, and at their feasts:

Weymouth New Testament
and to occupy the best seats in the synagogues and at dinner parties,

Worrell New Testament
and the first seats in the synagogues, and the first places at the feasts;

Worsley New Testament
and the chief seats in the synagogues, and uppermost places at feasts;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Warning against the Scribes
38In His teaching Jesus also said, “Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, to receive greetings in the marketplaces, 39and to have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”…

Cross References
Matthew 23:6-7
They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, / the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.

Luke 20:46
“Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets.

James 2:3
If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,”

Matthew 6:5
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.

Luke 11:43
Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the chief seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces.

3 John 1:9
I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.

Matthew 23:5
All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

Luke 14:7-11
When Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, He told them a parable: / “When you are invited to a wedding banquet, do not sit in the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited. / Then the host who invited both of you will come and tell you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ And in humiliation, you will have to take the last place. ...

Proverbs 25:6-7
Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men; / for it is better that he says to you, “Come up here!” than that you should be demoted in the presence of the prince. Even what you have seen with your own eyes,

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.

Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.

Job 32:21-22
I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man. / For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant.

Isaiah 3:14-15
The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: “You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. / Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.

Ezekiel 34:2-3
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? / You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock.


Treasury of Scripture

And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:

James 2:2,3
For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; …

Jump to Previous
Banquets Best Chief Couches Dinner Feasts First Honor Important Occupy Parties Places Rooms Seats Suppers Synagogues Uppermost
Jump to Next
Banquets Best Chief Couches Dinner Feasts First Honor Important Occupy Parties Places Rooms Seats Suppers Synagogues Uppermost
Mark 12
1. Jesus tells the parable of the tenants
13. He avoids the snare of the Pharisees and Herodians about paying tribute to Caesar;
18. convicts the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection;
28. resolves the scribe, who questioned of the first commandment;
35. refutes the opinion that the scribes held of the Christ;
38. bidding the people to beware of their ambition and hypocrisy;
41. and commends the poor widow for her two mites, above all.














and to have the chief seats in the synagogues
In the first-century Jewish culture, synagogues were central to community life, serving as places of worship, teaching, and gathering. The "chief seats" were the most prominent positions, often reserved for respected leaders, elders, or those of high social status. These seats were typically located at the front, facing the congregation, symbolizing authority and honor. The desire for these seats reflects a deeper issue of pride and the pursuit of status, which Jesus frequently criticized. In Matthew 23:6, Jesus similarly condemns the scribes and Pharisees for their love of the best seats, highlighting their hypocrisy and self-righteousness. This critique aligns with the broader biblical theme that true greatness in God's kingdom is marked by humility and service, as seen in Mark 10:43-44, where Jesus teaches that whoever wants to become great must be a servant.

and the places of honor at banquets
Banquets in ancient Jewish society were significant social events, often reflecting one's social standing and influence. The "places of honor" were the most prestigious seats, usually near the host, indicating a person's importance and favor. This desire for recognition and status at social gatherings is a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings. In Luke 14:7-11, Jesus advises taking the lowest place at a banquet, emphasizing humility and the principle that those who exalt themselves will be humbled. The cultural context of honor and shame in the ancient Near East further underscores the importance placed on social status and public recognition. Jesus' teachings challenge this cultural norm, promoting a counter-cultural message that values humility and service over social prestige. This message is consistent with the prophetic call for justice and humility found throughout the Old Testament, such as in Micah 6:8, which calls for walking humbly with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in the Gospel of Mark, who is teaching in the temple courts and addressing the behavior of the scribes.

2. Scribes
Jewish religious leaders and teachers of the Law, known for their knowledge and interpretation of the Scriptures. In this passage, Jesus criticizes their desire for status and recognition.

3. Synagogues
Jewish places of worship and community gathering, where the scribes sought the "chief seats" to display their prominence.

4. Banquets
Social gatherings where the scribes desired "places of honor," reflecting their pursuit of social status and recognition.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, specifically in the temple courts, highlighting the religious and cultural context of Jesus' teachings.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Pride and Hypocrisy
Jesus warns against the scribes' behavior, which is rooted in pride and hypocrisy. Believers are called to examine their own hearts for similar tendencies.

The Call to Humility
True greatness in the Kingdom of God is marked by humility and service, not by seeking honor and recognition from others.

The Importance of Authentic Worship
Worship should be focused on God, not on gaining status or approval from others. Believers should prioritize genuine devotion over outward appearances.

The Role of Leadership in the Church
Church leaders are called to serve humbly, setting an example of Christ-like leadership rather than seeking personal glory.

Evaluating Our Motives
Believers should regularly assess their motives in both religious and social settings, ensuring they align with the teachings of Christ.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
and [to have]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the chief seats
πρωτοκαθεδρίας (prōtokathedrias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4410: A chief (most honorable) seat. From protos and kathedra; a sitting first, i.e. Preeminence in council.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
ταῖς (tais)
Article - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

synagogues
συναγωγαῖς (synagōgais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4864: From sunago; an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish 'synagogue'; by analogy, a Christian church.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[the] places of honor
πρωτοκλισίας (prōtoklisias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4411: From protos and klisia; a reclining first at the dinner-bed, i.e. Preeminence at meals.

at
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

banquets.
δείπνοις (deipnois)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1173: A dinner, an afternoon or evening meal. From the same as dapane; dinner, i.e. The chief meal.


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Mark 12:38
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