Mark 12:33

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 12:33 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is much more than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is much more than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.
Mark 12:33 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
33and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is much more than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And to love him with all the heart, etc..] That is, the one God, with a sincere hearty love and affection; and with all the understanding; of his being, perfections, and works, which will serve to draw the affections to him: this clause answers to that, “with all thy mind”, in (<411230>Mark 12:30); and with all the soul; with all the powers and faculties of it; and with all the strength; a man has, or is given him; with all the vehemency and fervency of soul he is master of: and to love his neighbour as himself; which are the two great commandments of the law: is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices; that is, more excellent in their nature, more acceptable to God, and more…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 22:34-40. Mark 12:28 Perceiving that he answered them well - That is, with wisdom, and with a proper understanding of the law. In this case the opinion of the Saviour corresponded with that of the Pharisees; and the question which this scribe put to him now seems to have been one of the very few candid inquiries of him by the Jews for the purpose of obtaining information. Jesus answered it in the spirit of kindness, and commended the conduct of the man. Mark 12:29 Hear, O Israel! - This was said to call the attention of the Jews to the great importance of the truth about to be proclaimed. See Deuteronomy 6:4-5. The Lord our God ... - Literally, “Yahweh, our God, is…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“To love him with all the heart - To love and serve him, with all the united powers of the soul in their utmost vigour; and to love his neighbour as himself - To maintain the same equitable and charitable temper and behaviour toward all men, as we, in like circumstances, would wish for from them toward ourselves, is a more necessary and important duty, than the offering the most noble and costly sacrifices. Mark 12:34”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“is more: Sa1 15:22; Psa 50:8-15, Psa 50:23; Pro 21:3; Isa 1:11-17, Isa 58:5-7; Jer 7:21-23; Hos 6:6; Amo 5:21-24; Mic 6:6-8; Mat 9:13, Mat 12:7; Co1 13:1-3 Mark 12:34”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification