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Mark 12:40

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 12:40 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “they that devour widows` houses, and for a pretence make long prayers; these shall receive greater condemnation.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

they that devour widows` houses, and for a pretence make long prayers; these shall receive greater condemnation.
Mark 12:40 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
37David himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he his son? And the common people heard him gladly.
38And in his teaching he said, Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, and [to have] salutations in the marketplaces,
39and chief seats in the synagogues, and chief places at feasts:
40they that devour widows` houses, and for a pretence make long prayers; these shall receive greater condemnation.
41And he sat down over against the treasury, and beheld how the multitude cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
42And there came a poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing.
43And he called unto him his disciples, and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than all they that are casting into the treasury:
← Mark 12:39Mark 12:41 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Which devour widows' houses, etc..] (See Gill on “<402314>Matthew 23:14”).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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. They took advantage of their ignorance and their unprotected state, and either extorted large sums for their counsel, or perverted the property to their own use. No wonder that our Saviour denounced them! If there is any sin of special enormity, it is that of taking advantage of the circumstances of the poor, the needy, and the helpless, to wrong them out of the pittance on which they depend for the support of their families; and as God is the friend of the widow and…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“12:40 The teachers of religious law broke the second command by failing to love their neighbors, as was seen in their cheating widows of their property. They clearly were cheating the most vulnerable and needy people despite God’s concern for widows (Deut 14:29; Pss 68:5; 146:9; Isa 1:17; Jer 7:6; 49:11) and his condemnation of those who mistreat them (Isa 1:23; Ezek 22:7; Zech 7:10; Mal 3:5). The scribes wore a hypocritical cloak of false piety (see Matt 6:5-6; Luke 18:11-12). • they will be more severely punished: In the final judgment (Mark 9:42-48; see Luke 14:11).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“devour: Eze 22:25; Mic 2:2, Mic 3:1-4; Mat 23:14; Luk 20:47; Ti2 3:6 long: Mat 6:7, Mat 11:22-24, Mat 23:33; Luk 12:47, Luk 12:48 Mark 12:41”
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Related study paths

Read Mark 12 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification