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
This phrase indicates a desire or ambition. In the Greek, the word "to have" (ἔχειν, "echein") suggests possession or control. The religious leaders of Jesus' time were not merely content with their roles; they sought to possess positions of prominence. This reflects a deeper issue of pride and self-exaltation, which is contrary to the humility that Jesus exemplified and taught.

the chief seats
The Greek term for "chief seats" (πρωτοκαθεδρίας, "protokathedrias") refers to the most prominent and honored positions. In the synagogues, these seats were reserved for those of high status, often facing the congregation. This desire for recognition and status highlights the leaders' focus on outward appearances rather than inward righteousness. It serves as a caution against valuing human accolades over divine approval.

in the synagogues
Synagogues were central to Jewish religious life, serving as places of worship, teaching, and community gathering. The leaders' desire for the chief seats in such a setting underscores their pursuit of religious authority and public admiration. Historically, synagogues were places where the Law was read and expounded, making them significant venues for demonstrating one's piety and knowledge.

and the places of honor
The phrase "places of honor" (πρωτοκλισίας, "protoklisias") refers to the most esteemed positions at social gatherings. In the cultural context of the time, seating arrangements at banquets were a reflection of one's social status. The pursuit of these places reveals a preoccupation with social prestige and recognition, which Jesus consistently warned against.

at banquets
Banquets were significant social events in ancient Jewish culture, often involving elaborate meals and gatherings. They were occasions for displaying wealth and status. The leaders' desire for prominent positions at such events illustrates their focus on earthly recognition rather than heavenly reward. This serves as a reminder of the transient nature of worldly honor compared to the eternal value of humility and service.

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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